The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is the Midwest's premier global affairs think tank and a leading independent, nonpartisan forum for debate on the forces shaping out world. Based in Chicago, the Council convenes policymakers, business and civic leaders, scholars, and the public for high-level public programs, policy dialogues, and expert roundtables. Its research, analysis, and convenings address the defining issues of our time, from geopolitics and the global economy to technological change, global food security, and immigration, bringing the world's leading voices to Chicago and a vital Midwest perspective to national and international debates.
Please note: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until it is filled.
The Role The Program Officer, Global Leadership Programs supports the Council's Global Leadership Programs, including the Emerging Leaders (EL) Program, EL Program recruitment, EL alumni engagement, Young Professionals (YP) Network, and next generation professional development initiatives. This person serves as the chief administrator for the Global Leadership Programs team. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Program Officer contributes ideas for, executes on, and evaluates existing and new global leadership opportunities for the Council's next generation constituents, including YP, current ELs, and EL alumni. The Program Officer is a hybrid role and requires in-person attendance three days/week (including Mondays and Thursdays) at our Downtown Chicago location, as well as at the team's programs and events. Travel to Washington, DC required to support the annual EL cohort trip.
Responsibilities
Event & Program Logistics: Support the logistical components of team program events, including preliminary preparations, set-up, breakdown, and co-hosting of EL sessions, professional development programs, YP events, and EL alumni engagements.
Communications: Draft communications across Global Leadership Programs, including the monthly EL alumni e-newsletter, social media copy, EL alumni profiles and member features, and YP communications.
Data Tracking & Program Evaluation: Own data tracking and program evaluation across the EL Program, recruitment, alumni engagement, and YP Network: regularly update tracking systems, design and administer participant surveys, analyze trends across cohort years, generate written findings and reports based on program evaluation metrics, propose programmatic revisions, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.
Recruitment & Selection Administration: Support the EL recruitment strategy by organizing information sessions and quarterly events and updating marketing materials; manage the EL application process and administer the EL Selection Committee, including organizing meetings and drafting materials; lead recruitment for the Hart Fellowship, including outreach, application intake, and interview scheduling; and support YP Network member recruitment.
Records & Financial Administration: Maintain program records, including the program handbook and alumni database; administer program finances, including monthly budget and expense tracking, credit card reporting, invoicing and receipts for program participants, and payment plan tracking.
Donor & Alumni Event Support: In partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Next Generation Engagement, and other Council colleagues, organize and execute EL alumni events, dinners, and receptions to support donor cultivation and stewardship for Global Leadership Programs.
Internship Program Management: Manage the Council internship program, including its structure, implementation, and evaluation; coordinate with the HR Director and internship supervisors to post opportunities and support current interns; and organize related programming, such as lunch-and-learns.
Program Content Support: Assist the Executive Director in developing, organizing, and hosting content-rich curricular activities for the EL Program, including the opening weekend, twice-monthly sessions, Washington, DC study trip, and graduation. Support the Director in developing quality Young Professionals content.
Special Projects: Assist with special projects and perform additional tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required, or equivalent experience working on multi-faceted educational events and programs
Preferably 1-2 years of relevant professional experience, with experience in community engagement and program management and evaluation
Excellent organizational and time-management skills: able to and enjoys managing multiple concurrent projects on different timelines
Great attention to detail
Superior verbal and written communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce), Pardot, and AirTable a plus
Enthusiastic professional with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and professionally in a fast-paced team environment
Demonstrated interest in international affairs, current events, culture, and politics
A problem-solver who shows initiative, works well independently and as part of a team, meets deadlines, is flexible, and adapts easily to new situations
Should be committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment across teams and with the public
Ability and willingness to work weekday evenings, occasional weekends, and early mornings to support Council events
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.
There are many benefits to working at the Council, including a flexible remote/in-office work environment (in-office 3 days per week), employer-subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance, generous paid time off, retirement match, half-day summer Fridays, paid parental leave, mobile phone stipend, pre-tax commuter/parking benefits, and more.