Programmer - Chicago Humanities

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Chicago Humanities presents the most compelling authors, artists, and thinkers of our time, connecting people to the ideas that shape and define us. Insightful, entertaining, and interactive Chicago Humanities events are a platform for authors, journalists, scholars, policymakers, and other thought leaders, as well as for artists, actors, musicians, comedians, and cultural figures. Our programs provoke conversations, celebrate creativity, build community, and explore the boundaries of contemporary knowledge and culture. Chicago Humanities values programming that reflects multiple viewpoints and lived experiences, is accessible and inclusive, and speaks to diverse audiences. We program across Chicago, bringing people and ideas together in various neighborhoods. Chicago Humanities seeks to facilitate an engagement with ideas that transcend individual concerns to enable empathy and connection through shared experiences. We are a hybrid office, working together remotely and in the office; evening and weekend availability is required during festival seasons—more information is available at chicagohumanities.org.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Chicago Humanities seeks a creative, conscientious, and energetic individual to serve as a Programmer. The primary responsibility of this position is to serve as a critical member of the Chicago Humanities programming team, helping to develop and execute programs for our year-round schedule, including annual spring and fall festivals. In addition, the Programmer will focus on academic partnerships, named lectures, and booking ongoing Chicago Humanities series.

The position reports to the Co-Creative Directors and assists with the day-to-day supervision of part-time Program Staff and Intern(s).

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

In dialogue with Co-Creative Directors, pitch, book, and manage a portfolio of programs and events, including:

• Research, develop, and pitch programming ideas and opportunities for critical engagement through facilitated talks, debates, conversations, lectures, and performances.
• Possess an ability to creatively identify and frame cohesive programs in collaboration with the programming team and partners.
• Identify and book qualified presenters, moderators, and other program participants.
• Negotiate terms and contracts with presenters and partners.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for presenters and partners in the lead-up to the event and on-site for in-person events.
• Collect and share presenter and partner assets (bio, photos, pull quotes, logos, etc.) with the Marketing Team.
• Support presenter and partner festival access, including communications and distribution of Festival Access badges, comps, flyers, promo codes, etc.
• Assist in generating and issuing contracts, program introduction scripts, and other essential planning documents.
• In collaboration with the Program Administrator, maintain and update relevant databases, including pitches, programs, presenter demographics, subject diversity, partner organizations, book sales and signings, budgets, logistics, etc.
• Train and supervise Program Intern(s) as needed.
• Participate in staff-wide meetings and events.
• Opportunity to serve on Chicago Humanities internal committees (DEAI, e.g.) as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 4+ years of demonstrated experience developing, delivering, and evaluating innovative public programming and working with high-profile presenters for various demographics.
• Wide-ranging interest in arts, culture, politics, social issues, science, and technology.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in Chicago Humanities programming and workplace culture.
• Familiarity and ease working across Chicago’s neighborhoods and organizations serving young populations.
• Highly organized, flexible, and resourceful team player who is proactive in identifying and solving problems.
• Professional demeanor, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ease in public speaking and leading group conversations.
• Solid computer, data entry, database, and file management experience (Google Suite, AirTable, Adobe a plus).
• An ability to take direction and work independently and as part of a team.
• Desire to establish strong working relationships and work effectively with others inside and outside the organization.
• Able to multitask and manage several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, mission-driven, collaborative environment.
• High energy, positive personality, flexibility, resourcefulness, and assertiveness in problem-solving.

WORK LOCATION

Chicago Humanities maintains a collaborative and congenial environment. We work in a hybrid model, requiring in-person Tuesdays and Thursdays at our River North office. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays allow remote work; exceptions might occur based on organizational and/or departmental needs. While working remotely, you can access a laptop computer and a $50 per month stipend to offset home internet and personal phone expenses. All full-time positions at Chicago Humanities may require additional night and weekend hours to support aspects of our in-person events across the city.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with a $50,000-55,000 salary range. Benefits include fully covered health insurance (with an option to upgrade), dental, vision, 403(b) with 7% employer match, equitable parental leave, tax-free commuter spending plan, life insurance, short and long-term disability, and 17 days of accrued paid time off. In addition, we offset busy seasons with additional office closures during the summer and a communal winter break (December 25 through New Year’s Day). Chicago Humanities observes ten holidays, provides one floating holiday, and one day of Volunteer Time Off.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INCLUSION

Chicago Humanities is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities in our departments, programs, and policies. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

TO APPLY:

Please submit your application here, including your resume and cover letter (please submit them as PDFs). Applications are due by Friday, October 18, 2024.
If you need accommodations to complete this application, please email our Associate Director of People and Culture, John Rooney, at

Candidates selected for an interview will be notified via email. Please do not call. We look forward to reviewing your materials.