Strategic Academic Events Planner

University of Chicago; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

The Becker Friedman Institute (BFI) at the University of Chicago is seeking an Events Coordinator to support the Events Manager and Senior Manager in planning 80–130 events annually, including conferences, workshops, seminars, and programs. You will handle logistics, budgeting, vendor relations, and on-site execution.

Responsibilities include coordinating spaces, catering, travel, A/V, registration, and attendee communications, while collaborating with Communications and other campus divisions

Qualifications

• Education: college or university degree in a related field.
• Work experience: less than 2 years in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: none required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate events: reserve space and hotel blocks, arrange caterers, transportation, A/V, and materials.
• Manage vendor contracts and relationships with service providers.
• Assist with on-site setup and breakdown.
• Support weekly institute workshops and seminars logistics.
• Draft logistics emails, book travel, collect slides, coordinate meetings.
• Review event content with Communications for accuracy.
• Contribute to marketing and outreach across campus.
• Create event registration pages and guest lists.
• Identify and resolve event needs, including vendor selection and contracts.
• Track expenses and prepare cost reports.
• Compile data for event evaluation.
• Suggest improvements with general direction.

Skills

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Budget management

Team player

Diplomacy

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Becker Friedman Institute (BFI) at the University of Chicago is seeking an Events Coordinator to support the Events Manager and Senior Manager in planning 80–130 events annually, including conferences, workshops, seminars, and programs. You will handle logistics, budgeting, vendor relations, and on-site execution.

Responsibilities include coordinating spaces, catering, travel, A/V, registration, and attendee communications, while collaborating with Communications and other campus divisions