Department
University Events and Ceremonies: Senior Staff
About the Department
Job Summary
The candidate must have a demonstrated track-record of experience and achievement that ensures they can work effectively with the University's senior leadership team, including the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, and Deans. ln addition, the Associate Director is expected to build collaborative relationships with team members, vendors, key stakeholders, and the campus community.
Responsibilities
Manages and produces events for University leadership along with other campus partners.
Provides planning and execution support for the annual University Convocation ceremony and events.
Oversees event staff who are responsible for assisting with Convocation as well as independently managing event portfolios.
Assists with the development of office protocol and guidelines as well as the staff evaluation process.
Manages special projects and additional events upon request.
Guides research, including vendor selection and contract negotiation. Keeps track of all expenses, prepares reports on costs, solves complex problems as they arise.
Develop and executes day to day event logistics, and other complex assignments with minimal guidance from others.
Implements ideas for improvements in addition to providing post-event feedback on turnout and vendor performance.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
Seasoned professional with experience planning and implementing complex events.
A minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in event and meeting planning and management, preferably in a higher education setting.
Experience supervising staff.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Maintain working knowledge of a range of computer systems, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to execute events and meetings within an established budget.
Preferred Competencies
Well organized and detail-oriented in all aspects of their work, but especially when meeting recurring and critical deadlines and/or planning events, meetings, and ceremonies.
Appropriately represent University leadership, including strict adherence to professional appearance, demeanor, and manner of interacting with others.
Maintain a calm and courteous demeanor while managing competing priorities, a heavy workload, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
Work independently and in a team environment.
Deliver high-quality results in a dynamic environment and anticipate future needs.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Sound judgment and excellent critical thinking skills.
Demonstrated ability to be highly organized and take initiative.
Multi-task and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
Manage sensitive and confidential information with tact and discretion.
Ensure a high degree of accuracy in a demanding environment.
Provide superior customer service skills, teamwork, and attention to detail.
Understands the University culture and reflects it well in the quality of the events planned and executed.
Working Conditions
Occasional evening and weekend work required.
Application Documents
Resume / CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
References Contact Information (3) (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity 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.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.