Program Coordinator

About the Role

Mikva Challenge is hiring a Program Coordinator to help deliver youth leadership, civic engagement, education, workforce development, and community-centered programming. The role combines administrative, operational, logistical, facilitation, communication, and participant-support responsibilities across youth-facing and educator-facing initiatives, as well as local and national events that advance the organization’s civic leadership mission.

The right candidate will be highly organized, polished, adaptable, and comfortable building trusted relationships with different partners. This person should enjoy working across several priorities at once while helping create a positive experience for participants, collaborators, and staff.

Work Location and Schedule

This is a hybrid role based in downtown Chicago, Illinois, with time split between the office and remote work. The role is not eligible for paid relocation. The position is full-time. Evening work until 8:00 p.m. is required up to three days each week, and occasional weekend availability is also needed.

The position reports to the Managing Director of Programs, IL.

Core Program Support

• Assist with carrying out youth leadership, civic engagement, workforce development, educational, and chapter-based programs and initiatives.
• Handle event and session logistics, including preparing space, materials, food, transportation, and technology so activities run without disruption.
• Provide administrative backing to program staff through calendar management, meeting coordination, scheduling, and related tasks.
• Collaborate on planning sessions and activities with program leads when needed.
• Support facilitation and, at times, lead facilitation for program and council sessions alongside program leads.
• Recruit, orient, engage, and support youth participants throughout their involvement.
• Carry out outreach, attendance tracking, check-ins, and follow-up communication to strengthen retention and participation.
• Keep accurate records and program documentation, including attendance, engagement tracking, case notes, surveys, evaluations, compliance items, and other data.
• Prepare agendas, presentations, materials, resources, and other tools needed to deliver programs effectively.
• Help youth create, administer, and review surveys and feedback tools that inform programs and community initiatives.
• Support the planning and execution of local and national events through administrative, logistical, and participant-engagement support.

Community Engagement

• Coordinate youth involvement in community learning, leadership, and service opportunities.
• Work with community-based organizations, schools, employers, guest speakers, and other local and national stakeholders to support program delivery, events, and engagement.
• Help prepare outreach materials, logistics, and participants for external experiences and events.
• Represent the organization at meetings, events, and community activities when needed.

Communications and Outreach

• Write and send newsletters, announcements, reminders, and other messages for youth participants, families, educators, and partners.
• Coordinate communications tied to activities, events, opportunities, deadlines, and engagement efforts.
• Gather participant stories, testimonials, photos, updates, and highlights to support reporting, outreach, social media, and broader communications in partnership with communications leadership.
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Education: A high school diploma or GED is required, or an equivalent mix of education and work experience. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience: At least 2 years of administrative support experience in youth programming, event planning, and/or advocacy or political work.

Competencies and Qualifications

• Strong organization and project coordination abilities
• Excellent time management and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for different audiences
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build partnerships across groups
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Comfort adapting to changing priorities and organizational needs
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• Experience managing schedules, meetings, calendars, events, and administrative workflows
• Strong digital data management skills in both Mac and PC environments
• Comfort using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, or comparable tools, with the ability to learn new systems quickly
• Commitment to teamwork, open communication, ongoing learning, and constructive feedback

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of positive youth development approaches and values
• Familiarity with Chicago Public Schools and charter school systems
• Experience organizing and leading student field trips
• Experience facilitating both virtual and in-person youth programming
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish
• Experience and/or training related to cultural, ethnic, and language diversity

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary for this role is $50,000. Benefits include paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), disability insurance, and life insurance.

About the Organization

Mikva Challenge is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on helping young people become informed, empowered, and active citizens who contribute to a just and equitable society. Its civic learning model centers youth voice and youth expertise, offering experiences such as public policy advocacy, government internships, and youth activism programs. The organization works directly with youth, supports teachers, and partners with civic leaders and institutions to advance youth power and voice.

Participants in Mikva Challenge programs report meaningful personal growth and long-term impact, including greater confidence in their ability to improve schools and communities and work with others to create change. Educators often feel more energized and inspired, and community leaders increasingly recognize youth as trusted collaborators in shaping policy and community solutions.

Equity Statement

Mikva Challenge is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, marital status, employee organization membership, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor. Candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.