Job DescriptionEducational & Activities Program Coordinator
Position Title: Educational & Activities Program Coordinator
Organization: IIMPACT, NFP
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Reports To: Program Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt (Based on Experience)
Position Summary
IIMPACT, NFP is seeking a passionate, energetic, and youth-centered Educational & Activities Program Coordinator to develop, coordinate, and oversee educational enrichment, recreational programming, life skills development, workforce readiness initiatives, and community engagement activities for urban at-risk youth ages 14–21.
The Educational & Activities Program Coordinator will play a critical role in creating meaningful experiences that promote academic achievement, personal growth, social-emotional development, leadership, and independent living skills. This position will work directly with youth residing in IIMPACT's Group Home, Transitional Living Program (TLP), and community-based programs.
The ideal candidate is creative, organized, trauma-informed, and committed to empowering youth to discover their purpose, maximize their potential, and successfully transition into adulthood.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesEducational Programming
- Develop and implement educational enrichment programs designed to improve academic performance and school engagement.
- Coordinate tutoring services, homework assistance, study groups, and educational workshops.
- Monitor youth educational progress and collaborate with schools, teachers, case managers, and caregivers.
- Assist youth with high school graduation planning, GED preparation, college exploration, vocational training, and career readiness.
- Coordinate educational assessments and individualized academic support plans when needed.
- Promote literacy, STEM learning, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workforce development opportunities.
Youth Development & Activities Coordination
- Plan, organize, and facilitate daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal activities for youth.
- Develop engaging recreational, cultural, artistic, athletic, and community service activities.
- Coordinate field trips, educational excursions, college tours, retreats, leadership conferences, and special events.
- Organize structured programming during evenings, weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
- Develop activity calendars that promote social engagement and positive peer relationships.
- Coordinate volunteer and mentorship opportunities.
Life Skills & Independent Living Development
- Facilitate workshops covering:
- Financial literacy
- Budgeting and banking
- Employment readiness
- Interview skills
- Resume development
- Conflict resolution
- Healthy relationships
- Communication skills
- Home management
- Self-advocacy
- Independent living skills
- Support youth in developing personal goals and transition plans.
- Assist youth in preparing for adulthood and self-sufficiency.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Build partnerships with:
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
- Trade schools
- Community organizations
- Employers
- Faith-based organizations
- Recreational programs
- Coordinate guest speakers, workshops, and community resources.
- Establish internship, apprenticeship, and workforce development opportunities for youth.
Program Administration
- Maintain accurate activity logs, attendance records, program reports, and outcome tracking.
- Develop monthly and quarterly program calendars.
- Assist with grant reporting and outcome measurement.
- Monitor program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
- Ensure all activities comply with DCFS regulations, agency policies, and safety requirements.
Youth Engagement & Mentorship
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor.
- Build trusting and supportive relationships with youth.
- Encourage youth participation in educational, recreational, and leadership opportunities.
- Support youth during crisis situations and assist with de-escalation when necessary.
- Promote a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based environment.
Qualifications Required
- 2 years experience developing and facilitating youth programming.
- Associates/Bachelor's Degree in:
- Education
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Human Services
- Youth Development
- Recreation Management
- Or related field
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with adolescents and young adults.
- Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as needed.
- Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
Preferred
- Experience working with:
- DCFS youth
- Group homes
- Transitional Living Programs
- Youth experiencing trauma
- Knowledge of Positive Youth Development principles.
- Experience with workforce development and educational planning.
- CPR/First Aid Certification.
- Trauma-Informed Care Training.
Core Competencies
- Youth Engagement and Motivation
- Program Development and Implementation
- Leadership and Team Collaboration
- Educational Advocacy
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Community Partnership Development
- Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
- Cultural Competency
- Time Management and Organization
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Performance Expectations
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Increased youth participation in educational and recreational activities.
- Improved school attendance and academic engagement.
- Successful completion of life skills and workforce readiness programming.
- Positive youth satisfaction and engagement outcomes.
- Development of meaningful community partnerships.
- Accurate and timely documentation and reporting.
- Contribution to youth achieving educational, employment, and independent living goals.
Mission Alignment
The Educational & Activities Program Coordinator must embrace and support IIMPACT's mission of empowering youth through trauma-informed care, education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, housing stability, and holistic development. This position serves as a key contributor in helping youth break cycles of poverty, overcome adversity, and achieve long-term success.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
