Event Service Worker
The University of Chicago

Department
CSL I-House Event Services

About the Department
International House at the University of Chicago is a dynamic residential and program center. Founded in 1932 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., International House is today one of 16 members of the International Houses Worldwide network. International House brings students and scholars into a global community. Through involvement with International House, students and scholars shape the community through their participation in various programs and by initiating their own events through our Graduate Commons program. Over 100 programs are held each year for UChicago graduate students as part of the Graduate Commons Program.

In addition, International House, together with our sister houses around the world, continues to play an important role as a convenor, a source of analysis of current events, an educator, and an institution committed to furthering understanding across the broad set of communities that we serve both on the UChicago campus and around the world. As such, International House serves the greater Chicago community as a cultural and intellectual center for a wide array of public programs. Over 100 internationally focused public programs are held each year at International House as part of the Global Voices Performing Arts and Lecture Series programs. These include music and cultural performances, outreach programs with Chicago-area international organizations, collaborations with foreign consulates, and forums and debates led by distinguished guest speakers.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The Event Services Worker works in the International House, a department within Campus and Student Life, as part of a team who provide operational support for events and meetings and the ongoing programs that occur in International House. The primary goal of the International House is to complement the academic mission of the University by providing students, faculty, staff, departments, and visitors to our facilities with high-quality spaces in which to engage in co-curricular activities that support intellectual, social, recreational, and cultural engagement. The shift for this position is Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:30pm.

Responsibilities:

• Complete and/or coordinate room set-up, take-down, and changeover duties required per the standards of diagrams, checklists, or instructions, including equipment, furniture, and other materials for events and programs. Open and lock event spaces as needed/according to events scheduled times; assist staff and customers in making last minute changes to event set-ups; observe and report any security issues/irregularities in and around International House to the University Police and the supervisor; ensure that all furniture and other events support supplies (hangars, coat racks) are provided and in usable condition as event set-up occurs; maintain and move directional signage and announcements for events; place audio visual equipment, linens or paper table cloths, flip charts, audio visual equipment, flags, and other event furnishings as outlined in set up directions; receive and transport food and beverages, supplies and rental equipment and furniture for distribution and recovery to various public meeting rooms and storage rooms, and dock area; facilitate use of fireplaces in event rooms.
  
• Ensure and execute tasks related to the cleanliness of event spaces in preparation for and during events, meetings, and programs. Conduct inspection of cleanliness of event spaces in preparation of an event and perform tasks as needed to ensure the readiness of the room, including sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming floors; serve as "porter/function housekeeper" for special events, including custodial work related to specific events, such as trash removal during and after event, mopping spills, refreshing restrooms and kitchen and catering service areas and equipment; assist janitorial contract forces as requested.
  
• Perform routine maintenance of event furniture, fixtures, equipment, and supplies. Monitor maintenance needs of public spaces, event rooms, event support spaces, and event furnishings and supplies. Monitor inventory, use and distribution of furniture and equipment supplies in all storage rooms; receive, store and retrieve furniture, equipment and materials in support of events; report equipment damage or needed repairs or special cleaning; monitor, detect and report maintenance problems in event spaces and public areas to Facilities Services; notify Director of Administration & Finance of supply levels that are low or depleted; maintain inventory of International House flags, and display flags and banners for events as instructed; replace light bulbs in public meeting rooms; dust and check all ceiling, free standing and table light fixtures and wall sconces before events ; polish, clean, dust International House silver, china, stemware, book and photo displays in event spaces and public areas; perform simple repairs and assembly of events furniture and equipment; assist with maintenance of loading dock; ensure that all ramps and lifts and emergency exits are clear of equipment and available for use.
  
• Communicate with event staff and clients to ensure the successful implementation of the event. Interact closely with customers, including high-profile, prominent University administrators and guests, to ensure that services performed meet required expectations. Communicate verbally with high-level individuals in a customer-oriented manner. Exercise diplomacy and discretion in all customer interactions; initiate communication Director of Administration & Finance or Event Coordinators if set-up information is incomplete or unclear; provide communication to Event Coordinators regarding customer needs in preparation of and during the course of an event; report any problems within event space which have direct, immediate effect on events (i.e., overheated radiator, lack of heat, burned out light bulbs, etc.).
  
• Other duties related to support of International House programs. Open facilities/rooms according to schedules; receive deliveries for International House operations and deliver materials to intended destination; place and maintain decorations for festivals and holidays; maintain paper supplies in International House copy room and stationery storage room; support and maintenance of pianos in event spaces and music practice areas; ensure proper set ups for spaces used for Global Voices, Graduate or Administration programs for International House.
  

Competencies:

• Manage interpersonal relationships and interact/communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy with patrons, staff, faculty, students, and others.
  
• Recognize and resolve or refer problems; work effectively with supervision and as a part of a team.
  
• Use or learn a range of position-related software applications.
  
• Housekeeping experience in an educational environment preferred.
  
• Must be able to work varied hours and overtime based on business needs and special events schedule.
  

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in event set-up/coordination and housekeeping required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to perform tasks without direct supervision; ability to follow written and verbal instructions, and to speak and write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to perform duties requiring continuous physical effort.
• Some standing, bending, twisting, and climbing.
• Ability to lift and manipulate objects of up to 75 pounds and transport for 50 feet and push up to a maximum of 200 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to operate motorized floor-care equipment.
• Ability to work around dust and cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to use correctly and safely all associated tools.
• Ability to move about the campus in all weather conditions.

Pay:

• $22.20/Hour

Required Documents:

• Resume
• List of Three Professional References

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Pay Rate Type
Hourly

Pay Range
$22.20
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.

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Union
022- Local 743, I.B.T. Service Maintenance

Job is Exempt
No

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Posting Date
2026-04-07

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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