Illinois Action for Children (“IAFC”), a local, state, and national leader in the early childhood care and education sector for over 50 years. IAFC programs, services, and advocacy improve learning and life outcomes for children and families, including reducing the effects of poverty. IAFC works to ensure that every child in Illinois – particularly those in need – have access to the necessary resources to succeed in school and in life.

Along with our mission, IAFC is committed to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist culture. We are dedicated to this pledge through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and servicing our staff and clients. IAFC staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our essential work.

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director of Advocacy, the Community Engagement Associate is responsible for recruiting, building and maintaining relationships with parents for Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) work on research-policy-advocacy design lifecycle; identifying and fostering leadership among parents on our projects such as our parent auxillary committee (PAC), Parent Support Group for We, The Village, and parent leaders on the Family Advisory Council of the FAC (as some examples); and focusing on intensive community organizing in selected areas of the state. The Associate promotes Illinois Action for Children programs and initiatives by making meaningful connections with providers and families. The Organizer provides consumer education and resources to families and providers, and engages families and providers in community and professional meetings. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with Organization standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Associates degree; one to two years related experience and/or training; One to two years experience in grassroots organizing; public speaking and presentation skills, writing and editing.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Access to reliable personal transportation, insurance, valid driver’s license and good driving record required

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent communications and community organizing skills
• Ability to travel throughout city and state
• Ability to work independently

Benefits of Working at IAFC:

• Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
• We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiassed and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
• We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:
• Health, dental and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage and 65% for family coverage
• 401k with company match
• Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Company paid STD & LTD insurance
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and other perks

Location: Uptown, Chicago, IL Salary: $43,700 min/year

The position is remote, but candidates must reside in Illinois.

Illinois Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer

While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule.

As established by the Illinois Action for Children Board of Directors, all employees are required to receive a vaccination against COVID-19, unless a medical or religious reasonable accommodation is approved. If offered a job, the candidate must be able to prove that they have been vaccinated with one of the CDC-authorized vaccines, including either Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson / Janssen or request and be granted an accommodation before their start date or December 10, 2021, whichever is later.