Special Event Coordinator

The Field Museum, located at 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. in Chicago, IL, is a renowned institution dedicated to connecting people to the natural environment and human history since its founding around the 1893 World Columbian Exposition. As a highly respected cultural and scientific organization, the Field Museum is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment, embracing diversity, and promoting mutual respect among its staff. With a rich legacy and a mission focused on education, research, and community engagement, the museum offers a dynamic and meaningful place to build a career.

This Special Event Coordinator role is an important position within the Field Museum’s Special Events Department. The position is exempt and reports directly to the Manager of Business Enterprises Operations. This full-time, on-site role involves providing essential administrative and operational support to Special Event Account Managers, ensuring the smooth execution of a variety of events hosted by the museum. The coordinator plays a critical role in managing early setup and late closing procedures, coordinating with vendors, facilitating multi-day rehearsals, and overseeing the load-in and teardown operations for events. Additionally, the role involves handling liquor management tasks after events, including securing liquor, assisting with liquor inventory, and managing the distribution of liquor carts for various internal and external events.

Given that this is a client-facing position, the Special Event Coordinator is expected to deliver excellent customer service, demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, and exercise strong decision-making skills to quickly solve any issues that arise. The coordinator will collaborate closely with numerous internal teams such as housekeeping and security to ensure that event spaces transition seamlessly into daily museum operations. The role also entails preparing basic financial reports, such as profit and loss statements, and managing inquiries and event coordination from proposal to execution, including contracting.

In addition to the impactful nature of the work, the Field Museum offers a benefits package that truly supports employee well-being and lifestyle. This includes comprehensive health coverage encompassing medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as unique benefits such as pet insurance. Financial security is promoted through life and disability benefits combined with a 403(b) savings plan, encouraging long-term financial preparedness. The organization values work-life balance, providing generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure employees have ample opportunity to recharge. Furthermore, employees enjoy exclusive perks such as substantial discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions, enriching their personal and cultural experiences.

With a competitive salary range of $48,000 to $52,000 annually, this position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, with typical work hours of 35 per week. The role requires physical stamina with frequent heavy lifting up to 40 pounds and the ability to spend the majority of shifts walking or standing. While hybrid eligibility is available, this is fundamentally an on-site position, reflective of the hands-on nature of the duties.

The Special Event Coordinator position with the Field Museum presents a unique opportunity to engage deeply with a landmark cultural institution, contributing to the flawless execution of memorable events while supporting the museum’s mission to inspire and educate the public through its vast collections and rich programming. This role is suited for a detail-oriented, organized individual with hospitality experience who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to exemplary service standards.