Safe Spaces Program Coordinator
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Gads Hill Center
Chicago, IL, US
Summary
The Program Coordinator is responsible for planning and implementing the Safe Spaces program, including supervising youth participants and managing community-driven events. This role involves fostering a supportive environment, tracking program data, and collaborating with local partners to ensure program goals are met.
Job Description
Job Details: Level: Experienced, Job Location: Pilsen Administrative Offices - Chicago, IL, Position Type: Seasonal, Salary Range: $25.00 - $25.00Hourly, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, Safe Spaces Program Coordinator (Temporary Position September 2026-December 2026)
ReportsTo: Director of Mental Health and Youth Programs
MISSION:
Gads Hill Center, a social service organization established in 1898, creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources, and community engagement.
At Gads Hill Center we envision a community in which all children and youth benefit from healthy, financially stable households that support their learning and growth. We invest in the potential of children, youth, and families through early childhood education, positive youth development, mental health and family support. Ultimately, Gads Hill Center supports building a community where all families can help their children have access to quality education in order to succeed in school and life.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Program Coordinator is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of the My Chi. My Future. Safe Spaces program at Gads Hill Center, serving youth in the North Lawndale community. This role leads youth workforce development activities and oversees the planning and execution of youth-driven community events that provide safe, engaging spaces for teens and young adults. The Program Coordinator ensures that programming is culturally responsive and community-informed, centering youth voice, leadership, and positive youth development while addressing the unique strengths and needs of youth in North Lawndale.
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Management
Supervise and mentor employed youth participants (ages 16–24) from the North Lawndale community, supporting their roles as paid program participants while fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment
Coordinate and implement all program activities, ensuring alignment with program goals and performance measures
Lead the planning and execution of youth-driven events in North Lawndale, including logistics, vendor coordination, outreach support, and day-of-event management
Facilitate youth workforce development by supporting skill-building in communication, teamwork, leadership, and event planning
Guide youth participants in developing and implementing event ideas that reflect the interests and experiences of their peers and community
Build and maintain program schedules, track participant attendance and engagement, and support youth in completing required program hours
Collaborate with the Resource Coordinator and other staff to support recruitment and retention of youth participants within North Lawndale
Support outreach efforts by assisting youth in peer-to-peer recruitment, social media engagement, and community-based promotion within local schools, community spaces, and partner organizations
Collect and enter program data, including attendance and participant feedback, in alignment with organizational and funder requirements
Ensure that all program deliverables are met according to funder requirements
Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including supervision, incident reporting, and emergency procedures
Coordinate with community partners in North Lawndale to secure event space, resources, and wraparound supports for youth participants
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, all GHC employees are responsible for the following:
Participating in supervision meetings and workshops within the agency and outside.
Participating in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Gads Hill Center.
Advancing parent leadership development.
Performing other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in youth development, education, social services, or a related field
Minimum of 2–3 years of experience working directly with youth, particularly teens and young adults in community-based settings
Ability to train, lead, and energize a youth team to achieve program goals.
Demonstrated experience planning and executing events, including logistics coordination and community engagement
Strong understanding of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth-centered practices, particularly in historically under-resourced communities
Familiarity with the North Lawndale community or surrounding communities is required
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
Must be able to pass a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check.
Active Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Certification
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends when young people and their families are most available
BENEFITS:
Competitive Salaries
Generous Paid Time Off
403B Plan (Up to 5% match following 2 years of employment)
POSITION DETAILS:
Hourly Wage: $25/Hour
Schedule: Temporary Part-time
Status: Hourly
Location: North Lawndale/Pilsen (Lower West Side)
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
To apply, please visit our careers page at www.gadshillcenter.org/careers
Qualifications:
Our Mission
Since 1898, Gads Hill Center creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources and community engagement.
Our Values
• Children and their families – their ability to learn, to lead and to positively shape their future.
• The transformational power of education, the strength of families, and the engagement of communities.
• Our staff for their professionalism and dedication to the success of our children and their families.
• Our supporters and funders, who are our partners in creating well-managed programs and services.
Our Programs
Gads Hill Center supports low-income families on the west and southwest sides of Chicago. We currently work with more than 4,000 children and their families by providing high-quality, accredited programs and services:
• Early Childhood Education: Empowers parents to be their children’s first teachers with early childhood development resources for over 160 expectant parents and families and comprehensive educational and developmental services to over 550 at-risk children from newborns to age five.
• Youth Services: Provides out-of-school programs to children from kindergarten through sixth grades, mentoring to at-risk sixth through eight graders, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) focused academic enrichment and college preparatory programs to high school students, serving more than 400 students annually.
• Comprehensive Family Support and Community Services: Connects nearly 800 children & families to comprehensive resources that meet their educational, job and health-related goals on a continued basis.
Founded
1898
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Our Mission
Since 1898, Gads Hill Center creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources and community engagement.
Our Values
• Children and their families – their ability to learn, to lead and to positively shape their future.
• The transformational power of education, the strength of families, and the engagement of communities.
• Our staff for their professionalism and dedication to the success of our children and their families.
• Our supporters and funders, who are our partners in creating well-managed programs and services.
Our Programs
Gads Hill Center supports low-income families on the west and southwest sides of Chicago. We currently work with more than 4,000 children and their families by providing high-quality, accredited programs and services:
• Early Childhood Education: Empowers parents to be their children’s first teachers with early childhood development resources for over 160 expectant parents and families and comprehensive educational and developmental services to over 550 at-risk children from newborns to age five.
• Youth Services: Provides out-of-school programs to children from kindergarten through sixth grades, mentoring to at-risk sixth through eight graders, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) focused academic enrichment and college preparatory programs to high school students, serving more than 400 students annually.
• Comprehensive Family Support and Community Services: Connects nearly 800 children & families to comprehensive resources that meet their educational, job and health-related goals on a continued basis.
Founded
1898
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
