Youth Council Coordinator

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 political campaigns, 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 youth power and voice.

Mikva Challenge evaluations show the lasting impact of its programs.

• 82% of students reported an increase in their civic knowledge.
• 77% of students developed their sense of civic agency and increased their future commitment to civic action.
• 83% of students took on new civic leadership.
• 79% of students reported gains in their socio-emotional skills — many of which have direct academic outcomes.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Mikva Challenge is seeking a Youth Council Coordinator who is passionate about youth civic leadership to join our team. The Youth Council Coordinator supports Mikva Challenge’s Citywide Youth Councils (CYC) and Youth Organizing Academy (YOA). 

Our Citywide Youth Councils strengthen youth voice and leadership in our local schools, city government and local elections. Through our youth-led civic learning model, young people engage in deep reflection, community mapping, participatory primary research of their peers, research and root cause analysis, and strategy development to develop youth-led policy recommendations, hold youth forums and/or advocate for youth priorities to key local decision-makers. The councils also serve as a mechanism for a broader base of Chicago youth to have input on key city policy decisions that affect them.

The Youth Organizing Academy is our civic workforce development program, training the next generation of organizers for employment with community organizations, labor unions, policy organizations, and political campaigns. YOA cultivates relationships with hiring partners to support youth placements.

The Youth Council Coordinator provides both administrative and  programmatic support across these initiatives across Chicago. The Coordinator maintains program logistics and documentation for the assigned councils, including attendance tracking, case notes, leadership development, evaluations, social media updates, and other related data entry. The Coordinator also co-facilitates Council meetings, and coordinates students' research and work sessions outside of the weekly meetings. 

OFFICE LOCATION
This is a hybrid position, working 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: Senior Director of IL Councils

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and maintain program logistics and documentation for the assigned councils, regarding member attendance, case notes for member interactions, leadership development, evaluations, social media updates, and other related data entry;
• Take the lead with logistics and coordination for in person sessions, including ensuring program supplies, student travel and food
• Implement programming for the off-hours research students will engage in throughout the school year;
• Help ensure consistent communication with youth, parents and guardians regarding participation, programming and related matters; 
• Organize recruitment and student interview efforts, including setting timeline and schedule for youth recruitment and hiring throughout the year;
• Lead CYC youth onboarding in partnership with Operations;
• Co-facilitate weekly sessions for the councils with the Council Managers;
• Lead CYC office hours and facilitate goal setting chick-ins with all youth participants; 
• Research and stay abreast of community events for the council to engage in;
• Assist with communication between youth, partners/service providers, and/or parents for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts as needed
• Help youth design effective surveys, analyze survey results, and utilize research in powerful ways to further youth interests and goals in partnership with the Director of Data and Evaluation and Council ManagersI;
• Assist other programs and departments as needed with campaign trips and special events, including organizational fundraisers; 
• Collaborate with the staff as needed to better support youth;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

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

EXPERIENCE: One to three years of experience in youth programming, advocacy, government, or teaching required.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experienced user of Google Workspaces, Zoom, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office products (Excel and Word)
• Willingness to learn and a growth mindset
• Ability to independently research a topic or issue
• Knowledge of Positive Youth Development strategies and values
• Knowledge of Chicago Public Schools’ and charter systems
• Strong public speaking and workshop facilitation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High energy and a willingness to be flexible and creative
• Ability to engage, manage and cultivate relationships with diverse stakeholders with a varied range of perspectives
• Adept at working both independently and as part of a team

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 preferred

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.

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.