Program Officer

The-Chicago-Council-On-Global-Affairs; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/in-office mix

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement match

Parental leave

Job summary

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is seeking a Program Officer to support public programming and strategic content. This hybrid role requires in-person attendance three days per week at our Downtown Chicago location and involves speaker coordination, planning, and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities include drafting program materials, managing registrations and budgets, coordinating vendors, and supporting special projects to ensure high-impact events for diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, public policy, or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong organizational, writing, and verbal communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Research global affairs topics, draft program materials, and support run-of-show and remarks.
• Plan and execute public programming logistics, including speaker coordination, travel, lodging, and reimbursements.
• Support cross-team programming, private programs, and daylong events.
• Recruit and manage event staffing, oversee on-site operations, and VIP presence.
• Manage registration, attendee inquiries, and CMS/Cvent pages; coordinate vendors and budgets.

Skills

Project coordination

Event management

Stakeholder outreach

Communication

Budgeting

Research

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Cvent

CMS

Meeting Pulse

Salesforce (CRM)

Job description

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is the Midwest’s premier global affairs think tank and a leading independent, nonpartisan forum for debate on the forces shaping our world. Based in Chicago, the Council convenes policymakers, business and civic leaders, scholars, and the public for high-level public programs, policy dialogues, and expert roundtables. Its research, analysis, and convenings address the defining issues of our time, from geopolitics and the global economy to technological change, global food security, and immigration, bringing the world’s leading voices to Chicago and a vital Midwestern perspective to national and international debates.

Please note:Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until it is filled.

The Role

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs convenes leading voices in foreign policy, economics, and international affairs to examine the most consequential global affairs issues and America’s role in the world. The Program Officer supports the Programming and Strategic Content team and is a critical partner in bringing that mission to life.

Reporting day-to-day to the Assistant Director, Public Programming with a dotted line to the VP, Programming and Strategic Content, the Program Officer supports the research, planning, and execution of in-person public programming, while also supporting broader private and digital strategic programming initiatives and special projects across the team as needed. Success in this role depends on strong project management skills, sound judgment under tight timelines, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities with a high degree of professionalism and discretion.

The Program Officer is a hybrid role and requires in-person attendance three days/week (including Mondays and Thursdays) at our Downtown Chicago location, as well as at the team's programs and events.

Responsibilities

• Research, Content/Communications Support: Conduct research on global affairs topics, emerging issues, and potential speakers to support program development. Draft program materials — including run-of-show documents, opening and moderator remarks, and program announcements.
• Program Execution & Logistics: Own the full logistical arc of public programming, from speaker coordination (travel, lodging, itineraries, prep calls, reimbursements), to on-site execution, ensuring each program runs smoothly. Serve as the primary point of contact for routine speaker questions and troubleshooting, while the Assistant Director leads speaker relations and outreach.
• Special Projects & Cross-Team Programming Support: Support broader private and digital strategic programming initiatives and special projects across the team as needed. This includes the planning and execution of private programs and daylong convenings.
• Event Staffing, VIP Management & On-Site Execution: Recruit and manage event staffing, and lead day-of operations, including speaker check-in, registration, audience management, and Q&A. Track and coordinate the presence of internal VIPs at events, including board members and other key stakeholders, ensuring a seamless and high-touch experience.
• Event Platforms & Registration: Manage the shared registration inbox and respond to attendee inquiries. Build and publish program registration pages and webpages using Cvent and the organization's CMS and serve as a departmental resource on these and other event technology platforms (e.g., Meeting Pulse).
• Vendor & Logistics Coordination: Coordinate with external vendors and confirm logistical requirements in advance of events, including routine security logistics such as scheduling off-duty police officers. Prepare event materials and collateral, including signage, name badges, and printed materials.
• Audience & Stakeholder Outreach: Identify prospective attendees, organizations, and professional networks with relevant interest in upcoming programs, and conduct outreach to build visibility and grow audience. Work closely with internal teams, particularly Global Leadership programs to extend the reach and impact of the Council's programming portfolio, along with external program partners.
• Data Tracking & Budgeting: Maintain tracking of program metrics- attendance, engagement, and other key indicators, to support the team's reporting and evaluation needs. Support program budgeting and expense tracking, including processing invoices and reimbursements, and post-event financial reconciliation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally in international relations, political science, public policy, or a related field, plus 2+ years relevant experience (event coordination, program operations, research, or admin support in nonprofit, policy, or professional services setting preferred).
• Professional maturity and demonstrated interest in and knowledge of global issues, international affairs, and current events.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent, high-stakes projects on different timelines; strong research skills, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information and draft clear, professional materials.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, professional, and discreet- able to work effectively across teams and with speakers, vendors, VIPs, and senior stakeholders, and to thrive independently and as a part of a creative, fast-paced team; a problem-solver who shows initiative, meets deadlines, is flexible, and adapts easily to new situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with AirTable, CRM Systems (Salesforce) and event registration platforms (ie: Cvent, CMS, Meeting Pulse) a plus, as is basic budgeting or expense tracking experience, or willingness to learn quickly.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and early mornings to support Council events. Occasional travel may be required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.

There are many benefits to working at the Council, including a flexible remote/in-office work environment (in-office 3 days per week), employer-subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance, generous paid time off, retirement match, half-day summer Fridays, paid parental leave, mobile phone stipend, pre-tax commuter/parking benefits, and more.