Department
BFI - Events
About the Department
The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.
Job Summary
The Events Coordinator works closely with the Events Manager and Senior Manager, Events and Academic Programs at the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) as a key member of the events team. This position provides professional support and plans logistics for a broad range of 80-130 events per academic year. These events include academic conferences, workshops, seminars, newsmaker events, summer programs and more.
Under general guidance, this role performs a broad range of operational business activities relating to the design, planning, and execution of events and programming.
Responsibilities
Assists with the coordination of events, including reserving space and hotel room blocks, coordinating with caterers, arranging transportation, setting up audio/visual equipment, tracking registration, providing updates of attendance to the team, and preparing event materials.
Manages contracts with vendors and works to maintain and improve relationships with service providers.
Supports on-site events, including setup and breakdown.
Coordinates logistics and catering setup for weekly institute workshops and seminars.
Supports event speakers by drafting logistics emails, booking travel/hotels, collecting slides, coordinating meetings and activities, responding to on-site needs, and collecting feedback.
Works with the Communications team to regularly review the accuracy of, and submit updates for, event-related content.
Contributes to ongoing marketing efforts of BFI programs and events, including increasing outreach to other divisions across campus to engage their students, faculty, staff, and alumni in institute programs.
Creates event registration pages and maintains guest lists.
Assists with identification and resolution of event and program needs, including vendor selection and contract negotiation. Keeps track of all expenses, prepares reports on costs, using existing procedures to solve routine problems as they arise.
Compiles data to be used in event and program evaluation. Contributes to improvements by implementing ideas as they are identified, with general direction from others.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through
Certifications:
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Preferred Competencies
Attention to detail.
Maintain confidentiality.
Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Budget management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to be an excellent team member.
Understanding of higher education and/or nonprofit organizations.
Diplomatic and customer service-based approach to interacting with colleagues and others.
Working Conditions
Work irregular hours, including occasional early mornings, late evenings, and weekends to staff BFI events.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
Three Professional References Contact Information (required)
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