Strategic Events Coordinator for Academic Programs

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) at the University of Chicago is seeking an Events Coordinator to support the Events Manager and Senior Manager, Events and Academic Programs. You will plan logistics for 80–130 events per academic year, including conferences, workshops, and seminars, and help with speaker travel, registration, and post-event follow-up.

Key duties include coordinating space, catering, AV, and transportation; managing contracts and vendor relationships;

Qualifications

• College or university degree in a related field.
• Experience coordinating events and vendor relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with event logistics: reserve space, hotel blocks, caterers, transport, AV, and registration.
• Manage vendor contracts and maintain relationships with service providers.
• Support on-site events including setup and breakdown.
• Coordinate weekly institute workshops and seminars.
• Draft logistics emails, book travel, and collect materials for speakers.
• Review event content with Communications and update as needed.
• Contribute to marketing and outreach across campus to engage students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Create event registration pages and maintain guest lists.
• Track expenses and prepare cost reports; implement improvements.
• Collect data for event evaluation and implement ideas with guidance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Multi-project management

Budget management

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Higher education / nonprofit awareness

Diplomacy / customer service

Education

College or university degree in related field

Job description

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) at the University of Chicago is seeking an Events Coordinator to support the Events Manager and Senior Manager, Events and Academic Programs. You will plan logistics for 80–130 events per academic year, including conferences, workshops, and seminars, and help with speaker travel, registration, and post-event follow-up.

Key duties include coordinating space, catering, AV, and transportation; managing contracts and vendor relationships;