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Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago Logo

Administrative Support, Business Coordinator

Actively Reviewing the Applications

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago

4–8 years
Posted 4 days ago Apply by June 11, 2026

Job Description

Department

BSD E&E - Administration

About The Department

The Administrative Assistant reports to the Chairman and Executive Administrator in the Department of Ecology & Evolution at The University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division.

This role requires the knowledge and skills developed through work in a similar position, including the ability to interact with external and internal University partners with the utmost level of discretion and professionalism in a friendly and positive manner. The person selected for this role will serve as a key member of the administrative support team for the Department. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic professional who enjoys working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Job Summary

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

  • Manage the coordination of meetings, events, and/or conferences in support of the Chairman and Faculty.
  • Serve as the primary representative for faculty recruitment activities; including but not limited to booking seminar space, catering, socials, creating interview itineraries, escorting individuals while on campus, arranging coordinating travel arrangements, etc.
  • Coordinates special projects as directed by the Chairman.
  • Assist departmental visitors with inquiries and requests.
  • Assist new department members by providing low level training for Buysite as needed.
  • Maintain the Departmental equipment inventory.
  • Manage the coordination of conference rooms for classes, defenses, events, and meetings for faculty, students, and other academic personnel.
  • Primary responsibility for the office management of orders, supply inventory, machines, and purchase orders through Buysite.
  • Assist with preparation of reimbursements for department members and visitors using GEMs, e-payments, etc.
  • Primary responsibility for the onboarding process for new faculty, staff, and trainees for technology set up for phone and computers.
  • Maintain the department website.
  • 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.
  • Prepare special reports and summaries, assists in managing daily operation of the office, and may assist in developing administrative goals and policies. Maintains the leader's calendar.
  • Coordinates special projects as directed by the leader. Prepares write ups for recommendations for operational and administrative problems. Manages a portion of the leader's budget, monitoring and reconciling accounts. Prepares financial and/or administrative reports.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Education

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications



  • Application Documents

    • Resume (required)
    • Cover Letter (required)
    • Contact information of at least two references (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

    Administration & Management

    Role Impact

    Individual Contributor

    Scheduled Weekly Hours

    40

    Drug Test Required

    No

    Health Screen Required

    No

    Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

    No

    Pay Rate Type

    Hourly

    FLSA Status

    Non-Exempt

    Pay Range

    $24.04 - $31.25

    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.
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