Temporary Community Experience Manager

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,104 - 68,880; Part time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a part-time Community Experience Manager for the Third Coast Foundry. This role focuses on enhancing user experience and coordinating events within this vibrant ecosystem.

You will oversee community engagement, manage user interactions, and strategically plan programming. Ideal candidates have a strong background in community-building and event management, complemented by exceptional interpersonal skills to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Background in community‑building, program coordination, or event management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a welcoming point of contact for visitors and partners.
• Shape and maintain the overall in-space experience and culture.
• Oversee user management and guide event hosts.
• Coordinate event logistics to ensure smooth execution.

Skills

Community-building

Program coordination

Event management

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Community Experience Manager helps make the Third Coast Foundry a vibrant, well‑connected hub for Midwest innovation in the Bay Area. This role combines in‑space operations and user management with programming coordination and relationship building. The Community Experience Manager ensures that daily use of the space, along with its programming and events, supports Third Coast Foundry’s mission, oversees the user experience, and helps connect Third Coast Foundry users to each other and to the broader Bay Area ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a welcoming and high‑touch point of contact for key visitors, partners, and University stakeholders.
• Shape and maintain the overall in‑space experience and culture.
• Oversee user management across the space including prioritization of rooms, guiding event hosts on usage, and resolving conflicts.
• Provide input on and help refine policies, guidelines, and communications to users.
• Support management of any interns working at the Third Coast Foundry.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operational readiness of the space including signage, calendars, and upcoming partner visits.
• Serve as a point of contact with building management and security for facilities needs.
• Translate strategic guidance from University leadership and the Third Coast Foundry team into practical operations and user‑facing processes.
• Coordinate with building staff on upcoming weekly and long‑term event calendars.
• Coordinate event logistics and planning with hosts to ensure smooth execution of events, meetings, receptions, partner gatherings, and other programming.
• Provide oversight and guidance for set‑up and takedown of furniture and equipment for gatherings and events, with occasional hands‑on support as needed.
• Assist with additional event needs such as room set‑up, basic A/V checks, signage, and directing event flow.
• Support design and logistics of recurring programming aligned with Third Coast Foundry goals.
• Build relationships with Third Coast Foundry users (startups, faculty, students, partners) and understand their needs in the space.
• Serve as a connector between Midwest university stakeholders and Bay Area entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders in coordination with the Third Coast Foundry team.
• Help maintain and update contact lists, partner profiles, and basic CRM tracking for ongoing engagement.
• Provide University leadership and Third Coast Foundry partners with updates on space usage, user feedback, and emerging opportunities or issues.
• Collaborate on reporting regarding metrics and use of Third Coast Foundry.
• Develop strategies to advance communications to users and ecosystem partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Strong interest in university innovation, entrepreneurship, or Midwest/Bay Area ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, problem‑solve, and exercise judgment while representing institutional interests professionally.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and comfort engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including founders, investors, faculty, and alumni.
• Understanding and application of community‑building, program coordination, or event management.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple threads simultaneously.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Background in community‑building, program coordination, event management, or a similar professional field.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Part‑time position, approximately 18 hours per week, typically two days per week.
• Temporary appointment.
• Occasional manual labor, including overseeing and guiding event set‑up and takedown of furniture and equipment, and providing hands‑on support when necessary.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Pay and Benefits

• Hourly: $40.00 – $50.00
• Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.