Department
Civic Engagement Associate Director Pool
About the Department
OCE focuses on building and sustaining relationships, helping external partners navigate the University, and coordinating efforts across schools and units. In this role, the office helps align institutional efforts with shared priorities -- particularly in areas such as education, health, economic opportunity, and public safety -- while recognizing the breadth of engagement that extends beyond these areas.
Job Summary
This position works under general supervision and exercises judgment in managing information, coordinating activities, supporting stakeholders, and ensuring timely follow-through on office priorities and initiatives.
Responsibilities
Provide operational support to the Executive Director of Community Partnerships and the Office of Civic Engagement.
Support communication with community organizations, campus partners, neighborhood stakeholders, and civic leaders.
Draft, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing materials.
Assist with planning and execution of community meetings, workshops, events, and partnership activities.
Coordinate calendars, meetings, schedules, agendas, materials, and follow-up communications.
Maintain records, databases, tracking systems, contact lists, and documentation related to community partnerships and office initiatives.
Support communication with community organizations, campus partners, neighborhood stakeholders, and civic leaders.
Draft, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing materials.
Assist with planning and execution of community meetings, workshops, events, and partnership activities.
Uses general understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
Interacts with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
Experience:
At least 2 years of experience in a higher education or related field.
Experience supporting an academic center.
Previous administrative experience – meeting planning/set up, reimbursement processing, maintaining calendars, travel arrangements and itineraries.
Courses in global field or other volunteer/internship experiences.
Familiarity with central administration within a complex research university environment.
Preferred Competencies
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Ability to handle public contacts with courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Ability to use appropriate resources to resolve an issue.
Ability to follow an issue through to resolution.
Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member.
Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Proficiency with word processing applications, spreadsheets and databases.
Experience with other software applications (e.g., Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, Canvas, and Photoshop or the equivalent).
Experience with website management and content strongly preferred.
Working Conditions
Office environment.
Hybrid – mix of in-person and remote days.
Occasional nights and weekends required (advanced notice will be given).
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter
References upon request
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
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
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.
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.
Skills Required
- College or university degree in a related field
- Less than 2 years of related work experience
- Ability to work occasional nights and weekends as needed
- Experience in higher education or supporting an academic center (preferred at least 2 years)
- Administrative experience (meeting planning/setup, reimbursement processing, calendar management, travel arrangements)
- Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel)
- Experience with Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, Canvas, Photoshop or equivalent
- Experience with website management and web content
- Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
What We Do
The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom draws pathbreaking scholars to our global campuses, where field-defining ideas are born that challenge and change the world. The University of Chicago has its main campus on Chicago's South Side and seven international campuses and centers throughout the world. Students can choose from 53 majors and 47 minors in the undergraduate College, with four divisions and seven professional schools for graduate study.
