Program Administrative Specialist

Department
 

MFR – Administration

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 MFR Administrative Specialist will independently coordinate the administrative needs of the MFR program under the auspices of the Becker Friedman Institute at the University of Chicago. They will coordinate the faculty director’s involvement with professional organizations, maintain daily calendar, travel arrangements, and perform conflict resolution when necessary. In addition, they will assist with logistics and arrangements related to MFR program events and workshops.
This position provides business support within established procedures regarding office and location support activities. Identifies, enhances, and follows specific processes and procedures to maximize the efficiencies for which the support is being provided by working autonomously within established procedures and practices. Ensures the correct functioning of facilities, office and/or business support services.

Responsibilities

• Organizes MFR events, conferences, talks, workshops, and meetings.
• Maintains the calendar of the MFR faculty director and coordinates the faculty director’s international travel.
• Prepares, reviews, and assists in the production of various externally focused brochures and reports needed by the faculty director and MFR program executive director.
• Provides communications support for MFR program event logistics, MFR website changes and assists in streamlining of the MFR faculty director’s personal website and other MFR social media platforms.
• Attends to proofreading details for communications, including project-specific nuances around clarity and consistency, in collaboration with MFR program executive director, and editing and proofreading recommendation letters, travel logistics emails, MFR memos, presentation slides, and other materials related to University and external functions for the program and MFR faculty director.
• Assists with creation of special projects such as Survey Monkey, TripIt itineraries, lectures, and other broader communications materials.
• Processes reimbursements for MFR-related travel, purchases, and communicating with MFR program vendors.
• Assists the MFR events team with taking notes during event planning meetings; compiling and maintaining information that may require web researching; and gathering, compiling and maintaining records.
• Resolves a combination of some routine and complex inquiries.
• Provides administrative support for a leader. Stays informed of activities relating to programs and initiatives, apprising the leader of issues when deemed necessary. Coordinates information flow from leader’s office.
• Triages emails and telephone calls for action. Resolves mostly routine and some complex inquiries.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma/GED.
• Bachelor’s degree.
   

Experience:

• At least 1 year of experience working in an office setting.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in WordPress, TripIt, Trello, Survey Monkey, and GEMS/Concur.

Working Conditions

• This is a part-time position of approximately 25 hours per week.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Administration & Management

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

25

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.