The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is where your world and the world meet. The Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers more people to help shape our global future. Through content and engagement experiences that offer diverse, fact-based perspectives and in-depth analysis, we foster dialogue on the world's most critical issues. We are committed to building an inclusive community of globally conscious people who want to actively participate in global affairs and gain the knowledge that can help them make a tangible impact - big or small - in the world.
The Role
The Program Officer, Global Leadership Programs supports the Council's Global Leadership Programs, including the Emerging Leaders (EL) Program, EL Program recruitment, EL alumni engagement, Young Professionals (YP) Network, and next generation professional development initiatives. This person serves as the chief administrator for the Global Leadership Programs team.
Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Program Officer contributes ideas for, executes on, and evaluates existing and new global leadership opportunities for the Council's next generation constituents, including YP, current ELs, and EL alumni.
The Program Officer is a hybrid role and requires in-person attendance three days/week (including Mondays and Thursdays) at our Downtown Chicago location, as well as at the team's programs and events. Travel to Washington, DC required to support the annual EL cohort trip.
Responsibilities
- Event & Program Logistics: Support the logistical components of team program events, including preliminary preparations, set-up, breakdown, and co-hosting of EL sessions, professional development programs, YP events, and EL alumni engagements.
- Communications: Draft communications across Global Leadership Programs, including the monthly EL alumni e-newsletter, social media copy, EL alumni profiles and member features, and YP communications.
- Data Tracking & Program Evaluation: Own data tracking and program evaluation across the EL Program, recruitment, alumni engagement, and YP Network: regularly update tracking systems, design and administer participant surveys, analyze trends across cohort years, generate written findings and reports based on program evaluation metrics, propose programmatic revisions, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.
- Recruitment & Selection Administration: Support the EL recruitment strategy by organizing information sessions and quarterly events and updating marketing materials; manage the EL application process and administer the EL Selection Committee, including organizing meetings and drafting materials; lead recruitment for the Hart Fellowship, including outreach, application intake, and interview scheduling; and support YP Network member recruitment.
- Records & Financial Administration: Maintain program records, including the program handbook and alumni database; administer program finances, including monthly budget and expense tracking, credit card reporting, invoicing and receipts for program participants, and payment plan tracking.
- Donor & Alumni Event Support: In partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Next Generation Engagement, and other Council colleagues, organize and execute EL alumni events, dinners, and receptions to support donor cultivation and stewardship for Global Leadership Programs.
- Internship Program Management: Manage the Council internship program, including its structure, implementation, and evaluation; coordinate with the HR Director and internship supervisors to post opportunities and support current interns; and organize related programming, such as lunch-and-learns.
- Program Content Support: Assist the Executive Director in developing, organizing, and hosting content-rich curricular activities for the EL Program, including the opening weekend, twice-monthly sessions, Washington, DC study trip, and graduation. Support the Director in developing quality Young Professionals content.
- Special Projects: Assist with special projects and perform additional tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required, or equivalent experience working on multi-faceted educational events and programs
- Preferably 1-2 years of relevant professional experience, with experience in community engagement and program management and evaluation
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills: able to and enjoys managing multiple concurrent projects on different timelines
- Great attention to detail
- Superior verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce), Pardot, and AirTable a plus
- Enthusiastic professional with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and professionally in a fast-paced team environment
- Demonstrated interest in international affairs, current events, culture, and politics
- A problem-solver who shows initiative, works well independently and as part of a team, meets deadlines, is flexible, and adapts easily to new situations
- Should be committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment across teams and with the public
- Ability and willingness to work weekday evenings, occasional weekends, and early mornings to support Council events
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The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
$53,000 - $60,000 - There are many benefits to working at the Council, including a flexible remote/in-office work environment (in-office 3 days per week), employer-subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance, generous paid time off, retirement match, half-
Jul 28, 2026