Youth Council Coordinator

Chicago, IL

Full Time

Programming

Entry Level

ABOUT THE POSITION

Mikva Challenge is seeking a Program Coordinator to support the successful implementation of youth leadership, civic engagement, educational, workforce development, and community-based programming. This role provides administrative, operational, logistical, facilitation, communications, and participant support across programs, including youth and teacher-facing initiatives, local and national events, and other organizational priorities in support of our civic leadership work. The Program Coordinator helps ensure programs run smoothly by coordinating logistics, managing schedules, maintaining records, and supporting communication across internal and external partners.

The ideal candidate is highly professional, organized, adaptable, able to build strong relationships with a variety of partners, and passionate about youth development. They are comfortable managing multiple priorities while contributing to a positive and engaging experience for participants, partners and staff.

OFFICE LOCATION
This position will be hybrid, working both in the downtown Chicago, IL office as well as remotely, engaging with staff and stakeholders through virtual platforms. This position is not eligible for paid relocation.

SCHEDULE: Full-Time. Evening hour work to 8:00pm up to three days per week and occasional weekend work required.

REPORTS TO: Managing Director of Programs, IL

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Coordination

Coordinate and support the implementation of youth leadership, civic engagement, workforce development, educational , and chapter-based programs and initiatives;
Coordinate logistics for program sessions, workshops, community activities, and events, ensuring all components are prepared in advance and executed smoothly (including space, materials, food, transportation, and technology);
Provide administrative support to assigned program staff, including scheduling, calendar coordination, meeting preparation, and other program-related activities;
Co-plan program sessions and activities in partnership with the program leads, as needed;
Provide facilitation support and occasional direct facilitation for program and council sessions with respective program leads;
Recruit, onboard, engage, and support youth participants throughout their Mikva experience;
Conduct participant outreach, attendance tracking, youth check-ins, and follow-up communications to support engagement and retention;
Maintain accurate program records and documentation, including participant attendance, engagement tracking, case notes, surveys, evaluations, compliance requirements, and other program-related data;
Prepare agendas, presentations, materials, resources, and other tools needed for successful program delivery;
Support youth in designing, administering, and utilizing surveys, feedback tools, and other evaluation activities to inform program and community initiatives;
Coordinate the planning and execution of local and national events through logistical, administrative, and participant engagement support;

Community Engagement

Coordinate youth participation in community-based learning, leadership, and service opportunities;
Communicate and coordinate with partners, community based organizations, schools, employers, guest speakers, and other local and national stakeholders to support program activities, special events, and participant engagement;
Support logistics, outreach, and participant preparation for external experiences and events;
Represent the organization at meetings, events, and community activities as needed;

Communications and Outreach

Draft and distribute newsletters, announcements, reminders and other communications for youth participants, families, educators, and partners;
Coordinate communications related to program activities, events, opportunities, deadlines, and participant engagement;
Collect and share participant stories, testimonials, photos, updates, and program highlights to support reporting, outreach, social media, and communications in collaboration with the Director of Communications and leadership;
Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS
Education: High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of two years administrative support experience in youth programming, event planning, and/or advocacy/ political work.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Strong organizational skills and project management skills
Excellent time management skills with proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills across various audiences
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to cultivate partnerships and collaborate across various groups
Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as on a team
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and organizational needs
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Experience coordinating schedules, meetings, calendars, events, and administrative processes
Strong digital data management skills with both Mac and PC environments
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, or similar software with the ability to learn new or updated software
Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, open communication, continuous learning, and constructive feedback.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Familiarity with positive youth development strategies and values
Familiarity with Chicago Public Schools’ and charter systems
Experience organizing and leading student fields trips
Experience facilitating both virtual and in-person youth programming
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Experience and/or training with cultural, ethnic, and language diversity

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is $50,000 annually. We offer a competitive benefits package to include paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401K, disability and life insurance.

ABOUT OUR WORK
Mikva Challenge is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to develop youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens and community members who will promote a just and equitable society. We do this by engaging youth in our civic learning model, an authentic and transformative learning process built on youth voice and youth expertise. Youth in Mikva’s programming experience unique civic learning opportunities in the political process including: public policy advocacy, government internships, and youth activism programs. Our approaches include direct youth work, teacher support, and liaising with civic leaders and institutions. We believe strongly in the potential of youth and are committed to advancing youth power and voice.

Across the country, participants in Mikva Challenge programs consistently report meaningful growth and lasting impact. Young people express greater confidence in their ability to improve their schools and communities and to work with others to drive change. Educators describe feeling more energized and inspired in their roles, and community leaders increasingly value their partnership with youth as trusted collaborators in shaping policies and community solutions.

To learn more about the impact of Mikva Challenge, we invite you to explore our latest annual report, which highlights youth in action and features reflections from alumni, insights from educators, and perspectives from our community partners.

EQUITY STATEMENT
Mikva Challenge is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity, and gender expression), sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. We strongly encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply.

Apply for this position

Required*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Address

Resume*

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Cover Letter

What's your citizenship / employment eligibility?

What's your highest level of education completed?*

What languages do you speak fluently?

Desired salary*

Can you work evenings?*

How did you hear about this job opportunity?*

If you selected "Other", please provide additional detail.

Are you located in the Chicago metro area, or willing to self relocate to the area for this opportunity?*

This role is budgeted at a salary of $50,000. Does this align with your expectations?*

Are you available and willing to work evening hours (to 8pm) up to 3 days per week, and occasional weekends?*

Have you facilitated or co-facilitated group meetings, workshops, or learning sessions with youth?*

What age group(s) have your primarily worked with? (Select all that apply)* Middle SchoolHigh schoolTransition (ages 18-24)No prior youth-facing experience

Which best describes your experience using trauma-informed practices in youth-facing work?

Which best describes your experience using culturally responsive practices in youth-facing work?*

How many years of experience do you have with program coordination, documentation, or tracking in youth-facing work?*

Pre-Employment Screening Notice:

If selected for hire, I understand that, as a condition of employment, I will be required to complete a pre-employment screening process, including a criminal background check and verification of work eligibility. I acknowledge that any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings, in accordance with applicable state and local laws and Mikva Challenge’s policies.* I acknowledge and consent to the required pre-employment screening process as outlined above.I do not consent to the required pre-employment screening process as outlined above and understand this may impact my eligibility for employment.

The following questions are entirely optional.

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.

Gender

Race/Ethnicity

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 05/31/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Please check one of the boxes below:

YES, I HAVE A DISABILITY, OR HAVE HAD ONE IN THE PAST NO, I DO NOT HAVE A DISABILITY AND HAVE NOT HAD ONE IN THE PAST I DO NOT WANT TO ANSWER

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

You must enter your name and date
Name	Date

Human Check*

Submit Application

Thanks for visiting our Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.

Youth Council Coordinator

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

REQUIREMENTSEducation: High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree preferred.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Apply for this position

REQUIREMENTS
Education: High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree preferred.