Specialist, IT & Event Technology at Chicago Event Management

Description

Company Overview

Chicago Event Management is more than an event production company, it’s a team motivated to connect the communities we serve through the events we produce. At the core of our organization, we believe in sharing best practices, using learnings to create unforgettable experiences and building lasting relationships that lead to new ideas and innovation.

Since its inception in 1996, CEM has stayed true to this mission and as a result, has become a leader in event production and the endurance sports industry.

Job Summary

The Specialist, IT & Event Technology is responsible for supporting the full scope of CEM’s technology services, both in day-to-day office operations and onsite at events. This role provides end-user support, manages IT systems and equipment, and assists with the planning, setup, and deployment of event technology. The Specialist also contributes to maintaining data security, business continuity, and system reliability, while collaborating with staff, vendors, and contractors to ensure seamless IT operations across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with strong technical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a customer service mindset. They bring experience in IT support and are eager to apply their expertise to both office-based and event-driven technology needs.

This position is full-time exempt, primarily working at the CEM Office in Downtown Chicago, with occasional work at the CEM Warehouse in Bellwood, Illinois, and event sites throughout the city. CEM's Hybrid Work Policy provides the opportunity to work remotely up to two days per week.

Duties & Responsibilities

Technology Support

• Provide end-user support, monitor response times and make necessary improvements
• Support end-user mobile wireless devices, including account management, system upgrades, migrations and onboarding.
• Develop, maintain and support technical infrastructure, hardware and software standards and system components
• Maintain inventory of IT equipment including computers, accessories, printers, networking equipment, telecommunications and power equipment, installed software and licensing.
• Complete onboarding procedures for new hires including hardware, software, and mobile device deployment.
• Assist with development and delivery of training for all staff and update IT policies, procedures and products. 

Event Operations

• Assist with technology specific event planning, setup, deployment and support for all events 
• Provide technical support and evaluate equipment including routine testing, transport, storage and maintenance of event equipment inventory

Administration and Business Continuity

• Assist creating user accounts and managing access control for various communication systems, Microsoft 365, collaboration sites and other web services.
• Monitor system backups, storage and network system alerts and schedules.
• Assist with website domains including domain registration, named servers, DNS management and SSL certificates
• Interact with vendors on more advanced website hosting environments and other technology solutions as necessary.
• Integral in continually improving data security, business continuity (IT) processes and procedures, disaster recovery

Information Security

Assist in supporting the following IT service areas:

• Assist creating user accounts and managing access control for various communication systems, Microsoft 365, collaboration sites and other web services.
• Monitor system backups, storage and network system alerts and schedules.
• Assist with website domains including domain registration, named servers, DNS management and SSL certificates
• Interact with vendors on more advanced website hosting environments and other technology solutions as necessary.
• Integral in continually improving data security, business continuity (IT) processes and procedures, disaster recovery

Other

• Other duties as assigned

Compensation

• $60,000+ annual salary, depending upon qualifications and experience
• Potential for discretionary mid-year and year-end bonuses

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurances with generous company contribution to medical and dental premiums
• Company paid basic life and long-term disability insurances
• Access to Employee Assistance Program and discount programs
• Optional legal and ID protection insurances
• 401K plan with access to financial advisors
• Limited opportunity to attend industry events and professional development conferences
• Event-issued merchandise

Requirements

• A strong drive to learn and grow
• Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent and effective personal and communication skills
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
• Strong time management, organizational skills
• Ability to develop positive and productive professional relationships
• Proactive perspective, offering ideas on how to make improvements
• Ability to work both independently and collaborate as a team player, interacting successfully with all levels of staff
• Ability to manage multiple projects and excel in a fast-paced environment
• Skills in researching technology issues and making recommendations, conclusions and decisions
• Ability to work nights and weekends as required to meet event and project commitments
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and non-traditional hours as required by event and program schedules

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related field, and at least 2 years of experience in IT support
• Project management experience required
• Data management, network administration, website administration experience preferred
• Understanding of traditional IT support areas, including: support, deployment, help desk, hardware repair
• Understanding of wired and wireless connectivity principles; network administration experience preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access & Outlook)
• Must hold a valid driver’s license

Expected Work Location & Schedule

• Primary work location: CEM Office in Downtown Chicago.
• Opportunity to work remotely up to two days per week as per CEM’s Hybrid Work Policy.
• Occasional work at CEM Warehouse in Bellwood, IL and on-site event locations throughout Chicago.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Moderate walking, standing, prolonged sitting, bending, kneeling, and reaching. 
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with occasional work in warehouse spaces or on-site event locations.
• Ability to lift and move items up to 40 pounds occasionally.

Chicago Event Management is an equal opportunity employer