The University of Chicago’s Macro Finance Research Program (MFR) is hiring a Program Manager to advance its mission through strategic events and operational excellence. This role is central to planning and executing a diverse range of academic activities while providing oversight for core program functions. Inspired by Nobel Laureates, our culture is rooted in service, rigor, and innovation to foster frontier research with global impact.
What You'll Do
- Collaborate with academic departments and peer institutions to develop event strategies that increase MFR's visibility.
- Assist the Executive Director with team guidance and supervise student interns.
- Manage the MFR Program’s events budget with autonomy, identifying cost-saving strategies and optimizing vendor relationships.
- Oversee daily operational needs, including expenditure tracking, office protocol, and resolving complex issues.
- Manage all logistics for the Faculty Director’s speaking engagements and maintain a shared database.
- Lead the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for events to ensure consistency.
- Oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of conferences, workshops, seminars, and business meetings.
- Design and conduct post-event evaluations to implement improvements.
- Oversee hotel arrangements, vendor contracts, travel bookings, and catering agreements.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate event logistics.
- Manage presentations, audiovisual requirements, travel arrangements, and expense tracking.
- Assist in overseeing event communications and formal announcements.
- Manage team email inboxes and triage incoming communications.
- Manage the MFR Program’s X and Flickr accounts, promoting events and engaging users.
- Seek professional development opportunities to enhance job performance.
- Guide research, including vendor selection and contract negotiation.
What We're Looking For
- College or university degree in a related field.
- Knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Nice to Have
- Bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Minimum of three years of previous job experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Proficiency with University of Chicago systems.
- Familiarity with virtual systems such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
- Familiarity with TripIt and Expensify.
- Proficiency with X, Flickr, and related social media platforms.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
- Ability to adapt to the needs of others.
Technical Stack
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- University of Chicago systems
- Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet
- TripIt, Expensify
- X, Flickr
Team & Environment
This role reports to both the Executive Director and Faculty Director.
Benefits & Compensation
- Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits.
- Compensation: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located in Chicago, IL.
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.
