Location: Evanston,IL, USA
Department: Norris University Center Admin
Salary/Grade: EXS/5
Norris University Center and our satellite venues offer spaces, services, and guidance that are focused on supporting student learning and community engagement. We are home to a variety of meeting rooms, the campus bookstore, a box office, a US Bank branch, several dining options, ballroom, auditorium, and other performance spaces, an art gallery, game room, student organization and activity offices, and so much more. Learn more about Norris University Center here:
About Student Affairs: By pursuing justice, equity, and belonging, Student Affairs cultivates student programs, services, and skills; disrupts barriers; and partners across Northwestern and neighboring communities to create an inclusive culture in which all students can thrive. Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs here:
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Arts & Programs and Production Manager, the Program & Production Coordinator provides direct support to annual large-scale and seasonal programs and complex productions and events throughout Norris University Center spaces. Spaces include Norris PSV, Cohen Lawn, NU Pub, Cahn Auditorium, Guild Lounge, etc.
While providing direct support to programs and events, the Program & Production Coordinator will lead a team of student employees to ensure successful execution of programs and events in accordance with Norris University Center standards.
Operating within new and unique spaces for Norris, the Coordinator can work directly with the Assistant Director to assess and plan new ways to enhance the program experience across campus, including programmatic content, production and event protocols, and more.
Please note: Occasional weekend and evening hours are to be expected.
Pay Range: The pay range for the Program and Production Coordinator is $52,000 to $54,000, depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.
Principal Accountabilities:
Coordination of Programs & Events
* Provide programmatic and production support, working between production satellite venues (PSV) to ensure appropriate coverage is provided for all events under the Norris umbrella.
* Directly support and facilitate new Cohen lawn programs, including seasonal Cohen stage productions, pop-up performances or exhibitions, guest lectures/talks, student-oriented activities, and more.
* In collaboration with the Assistant Director, make programmatic and production recommendations regarding operational improvements and/or needs.
* Serve as house management during other Norris events and productions with external and internal clients. Tasks include event ushering, managing student ushers, operating house lights and basic cues, operating fly rails, stage set up, directing and managing student tasks, etc.
* Adhere to and enforce emergency preparedness and safety standards for emergency procedures and crowd control for all programs and events.
* Provide guidance and leadership in planning approximately XX Norris-based events annually that provide social, cultural, recreational, and educational activities for the NU student body.
* Serve as one of the Norris representatives for campus-wide events such as Wildcat Welcome, Reunion, Dillo, etc.
Staff Supervision
* Collaborate with Assistant Director and Production Manager to assess and define ongoing staffing needs in accordance with Programs and Production budget
* Act as point of contact to employees during the run of programs and events.
* Direct student employees in the successful setup and execution of site-specific programs, staging, and event-related equipment as needed.
* Clearly communicates individual and group performance expectations, offering feedback and evaluation in a constructive manner
* Demonstrates a strong work ethic and professional values by serving as a role model for team of employees and peers
* Participates in all Norris service trainings and encourages staff to participate as appropriate
Client Relations
* Serve as day-of point of contact to fulfill client needs for program and production set up, from testing technology, AV, and lighting equipment to other event-related requirements.
* Serve as point of contact for contract agreements and client communication as needed
* Liase with external and internal clients to ensure a smooth run of events, anticipate needs and meet them as individual contracts define.
* Serve on departmental, divisional, and university-wide committees as a representative of Norris University Center, especially in the areas of student programming and student development.
* Serves as a representative of Norris University center by providing exceptional customer service and dependable communication.
Administrative Support
* Provide administrative support to Programs and Production teams as needed. Including student scheduling, program and event prep scheduling, etc.
* Manages and assists with coordinating Machform requests for programs, productions, and more as needed
* Attend bi-weekly as available for Norris all-staff meetings
* Attend regular area meetings and Norris University Center orientation and training programs as appropriate
* Promote and actively advocate for diversity and inclusion in Norris University Center.
Miscellaneous
* Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
* Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
* 1 year program/project administration or other relevant experience.
Skills and Competencies:
* Experience with program and event facilitation
* Previous work experience and ability to effectively manage peers
* Ability to handle unforeseen situations professionally, and is adaptable, flexible, and able to work under fast paced, or at times, high-pressure situations.
* Strong interest in working dynamic events & activities
* Ability to collaborate in a diverse work environment, with a variety of internal and external clients.
Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.
Professional Growth and Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
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