Manager, Events and Travel

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Department Graham Travel Programs About the Department The University of Chicago Graham School connects diverse audiences from around the world to the University’s distinctive ideas and intellectual community through events, courses, and degree programs. Job Summary The University of Chicago Graham School connects diverse audiences from around the world to the University’s distinctive ideas and intellectual community through events, courses, and degree programs. The Manager of Events and Travel plays a vital role in sustaining the Graham School’s position as the front door of the University by curating a strong sense of community at more than 50 annual online and in-person events that attract over 20,000 registrants. Reporting to the Associate Director of Travel Study and Alumni Relations, this position oversees logistics for domestic and international educational tours, including on-the-ground support, student engagement, and 24/7 traveler assistance. Graham’s signature travel programs include Study in Oxford Seminars and Spring Break in Greece, programs which require multi-week onsite presence. In addition, the Manager partners closely with the Associate Director of Events to manage the overall Graham School events calendar, coordinate all event logistics, collaborate with internal teams, and ensure seamless event experiences for attendees. This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, excellent communication, and the flexibility to travel to support events locally, domestically, and abroad. Responsibilities Independently leads Graham School Travel Study programs, managing up to 24 students and all trip vendors as the onsite staff representative, with full discretion to resolve emergencies, execute itinerary changes, and manage vendor relationships in-country. Manages all pre-trip preparatory activities, including coordination of student orientations, pre- and post-trip community building events, and all administrative items. Monitors expenses, coordinates with vendors and venues to ensure timely planning, and prepares reports on travel and event costs. In partnership with the Associate Director of Events, marketing team, and program leadership, the Manager coordinates and executes all aspects of in-person and virtual events including lectures, seminars, symposia, and other community engagement events. Provides on-site support at events throughout the year, including on-the- ground logistics. Manages and updates internal events calendar to ensure strategic alignment, efficient workflow planning, and proactive coordination across all program areas. Owns event communications, including creation of event registration landing pages on the Graham School’s websites, event reminders, and follow-up communications including event recordings. Works to implement ideas for improvement as identified in post-event and post-trip surveys. Provides occasional (backup) onsite support to students and instructors at the Gleacher Center during in-person class hours, Tuesday through Saturday, as needed. Acts as ambassador of the Graham School, cultivating positive relationships within the University community and with external stakeholders. Responds with agility to the cyclical nature of travel study and events, effectively prioritizing programs and tasks during busy seasons of Spring and Autumn. Assists with research, including vendor selection and contract negotiation. Keeps track of all expenses, prepares reports on costs, using existing procedures to solve moderately complex problems as they arise. Works to implement ideas for improvement as they are identified in addition to providing post-event feedback on turnout and vendor performance with direction from others. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Experience: 2-5 years supporting event planning and administration in educational or arts organizations. Relevant experience, such as event planning or work in an administrative capacity strongly preferred. Proven track record of successful project management in rapidly changing environments. Stakeholder and vendor management experience. Familiarity with international and domestic travel. Previous customer service experience is a plus. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Familiar with Airtable or other data management systems. Preferred Competencies Demonstrated passion for the Graham School’s mission of lifelong learning. Prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment. Independent problem-solving skills. Familiarity with travel and industry trends is a plus. Manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and engage multiple stakeholder groups in a fast-paced environment. Take initiative, and organize and complete activities and projects with minimal supervision. Proven ability to deliver high-quality and accurate results in a dynamic, demanding environment, with a focus on anticipating future needs. A strong desire to engage with and learn alongside groups of individuals. Exceptional oral and written communication. Working Conditions Travel comfortably and work long hours while in the field. Hybrid workplace with a high degree of flexibility during non-travel and event times. Must be based in the greater Chicago area, with a flexible schedule to accommodate travel as needed. Lift and carry at least 25 pounds of supplies and equipment to event locations. Occasional evening and weekend work. Regular in-person work in Chicago with domestic and international travel multiple times per year. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Communications Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $59,500.00 - $77,000.00 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 Yes 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.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Elgin , Manager, Events and Travel, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Illinois