The Chicago Zoological Society is committed to diversity and values the benefits and advantages of a diverse workforce. One of our organizations core values is Diversity, valuing differences and the respectful involvement of all people, employing and leveraging the gifts, talents, and experience from each person's culture, perspective, and background to create value for the organization and make it even more successful. As an organization that is dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation, we recognize and appreciate the value in diversity in all its dimensions. The Chicago Zoological Society has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and a family friendly atmosphere. We are very customer focused, as we host over 2 million guests to Brookfield Zoo each year. We are committed to conservation in the broadest sense, and we take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation. Our employees enjoy a unique work environment in a beautiful park-like setting that is based on respect, openness, cooperation, and involvement. Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation.

The Outreach and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator provides a full range of administrative and programmatic support to the President's Office and the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives of the Society. The administrative support includes but is not to: screening phone calls and emails, opening and responding to mail and RSVPs as directed, creating agendas and preparing minutes of meetings, preparing presentations, coordinating meetings, training, and travel logistics. You will also conduct orientations, workshops and tours for outreach programs. Making use of your computer proficiency, you will be responsible for database management for the President's office and institutional diversity initiatives. Utilizing your excellent organizational skills, you will coordinate the collection of information or materials as needed from across the organization to facilitate the preparation of Diversity and Inclusion reports, institutional goals, accreditation and outreach programs analyzing the information for accuracy and completeness. Drawing upon your strong interpersonal skills, you will assist in the development and cultivation of external relationships with community-based organizations, associations, consultants, elected officials, trustees, etc., as directed to advance the Society's Diversity and Inclusion initiatives through program delivery both on and off-site. You will also schedule and conduct tours for elected officials and other VIPs. The Outreach and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator assists with regular internal and external communication, electronically, phone and in-person, related to the President's Office and Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, assures accurate and timely communication, funnels appropriate information or requests to other Society staff for prompt handling and manages projects or assists with special projects and perform other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include: Minimum Associate's degree in Business, Communications, Liberal Arts, or other relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Minimum one year of directly comparable experience. Excellent organizational, proofreading, and prioritization skills required. Ability to effectively assess and juggle multiple priorities required. Effective problem-solving abilities; sound, logical decision-making skills; ability to deal with all levels of people, both within and outside the organization, with tact and discretion. Must possess an ability to interact effectively with multicultural individuals and to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and communication styles. Strong writing/composition skills, strong verbal communication skills, excellent telephone etiquette, and effective listening skills required. Strong interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain strong rapport and positive relationships required. Must be able to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple competing deadlines. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of highly privileged information. Computer proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office suite required including experience with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Must be able to work effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment. Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
Some local travel required. Overtime is required on a continuous basis and planning of time off around institutional priorities is expected.

The desirable/preferred qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Liberal Arts or other relevant field preferred. Experience with database management software a plus. Experience working with Board members preferred. Non-profit experience a plus. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women/ Veterans / Disabled.