The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a community where people who care about global affairs can connect — in person or virtually — with each other and with global leaders, influencers, and experts to explore ideas that will shape our future.
If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.
THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Events Officer manages logistics for convenings organized in the Council’s meeting spaces (Conference Center and Board Room) and plans leadership dinners with senior-level experts and policy makers. With practical skills in planning and execution, the Events Officer builds on the Council’s reputation for excellence and ensures successful event outcomes are realized.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Represent the Council at 50+ hybrid and in-person events per year, interacting professionally with speakers and audience members
Plan and execute events in the Council’s Conference Center and Board Room with on time delivery and exceptional results, while managing contingencies, changes and evolving needs and expectations
Serve as the main liaison for onsite catering staff overseeing setup and food/ beverage service
Work with teams across the organization to envision, plan, and execute leadership dinners
Lead dinner planning from start to finish by sourcing venues, negotiating contracts, managing budgets, developing comprehensive timelines, submitting catering/AV specifications, and creating printed materials
Collaborate with colleagues on dinner planning and follow institutional processes to:
Determine a format that best suits audience engagement objectives
Coordinate invitations and promotion on the Council’s website
Develop a seating plan to advance strategic goals
Evaluate and develop recommendations to improve future events
Place drop-off catering orders for internal and external meetings and manage consistency in quality, service, and pricing
Provide administrative support for the events team such as assisting with daily tasks involving the Conference Center, processing invoices, and drafting correspondence
Occasionally relieve the front-desk receptionist by greeting constituents and handling incoming calls
Perform other projects as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 2-3 years’ experience in event planning
Excellent organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and the highest standards for service delivery
Knowledge of the hospitality industry including contracts and pricing structure
Experience coordinating meal functions with audiences of 15-200
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively in a fast-paced team environment
Skilled at managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines
Professional attitude, with the ability to communicate with donors at all levels using courtesy and discretion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Knowledge of Salesforce software a plus
Comfortable with flexible hours and willingness to work evening and early morning events.
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe. As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council
Vaccination Statement
For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.