Organization Overview

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our comprehensive approach to whole girl development equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. These positive outcomes are achieved through three core elements: people – trained staff and volunteers who build lasting, mentoring relationships; environment – girls-only, physically and emotionally safe, where there is a sisterhood of support, high expectations, and mutual respect; and programming – research-based, hands-on and minds-on, age-appropriate, meeting the needs of today’s girls. Informed by girls and their families, we also advocate for legislation and policies to increase opportunities for all girls and address the systemic barriers that impede girls’ success, particularly girls in low-income communities and girls of color. 

Position Overview

Girls Inc. of Chicago has an exciting opportunity for a Full Time Learning Coordinator. The Learning Coordinator  is often the main point of contact at one of more sites and is responsible for implementing and adapting a wide variety of enrichment activities for grades K-12th, year-round, during the school year and during out-of-school time hours. Lead Facilitators will be responsible for leading instruction, and curriculum-based content for hands-on/minds-on activities and discussions designed to increase knowledge, strengthen self-confidence, and cultivate communication and other pro-social skills. The Learning Coordinator will be responsible for coaching instructional and part-time facilitators, the daily implementation of school-based activities, and cultivating relationships with school staff – aligned to supporting girls.

Girls Inc. of Chicago Youth Programs may take place during the school day, during afterschool hours, spring break, summer break, and on weekends. Additionally, the Full-Time Learning Coordinator must be open to delivering programs in an in-person environment.

Lastly, all Learning Coordinators support Girls Inc. of Chicago by participating in organization-wide initiatives, as needed, to help ensure that all employees are serving as visible and effective leaders and advocates for Girls Inc. of Chicago.

Primary Responsibilities

• Must be able to facilitate programming to girls in groups of 15 – 25 and between the ages of 5-18, in-person and must adapt session plans for their targeted audience and age group.
• Prepare for, and facilitate hands-on and intentional programming activities within our Core Essential Services (Healthy Living, Academic Enrichment and Support, Life Skills);
• Develop content according to the guidelines and delivery schedule outlined in Girls Inc’s in-person programming models;
• Maintain safe spaces by implementing in-person and online safeguards for engagement;
• Conduct essential tasks to ensure the maintenance of program equipment and distribution of at-home activity supplies;
• Identifies ways to encourage, collect, and share girls’ work;
• Coordinate all exposure experiences for assigned school sites.
• Share photos, quotes, videos, and success stories at least bi-weekly with stakeholders including the CEO, Development Department, Board of Directors, etc.
• Submit Girl of the Month materials including photos and completed questionnaire each month in alignment with required deadlines.
• Provide direction and coaching, regardless of location, to instructional and part-time facilitators including but not limited to scheduling and feedback on performance.
• Collaborate, and be in regular communication, with school-staff to determine ongoing girl needs, and opportunities to align activities to academic goals;
• Support with the planning and implementation of special events/projects;
• Supports goals for girl engagement and family outreach;
• Recruit girls from their school sites to participate in Spring and Summer Camp, InnovateHER Fest and similar all-Girls Inc. of Chicago events
• Attend regular staff meetings, trainings and work in collaboration with Girls Inc. staff and partner contacts;
• Maintain relationships with girls & their families and provide individual support ensuring their ability to effectively engage in the program;
• Create and share family engagement activities for independent projects;
• Collect family and girls needs assessment data;
• Effectively communicate with girls and their families, when engaging during sessions, by-phone via email and online
• Maintain and track girl attendance, using a comprehensive tracking database in support of program evaluation.
• Enter attendance in Compass 360 every week
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of girl growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning and knowledge of equity issues facing girls of color.
• Must be punctual, prepared, have a positive attitude and is at ease with, (and adept at) using a variety of lively program techniques (brainstorming, role-playing, etc.).
• Must be self-directed, detail oriented with proven written and oral communication skills, as well as group facilitation skills.
• Must be a high-energy, caring, self-starter, innovative and have high level of competency in cultural diversity.
• Ability to effectively maintain information for recording purposes and standards of record keeping
• Proficient in Word and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to relate effectively and work collaboratively with youth, families and professionals.
• Must be CPR and First Aide certified.
• Proven experience working with diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
• Must have a valid driver license, reliable and consistent transportation and the ability, to work and travel daily, between the hours of 8am-6pm to multiple school sites throughout Chicago, predominantly throughout the South Side.

Education & Experience

• Achieved a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Youth Development, Human Development, Social Work, or related discipline;
• A minimum of 2-year prior experience working with youth as a Program Facilitator and experience cultivating partnership with community-based and/or school leaders;
• Bilingual with advanced fluency in English/Spanish (verbal and written)
• Reliable and able to work the entire school year. Girls develop meaningful relationships with their facilitators, and it is difficult for girls when they transition, in the middle of the school year;
• Candidates must pass a criminal history records check, and drug screening, in addition to other Chicago Public Schools safety requirements.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position requires the ability to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment, and the physical ability to perform light lifting. This person must be able to communicate effectively with program participants. Work is generally performed in an office or classroom setting, and may involve standing, stooping, bending, and walking. Girls Inc. will make accommodations when necessary. This person may be required to travel to various locations throughout Chicago. Generally, the working conditions have little or no exposure to extremes in safety hazards or hazardous materials.

Girls Inc. of Chicago has a Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

GIRLS INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.