Youth Council Coordinator

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.