Program Manager

Department

MFR - Administration

About the Department

Inspired by our namesakes, Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Milton Friedman, who believed that economic research could help improve the world, the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. Rooted in core values of service, rigor, and innovation, BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

Job Summary

This position plays a key role in advancing the mission of the Macro Finance Research Program (MFR) by leading the planning and execution of events, special projects, and program activities, while also assisting in overseeing core operational functions such as expense monitoring and staff support. The position develops and implements programs in a broad range of operational business activities in the creation of plans for events programming, marketing, and logistics. Reporting to both the Executive Director and Faculty Director, the individual in this role will provide high-level support across the program’s functions and deliver essential logistical coordination for the Faculty Director, Professor Lars Peter Hansen.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with academic departments, administrative offices, and peer institutions to develop event strategies that increase the visibility of MFR programming and ensure alignment with institutional priorities. 
• Assists the Executive Director in task delegation and provides day-to-day guidance to the Events and Operations Associate in areas such as supply management, operational record keeping, and general administrative support. Supervises student interns, providing leadership in logistical preparation and onsite logistics.
• Manages the MFR Program’s events budget with autonomy. Identifies cost-saving strategies and optimizing vendor relationships to enhance program quality and efficiency. 
• Oversees daily operational needs in coordination with the Executive Director and Events and Operations Associate, including expenditure tracking, office protocol, and annual reporting; resolving moderately complex operational issues using sound judgment as they arise.
• Manages all logistics for the Faculty Director’s speaking engagements, including travel arrangements, and maintains a shared database of events, correspondence, and media for both the Faculty and Executive Directors. 
• Assists in engaging cross-unit initiatives that elevate the MFR program’s external presence, including event partnerships with other research centers and global finance organizations.
• Leads the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for events to ensure operational consistency across the MFR team and compliance with University policies and risk mitigation standards. Oversees the end-to-end planning and execution of a diverse range of academic events, including conferences, workshops, seminars, and business meetings, with minimal supervision. Designs and conducts post-event evaluations through surveys and implements improvements based on feedback to enhance future event outcomes. 
• Oversees hotel arrangements, all event-related vendor contracts, group flight bookings, private dining reservations, and catering agreements. Liaises with internal and external stakeholders, including travel agencies, event managers, hotel personnel, faculty organizers, and guest speakers, to coordinate event logistics. Responsibilities include managing presentations, audiovisual requirements, travel arrangements, reimbursement processes, and expense tracking.
• Assists the Executive Director in overseeing the coordination of event communications, formal announcements, and materials in collaboration with the events team, including printed collateral, guest lists, hotel details, presentation materials, and travel information.
• Manages team email inboxes and triages incoming communications and requests related to MFR events and conferences across the team.
• Manages and monitors the MFR Program’s X and Flickr accounts, promoting events and engaging users, and oversees inquiries to the program email account. 
• Seeks professional development opportunities to enhance job performance, including attending webinars, cultivating cross-campus relationships, and engaging with peer institutions.
• Develops and executes day-to-day event logistics, and other complex assignments with minimal guidance from others.
• Guides research, including vendor selection and contract negotiation. Keeps track of all expenses, prepares reports on costs, solves complex problems as they arise.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of previous job experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proficient with University of Chicago systems.
• Virtual systems such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
• Familiar with TripIt and Expensify.
• Proficient with X, Flickr and related social media platforms.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Work both independently and as a team member.
• Adapt to the needs of others.

Working Conditions

• Work some weeknights and weekends as MFR events are structured.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$75,000.00 - $90,000.00

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

Yes

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.

 

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