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