Community Affairs Coordinator

About the Department

The Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) supports and strengthens community partnerships and engagement by serving as a central point of connection across the University, the Medical Center, and the broader community. 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.

About the Role

The Community Affairs Coordinator advances the University of Chicago's community partnership and engagement mission by serving as a key point of coordination across community organizations, neighborhood stakeholders, campus partners, and civic leaders. Reporting to the Executive Director of Community Partnerships, this role supports the planning and execution of community meetings, workshops, and partnership activities; develops and distributes correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing materials; and helps administer the delivery of services to program participants and beneficiaries. The Coordinator also works closely with faculty, researchers, and staff on committee and cross-functional initiatives. 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.
• Administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Interact with faculty, researchers, and staff for committee work or information.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Requirements

• College or university degree in a related field.
• Knowledge and skills developed through less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• 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.

Skills

• 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.
• 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).

Pay

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year.

Benefits

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.