Job Description

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Community Engagement & Extended Learning Coordinator Job Description

Job Type: Full-time

About Cultivate Collective and the Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC):

Cultivate Collective and the Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) are two distinct nonprofit organizations united in their mission to drive meaningful, multi-generational impact within the LeClaire Courts community on Chicago’s southwest side. Cultivate Collective’s mission focuses on integrating education, wellness, sustainability, and economic vitality through its recently opened six-acre neighborhood learning and wellness hub. This hub, which began operations in the fall of 2023, includes comprehensive community facilities, resources, and programming designed to cultivate a thriving, just, and resilient future for all.

The hub offers a wide range of amenities including a health care center, a fresh foods store and café, teaching kitchens, community gardens, wellness facilities, neighborhood walking trails, green spaces, and a three-acre urban farm. This state-of-the-art development is on track to be the first in the state to achieve full climate resiliency through on-site net-positive energy production, battery storage, and net-positive water systems. These features not only promote sustainability but also serve as a model for future resilient and equitable community development.

AGC, which provides innovative, nature-based education through its Head Start early childhood center and K-8 public school, is an integral part of this hub. By co-locating with AGC, Cultivate Collective creates a seamless cradle-to-college pipeline, essential to the Purpose Built Communities model aimed at breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. This collaboration ensures that AGC’s students and families benefit from a holistic approach to education and community support, enhancing the overall impact on our local population.

Furthermore, Cultivate Collective's six-acre development serves as a catalyst for the neighboring 34 vacant acres and the planned future mixed-income housing development on the former LeClaire Courts Chicago Housing Authority site. Cultivate’s $85 million investment is driving much-needed economic and community development in the city’s under-resourced southwest side. Cultivate Collective and AGC aim to serve as a national demonstration site, showcasing the potential for resilient, equitable, and vital communities developed from within. By integrating AGC’s educational programs with Cultivate Collective's extensive community resources, the partnership not only enhances the educational experience but also promotes holistic community development, making a profound multi-generational impact on Chicago’s southwest side.

Job Summary: The Community Engagement and Extended Learning Coordinator will play a pivotal role in strengthening our connection with our community, including AGC’s students and families. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to engage individuals, groups, and organizations in our mission, programs, and initiatives. The coordinator will foster positive relationships, organize community events, and collaborate with various stakeholders to promote community involvement and support. Additionally, the role includes managing extended learning opportunities and programs.

Responsibilities:

Community Engagement:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement strategy and monthly schedule aligned with Cultivate Collective’s mission, goals, and organizational pillars.
• Build collaborative, empathic relationships with AGC families, students, teachers, and the broader community.
• Facilitate engagement activities for families in our community, such as Parent University, STEM night, and Earth Day and sustainable holiday celebration events.
• Organize and attend family and community events (AGC and Cultivate Collective).
• Recruit, onboard, train, and oversee class teachers and program facilitators for all extended learning and community engagement events.
• Foster and maintain monthly meetings with local agencies and community organizations.
• Track and motivate staff participation in community engagement events.
• Plan AGC alumni engagement events and engagement opportunities, and maintain communication with alumni.

Relationship Building:

• Cultivate relationships with community leaders, organizations, and individuals to foster collaboration and support.
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels to keep stakeholders informed about programs, events, and initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between the organization and the community, addressing concerns, answering queries, and providing relevant information.
• Participate in funder meetings as needed and assist with preparation and follow-up.

Expanded Learning Programming:

• Coordinate afterschool and summer programs, including academic, athletic, and creative enrichment opportunities for neighborhood children, including AGC students.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of afterschool and summer programs, including food programming, dismissal, and ensuring a safe environment.
• Develop and maintain partnerships that bring learning opportunities to programs at AGC and Cultivate.
• Support related grant and sponsorship opportunities in collaboration with the fundraising team.
• Plan and coordinate summer enrichment and extended learning programs during AGC breaks.
• Manage budget and participant database for programs and hold families accountable for fee schedules.

Volunteer Management:

• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to support community engagement activities.
• Lead and maintain AGC’s Volunteer system, including the cultivation and engagement of family member volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteer schedules, assignments, and recognition programs.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to volunteers to ensure their satisfaction and effectiveness.

Community Events and Outreach:

• Plan, organize, and execute community events, workshops, and informational sessions to promote awareness of both organization’s mission and programs.
• Coordinate outreach activities, including presentations, booths at community fairs, and participation in relevant community gatherings.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure events align with organizational objectives and messaging.
• Publish a monthly newsletter and calendar for external events at the Cultivate Collective hub.
• Develop content and manage postings on Cultivate Collective’s social media platforms to enhance community engagement and awareness.

Collaborative Partnerships:

• Identify and establish partnerships with local businesses, civic organizations, schools, and other community stakeholders to enhance community engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to co-create and implement joint programs and initiatives.
• Attend relevant meetings, conferences, and networking events to expand the organization’s reach and influence.

Metrics and Reporting:

• Track and measure the impact of community engagement efforts through data collection and analysis.
• Prepare reports on engagement activities, outcomes, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Provide regular updates to the management team and board of directors regarding community engagement initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or a related role within the non-profit sector.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to connect with diverse individuals and groups.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute community events and initiatives.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms, online communication tools, and other technology for community engagement purposes.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for Cultivate Collective’s mission and commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience in educational or afterschool programming.
• Knowledge of grant writing and fundraising strategies.

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience and level of education. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, vision, dental, 401k, and paid time off.

Application: Please submit a résumé and cover letter addressing your interest in the position, an overview of your experience, and alignment with the mission of Cultivate Collective to se@cultivate-collective.org.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, or disability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends & holidays off

Work setting:

• In-person
• School

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60638 (Required)

Work Location: In person

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