Production Manager, Institute of Politics

Department IOP: Programming About the Department The University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IOP) was founded in 2013 by alumnus David Axelrod (AB ’76) to ignite in students a passion for public service, meaningful dialogue, and active participation in democracy. Nonpartisan by design, the IOP has quickly become a national leader in preparing the next generation of public servants. With more than 300 internships annually, student-led civic engagement programs, a world-class fellowship bringing in top policymakers and journalists, and one of the country’s most respected political speaker series, the IOP is a hub for conversation and action at the highest levels. It is a model for civil discourse and free expression, which is the through line in all of its programming. Four core programs form the heart of the Institute: ● Career Development - a dedicated team providing students with one-on-one career advising and hands-on opportunities to explore careers in politics and public service. Each year the IOP provides over 300 paid internship opportunities worldwide in politics, public policy, government, nonprofits and journalism. ● Civic Engagement - a program that enables students to take an active role in solving social and political challenges in their communities during the academic year and to develop their leadership skills via student-led programs, workshops and trainings, political exploration treks and special programs. ● Pritzker Fellows Program - resident and visiting fellowships where distinguished political officials, policymakers, journalists, diplomats and others come to campus for an academic quarter to work closely with and mentor students. ● Speaker Series - enriching political and policy discourse on campus and in the greater Chicagoland area by providing a forum for diverse insights on key issues of the day. More than 1,400 speakers have come to campus from across the political spectrum, a testament to the IOP’s non-partisan commitment to elevating public conversation around important contemporary issues. Job Summary The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the execution and logistics for the enriching and engaging events of the Institute of Politics’ robust Speakers Series. The Speaker Series sponsors 100+ public programs each year, bringing to campus over 200 leaders from the political, policy, foreign affairs, journalism, activism, and nonprofit sectors. The Production Manager leads the operational planning for and execution of all Speakers Series events, including all logistics related to venue, transportation, security, audio / visual, menu planning, and attendee registration. The Production Manager also leads production for other important events and partnerships that sit outside of the Speakers Series program and span multiple IOP programs, such as high-profile events that emerge with heads of state, conferences, or forums. This position reports to and works closely and collaboratively with the Senior Director of the Speaker Series and Fellows Programs who leads on the editorial planning and guest booking for all events in the Speaker Series. They will also work closely with the Senior Director and the Executive Director to establish overall goals for production of the Speaker Series and on the development of specific events. Responsibilities Develops and executes a full spectrum of day-to-day event logistics and other complex assignments with minimal guidance from others. Guides research, including vendor selection and contract negotiation. Keeps track of all expenses, prepares reports on costs, solves complex problems as they arise. Negotiates contracts with vendors and coordinates vendor services. Evaluates and monitors the performance of vendors, working with the Senior Director of Speaker Series and Fellows Programs to resolve any such performance issues. Oversees establishment of production protocols and effective processes to manage event logistics, including ticketing, staffing, travel booking and vendor relations. Works closely with Senior Director of the Speaker Series and Fellows Program to develop event briefings or run of show documents, and ensures smooth coordination between planning and execution of Speakers events. Assists the Senior Director and Director of Communications to develop promotional materials and outreach strategies to cultivate audiences. Manages Speaker Series’ events in Neon and serves as lead IOP communicator to Speaker Series event attendees. Creates event pages, monitors registration numbers, and communicates with registrants of any programmatic changes. Oversees process for tracking and maintaining key Speakers Series metrics and audience feedback. Manages all accessibility requests, ensuring all such requests are responded to and a best effort is made to accommodate. Troubleshoots various issues, including technical issues and conflicts that arise during the course of events. Tracks all Speaker Series event expenses or special program expenses, prepares reports on costs and solves complex issues as they arise, bringing them to the attention of the Senior Director. Determines which events need security coverage and coordinates requests with UCPD, leading pre-event walk-throughs with UCPD and other key stakeholders. Supports and maintains relationships with internal and external programming partners, working effectively and collaboratively with University departments, centers and student organizations, among others, to produce and execute a diverse array of programs. Ensures a positive guest experience for all IOP Speaker Series guests by arranging travel, lodging, car service, and other comforts for all guests. Advises and oversees the Speaker Series Logistics intern(s) and oversee cohort of 45 events ambassadors (student volunteers) annually. 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. The Production Manager is expected to be onsite during most events, including typically 2 to 4 evenings a week during peak programming months (about six months/year), and very occasionally, during some weekend hours. Approximately two business related trips are required each year. E xecutes day-to-day event logistics, and other moderately complex assignments with some guidance from others. 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. 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: Minimum 2-5 years of experience in planning and executing substantive political and policy-oriented events for broad audiences. Strong awareness and enthusiasm for politics and current events, including identify timely and relevant topics and speakers. Background working directly with highly accomplished top-level VIP participants, including elected officials, diplomats and other prominent public figures. Preferred Competencies Demonstrated passion for working with students and inspiring the next generation of political and public service leaders. Stays current on public affairs, including issues, organizations, and people. Proven track record of developing and managing multiple, complex event schedules/logistics and producing super work under demanding timelines. Excellent interpersonal skills and work effectively in a creative, intellectual team environment. Initiative, high energy, and handle simultaneous high-profile projects with minimal supervision. Strong organizational skills and detail-orientated. Creative instincts and a good eye for stage design. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable working closely with high-level principals. Exercise sound judgment and exhibit a high degree of tact, discretion and professionalism in dealings with VIP guests, staff, Institute fellows, University faculty and senior managers, and external partners. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment with a wide range of constituencies including high-profile guests, senior leaders, board members, colleagues, students and volunteers. Willing to approach contentious issues from all possible sides, with an eye towards fairness and accuracy. Strong commitment to diversity. Working Conditions Work non-traditional hours and travel occasionally. Lift and carry up to approximately 50 pounds. See, including color, depth perception, or clarity. Stand for 6 hours or more. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (required) References Contact Information (required)(3) 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 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 $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 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. 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