Department Coordinator

Committee On Environment, Geography And Urbanization Department Coordinator

Reporting to the Senior Department and Student Affairs Administrator, the Department Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the continued growth and success of the Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU). As CEGU expands its academic programs, research initiatives, public events, and partnerships, this position serves as a key operational resource for faculty, students, staff, and visitors.

The Department Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the effective day-to-day functioning of the unit by coordinating administrative, financial, academic, and event-related activities. This role supports the delivery of CEGU's educational mission and contributes to a high-quality experience for students, faculty, and external partners. Success in this position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and collaborative academic environment.

The Department Coordinator works across a broad range of activities, including financial administration, course and event support, faculty and visitor coordination, communications, and office operations, helping to advance CEGU's strategic goals and sustain its growing portfolio of programs and initiatives. The job provides specialized business support for routine 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 include:

• Processing financial transactions, including honoraria, student awards, faculty research and workshop funds, reimbursements, and invoices.
• Coordinating purchasing, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial recordkeeping in accordance with University policies.
• Coordinating office operations, including facilities requests, space management, supplies, and equipment needs.
• Providing logistical support for courses, field trips, guest speakers, workshops, and academic events.
• Supporting faculty and instructional staff with course administration, Canvas updates, instructional materials, and related academic activities.
• Coordinating complex travel, schedules, meetings, and reimbursements for visitors and guest faculty.
• Managing multiple calendars, newsletters, contact lists, and other administrative communications.
• Providing complex administrative and project support for unit leadership.
• Providing administrative support for a leader. Staying informed of activities relating to programs and initiatives, apprising the leader of issues when deemed necessary. Coordinating information flow from leader's office.
• Preparing special reports and summaries, assisting in managing daily operation of the office, and may assist in developing administrative goals and policies. Maintaining the leader's calendar.
• Performing other related work as needed.

Minimum qualifications include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree) and knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree, two to four years of administrative or related professional experience, preferably in higher education, proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based collaboration tools, familiarity with higher education administrative systems, and basic website and social media management experience.

Preferred competencies include excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities, demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently and collaboratively.

In-person work schedule with occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Application documents required include a resume/CV, cover letter describing interest in and qualifications for the position, and three professional references contact information.

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees.