Youth Program Coordinator
Reports to: Founder & CEO
Position Status: Full-Time
Location: 2218 Hutchison Rd, Flossmoor, IL, 60422
Compensation: $20/hr
Start Date: January 8, 2024
JOB SUMMARY
Our youth development programs are focused on empowering 6th-12th grade students to reach their full potential. We believe that youth are not problems to be solved, but rather they are the problem-solvers of our future. Our programs provide a safe and supportive environment where students can build positive relationships with peers and mentors, develop leadership skills, and explore their passions. Our programs are open to all students who wish to participate, and we encourage everyone to join us on this journey of personal growth and development. Through our youth development programs, we aim to inspire and support the next generation of leaders who will shape our communities and our world.
The Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for youth to learn and grow. The Youth Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all youth programs within our organization, including staff hiring and supervision. This leadership role involves facilitating programs, establishing and maintaining community partnerships, curriculum development, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs that meet the needs and interests of young people. The Youth Program Coordinator will also be responsible for budget management, grant writing, and reporting to stakeholders. Our work is done with an emphasis on social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices, and the Coordinator ensures that these commitments are consistently developed and sustained in our program environment. As our programming continues to grow, the Coordinator will support strategic planning and help determine the future directions of our work with children, youth, and their families.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Planning and Development
Curriculum Development
Program Evaluation and Reporting
Community Partnerships and Collaboration:
Budget Management and Grant Writing
QUALIFICATIONS FOR Youth Program Coordinator
Education and Experience Requirements
Skills and Abilities
Working Conditions:
This is a full-time position that may require some evenings and weekends to accommodate program activities and community events. The Youth Program Coordinator will primarily work in an office environment but may also be required to travel for meetings and program-related activities.
To apply, please submit the following to [email protected]:
Organizational Background
Founded in 2014, You Matter 2 provides South Suburban youth and families with opportunities to develop leaders and engage communities through exposure to new experiences, building connections, and highlighting cultural heritage. Each year, You Matter 2 provides over 1,000 youth with holistic, out-of-school support, including afterschool and summer learning programs, and experiential learning through partnerships. The organization is in a transition period, growing to become the go-to youth and community serving organization across the Chicago Southland. Our staff is a diverse collection of passionate individuals, committed to social justice, trauma-informed care, inclusion, equity, and anti-racist ideologies, and helping youth realize their full potential.
Position Status: Full-Time
Location: 2218 Hutchison Rd, Flossmoor, IL, 60422
Compensation: $20/hr
Start Date: January 8, 2024
JOB SUMMARY
Our youth development programs are focused on empowering 6th-12th grade students to reach their full potential. We believe that youth are not problems to be solved, but rather they are the problem-solvers of our future. Our programs provide a safe and supportive environment where students can build positive relationships with peers and mentors, develop leadership skills, and explore their passions. Our programs are open to all students who wish to participate, and we encourage everyone to join us on this journey of personal growth and development. Through our youth development programs, we aim to inspire and support the next generation of leaders who will shape our communities and our world.
The Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for youth to learn and grow. The Youth Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all youth programs within our organization, including staff hiring and supervision. This leadership role involves facilitating programs, establishing and maintaining community partnerships, curriculum development, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs that meet the needs and interests of young people. The Youth Program Coordinator will also be responsible for budget management, grant writing, and reporting to stakeholders. Our work is done with an emphasis on social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices, and the Coordinator ensures that these commitments are consistently developed and sustained in our program environment. As our programming continues to grow, the Coordinator will support strategic planning and help determine the future directions of our work with children, youth, and their families.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Planning and Development
- Lead the strategic planning process for youth programs, setting clear goals and objectives.
- Develop and implement comprehensive program plans, ensuring alignment with the organizational mission and values.
- Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps and opportunities in youth programming.
- Design and oversee the development of engaging and age-appropriate curriculum and activities.
- Support fundraising and marketing efforts to grow the program resources.
Curriculum Development
- Work closely with program staff to develop curriculum that aligns with program goals and objectives.
- Ensure that the curriculum incorporates best practices in youth development and is tailored to the needs and interests of the target population.
- Continuously review and update the curriculum to reflect evolving trends and emerging research in the field of youth development.
- Create new curriculum and program materials to enhance program offerings and address emerging issues.
- Facilitate youth programs and activities, providing guidance and support to participants.
- Ensure the effective implementation of program activities, adhering to program guidelines and standards.
- Foster a positive and inclusive program environment that promotes youth engagement and learning.
- Establish open communication and positive relationships with parents and guardians.
Program Evaluation and Reporting
- Monitor program activities, evaluate outcomes, and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement evaluation tools and methodologies to measure program effectiveness.
- Analyze program data, generate reports, and communicate results to stakeholders.
Community Partnerships and Collaboration:
- Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders.
- Identify and develop partnerships that enhance program offerings and support youth development.
- Collaborate with community partners to coordinate resources, services, and program opportunities.
- Represent the organization in community meetings, events, and collaborations.
Budget Management and Grant Writing
- Develop and manage the program budget, ensuring responsible fiscal management.
- Seek and secure funding opportunities through grant writing and proposal development.
- Monitor and report on budget expenditures and financial performance.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR Youth Program Coordinator
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in social work, education, youth development, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in youth program management or a similar leadership role.
- Experience with youth development programming and evaluation, such as social-emotional learning, social skills training, service learning, and/or trauma-informed practices preferred.
- Experience with teaching and curriculum development.
- Experience in program facilitation, including planning and delivery of engaging activities.
- Experience with out-of-school time programming and managing safety procedures.
- Supervision experience preferred.
Skills and Abilities
- Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
- Strong knowledge of youth development principles, best practices, and current trends.
- Evidence of skills relevant to developing learning activities, such as creativity, flexibility, and an understanding of planning for different ages, interests, and abilities.
- Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with community organizations.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to motivate staff, build team cohesion, and hold others accountable to expectations
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Must be able to manage multiple tasks
- Proficiency in budget management, grant writing, and reporting.
- Proficiency in Google Drive, good typing skills, and general computer/technology skills are required.
- Ability to learn new technologies and software quickly
- Passion for working with young people and a commitment to promoting their positive development.
Working Conditions:
This is a full-time position that may require some evenings and weekends to accommodate program activities and community events. The Youth Program Coordinator will primarily work in an office environment but may also be required to travel for meetings and program-related activities.
To apply, please submit the following to [email protected]:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Names/contact information of three professional references
Organizational Background
Founded in 2014, You Matter 2 provides South Suburban youth and families with opportunities to develop leaders and engage communities through exposure to new experiences, building connections, and highlighting cultural heritage. Each year, You Matter 2 provides over 1,000 youth with holistic, out-of-school support, including afterschool and summer learning programs, and experiential learning through partnerships. The organization is in a transition period, growing to become the go-to youth and community serving organization across the Chicago Southland. Our staff is a diverse collection of passionate individuals, committed to social justice, trauma-informed care, inclusion, equity, and anti-racist ideologies, and helping youth realize their full potential.