Job Summary Table of Business Assistant

Job Description Summary

The Business Assistant at the University of Chicago’s Department of Computer Science provides crucial administrative and event coordination support. Working within established procedures, this role ensures the smooth operation of office activities and business services while maintaining a high level of professionalism and efficiency in a prestigious academic environment.

About the Department

The University of Chicago’s Department of Computer Science boasts a rich legacy of pioneering new fields of discovery in both physical sciences and computer science. This tradition of innovation continues today with research spanning from theoretical foundations to human-computer interaction and data science. As part of the Physical Sciences Division, the department collaborates with numerous interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, creating a vibrant intellectual environment for administrative professionals to thrive.

Business Assistant Responsibilities

• Event Management: Execute day-to-day event logistics and moderately complex assignments with minimal supervision, including setup and breakdown of selected events
• Meeting Coordination: Schedule meeting rooms and ensure appropriate space allocation for department activities
• Financial Processing: Track expenses, prepare cost reports, and process reimbursements for students, visitors, postdocs, and faculty through GEMS, ServiceNow, and ePayment systems
• Visitor Support: Assist academic visitors with travel arrangements and ensure their campus experience is positive
• Communication Management: Triage emails and telephone calls, resolving routine and some complex inquiries efficiently
• Promotional Activities: Post event information to bulletin boards and create digital flyers for campus monitors
• Administrative Support: Prepare special reports and summaries, assist in managing daily office operations, and support policy development
• Team Collaboration: Assist other office staff members as needed and contribute to departmental initiatives

Required Qualifications and Skills

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline
• Proven clerical/administrative experience in a professional environment

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Office suite
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail
• Excellent problem-solving skills for administrative challenges
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Professional Competencies

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service abilities
• Capacity to handle public contact with courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality with sensitive information
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Self-motivation with capability to work both independently and as a team member
• Initiative-taking approach to organizing and completing projects with minimal supervision

Benefits and Perks

The University of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Health insurance and wellness programs
• Retirement plans with competitive employer contributions
• Generous paid time off policies
• Educational assistance programs
• Work-life balance initiatives
• Campus amenities and resources
• Professional development opportunities

Company Overview

The University of Chicago is a world-renowned institution committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, the university has driven new ways of thinking since its inception. The Department of Computer Science continues this tradition through cutting-edge research and exceptional educational programs. By joining this department, you’ll become part of an institution dedicated to addressing complex challenges through collaboration and innovation.

Company Culture

Working at the University of Chicago means joining an environment that values intellectual curiosity, diversity of perspective, and professional excellence. The Department of Computer Science fosters a collaborative atmosphere where staff members play crucial roles in supporting groundbreaking research and educational initiatives. The department emphasizes work-life balance while maintaining high standards of performance and service.

Career Growth Opportunities

As a Business Assistant at the University of Chicago, you’ll have access to numerous professional development resources and potential advancement paths within the university system. The skills developed in this position – including event coordination, financial processing, and administrative management – are highly transferable across various university departments and academic institutions.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Chicago is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where all members can thrive. The institution actively works to create an environment that respects and values differences in background, experience, and perspective, recognizing that diversity strengthens its intellectual community and educational mission.

Equal Opportunity 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 identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, disability status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

Remote Work Policy

This Business Assistant position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining on-site presence at the Chicago campus with remote work flexibility. The specific schedule will be determined based on departmental needs and individual circumstances, providing an optimal balance between collaborative in-person work and independent remote productivity.

Application Process

1. Submit your resume (required) and cover letter (preferred) through the University of Chicago’s online application system
2. Provide references as requested in the application
3. Applications will be reviewed by the hiring committee
4. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews
5. Final candidate selection will include background verification

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the University of Chicago’s online career portal. Visit the application page to submit your materials. All required documents must be uploaded via the My Experience page in the section titled Application Documents.

Additional Information

All employment offers are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically disqualify candidates from university employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis, assessing the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

For more information about security and safety at the University of Chicago, please refer to the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report available at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.

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