Capacity Building Fellow Graduate Internship

CJC PROGRAM FELLOW

2026/2027

Interview timeline April 6 -May 1

Anticipated start date: October 5, 2026

Partnership with Crown Family School 

Chicago Jobs Council’s (CJC) is a workforce development intermediary that keeps jobseekers at the center of all we do. CJC advocates for jobseekers, by researching current pressing matters for the field, develop recommendations and share them broadly to create systemic change. CJC builds capacity for the workforce development field, by developing curriculum that’s offered through trainings, cohort learning and leadership academies based on our research of best practices. CJC influences City, State and Federal Policies related to increasing funding for our public workforce system, creating equitable pathways and eliminating barriers to employment. 

Our Mission: Together with community and institutional leaders, Chicago Jobs Council is re-imagining our workforce system so all people can thrive through employment. 

Our Vision is to create an anti-racist workforce development system and employment equity so that everyone can realize their unique pathway out of poverty.

CJC’s capacity building arm delivers training and develops resources to help business service specialists, career coaches, case managers, and other service providers develop their skills, knowledge and networks to better deliver employment and training services to job seekers who may have barriers to employment, low-income workers, and employers.  CJC offers over 20 professional trainings each year, serving more than 500 participants.  Program staff additionally work with the CJC Policy Team to deliver quarterly convenings which provides free programming and networking opportunities to hundreds more professionals in the field.

Capacity Building Goals

1. Learning & Development: Through public and customized trainings, learning cohorts, and communities of practice, CJC cultivates an environment where workforce development professionals can learn and share their best practices in the field.

1. Research & Innovation: Through engagement with members and partner organizations, CJC keeps a pulse on important themes and trends, connecting the dots to develop curriculum, tools, and resources that advance the workforce development field.

1. Changing Systems: Through partnerships with community and systems leaders, CJC engages with stakeholders to facilitate changes that lead to a more equitable workforce development system.

Program Fellow Responsibilities:

The Fellow will assist in the administration, coordination, and expansion of CJC’s capacity building program. Specifically, the Fellow would be engaged in the types of tasks and responsibilities outlined below. 

NOTE: The Program Fellow position is a hybrid position. CJC staff works in-person in our office located at 29 E. Madison St, Suite 1700-C, Chicago, IL 60602. The Program Fellow should be flexible to work remotely and in-person; work location is subject to change.

Evaluation

• Engage in data collection methods (i.e. surveys, focus groups, etc.) to determine training needs of workforce attendee staff and inform the continued growth of capacity-building programming


• Support with data analysis and reporting of follow-up surveys for CJC trainings, Annual Survey, focus groups, and other participant feedback


• Research and evaluate program processes and recommend process improvements


• Use data to inform marketing/outreach efforts

• Program Support and Implementation
  
  
  
  • Assist in the research new curriculum, as needed
  
  
  • Support the development of webinars, in person trainings, meetings, and elearning materials
  
  
  • Learn and assist in putting up electronic communications, promotional materials, program materials, social media posts, and communication reminders
  
  
  • Collaborate with staff to update website, with current training and registration information
  
  
  • Provide logistical support for virtual and in-person trainings, convenings and meetings for Workforce Development professionals
  
  
  • Support with research for special projects, customized trainings, and other capacity building initiatives 
  
  
  • Other duties as needed
  
  
  
  

Skills and Qualifications:

• Commitment to the advancement of CJCs organizational mission. 


• Interest in nonprofit or program management, program evaluation, process improvement, and data management.


• Clear, concise, and persuasive written and verbal communication skills.


• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.


• Possesses self-starting work habits (sees what needs to be done without being told) that demonstrate a clear understanding of CJC’s priorities and one’s own responsibilities, while at the same time being open to receiving direction. 


• Participates well in a team including listening to and respecting team members’ ideas, willingness to provide backup on other team members’ projects, display of adaptability when a change is made, and openness to incorporating team feedback on written communications. 


• Excellent organizational, time management and project management skills that allow for the handling of multiple and competing priorities while meeting short and long term deadlines.


• Ability to think systemically and make recommendations based on thorough research.  


• Proficiency with computer applications in Windows Operating System, especially Google Suite applications (primarily Drive, Docs, and Sheets) and MS Office Suite; proficiency with (or ability to learn quickly) web-based survey and design applications (SurveyMonkey, Canva, Piktochart), and internal database applications.

Other Information

The time commitment for this position is flexible, but ideally would include a minimum of 20-24 hours/week (3 days/week). The position includes a small stipend. 

Application Process

To apply to this position, please submit a resume and cover letter via https://cjc.bamboohr.com/careers/78 

Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is committed to building an inclusive staff and strongly encourages applications from individuals of color, people with disabilities, individuals with diverse backgrounds, and those whose life experience is underrepresented in employment programs and policies.

CJC recognizes that systemic, institutional and individual racism creates disparities in the way people of color fare in the labor market. We are continuously working to review and update our practices, policies, and procedures using a racial equity lens in order to achieve more equitable outcomes for all.