Program Officer

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs in Chicago seeks a Program Officer to support the Programming and Strategic Content team, overseeing research, planning, and execution of in-person public programming while assisting private and digital initiatives.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Public Programming and the VP, Programming, you will manage speaker logistics, registrations, budgets, and cross-team projects, requiring strong discretion, professional communication, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 2+ years in nonprofit/event coordination or program operations.
• Strong knowledge of global issues and excellent written and verbal communication.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects on different timelines.

Responsibilities

• Research topics to support program development and draft program materials.
• Own logistical arc of public programming from speaker coordination to on-site execution.
• Support private and digital programming initiatives and cross-team projects.
• Recruit and manage event staffing and oversee day-of operations including registration and VIP coordination.
• Manage event platforms, respond to inquiries, and publish registration pages.
• Coordinate with external vendors and prepare event materials and signage.
• Identify prospective attendees and networks to grow audience and extend reach.
• Maintain tracking of program metrics and support budgeting and post-event reconciliation.

Skills

Project management

Event coordination

Research

Written & verbal communication

Time management

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in international relations / political science / public policy

Tools

Cvent

CMS

Meeting Pulse

Salesforce

AirTable

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.

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.