CAREERS

We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college.  For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational resources and tools today.

LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.

Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students.  In the 2024-2025 academic year, we will serve 350 Scholars (Jr. LINK, High School Fellowship, & Collegiate Scholars). Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future?  Then join our team!

Position Summary

The Director, Recruitment & Engagement is a key member of the Program Team who leads all Scholar and Volunteer/Mentor recruitment initiatives and builds organizational presence and awareness across Chicagoland communities ensuring the enrollment of 65-100 new students and mentors annually.

Additionally, the Director, Recruitment & Engagement will lead all work in the coordination and facilitation of our Jr. LINK middle school fellowship (7th-8th grade) supporting a cohort of 30-50+ Scholars annually to ensure successful matriculation into our high school fellowship.  The Director, Recruitment & Engagement will report to the VP, Programs & Evaluation and manage two (2) Coordinators of Recruitment and Engagement.

Recruitment

• Create and implement a recruitment strategy for Scholars as well as Mentors and volunteers for the organization.
• Oversee the application process for Scholars and Mentors as well as oversee strategy for Mentor engagement.
• Facilitate 4-6 Mentor/Scholar events/programs a year.
• Facilitate events and programming to garner interest for new applicants (students, mentors, and volunteers).
• Build relationships with middle and high schools for the purpose of recruitment and targeted programming.
• Develop school partnerships to support recruitment efforts as well as high school options for our middle school Scholars.
• Collaborate with corporate partners to recruit and establish mentor cohorts.
• Maintain data relating to school demographics, point of contact, academic successes, etc. for all attended high school fairs and partners.
• Chaperone Scholar experiences (retreats, field trips, etc.).
• Work with the Executive Leadership Team to develop strategies to position LINK as thought leader in the areas of High school Success and middle school academic development.
• Develop a communications plan and set cadence for check-ins with mentors as well as school and community partners.
• Co-lead execution of programming and related events as a member of the Programs department.
• Other duties as assigned.

Jr. LINK (Middle School Fellowship)

• Oversee and Manage the Coordinator, Outreach and Scholar Support with coordination of Jr. LINK Scholar recruitment, application process, and program implementation.
• In preparation for Summer Orientation & Summer Learning, implement the strategy, systems development, and execution of new student registration and enrollment.
• In collaboration with the Program Team, implement the strategy and systems development for Summer Orientation, Summer Learning, and Fall Kickoff.
• Lead and manage all Jr. LINK recruitment and engagement activities (e.g. principal and counselor breakfast, community events, etc.).
• Coordinate a robust high school college fair, workshop(s), and other activities to ensure Jr. LINK Scholars and parents are prepared and guided through the high school selection process.
• Develop a communications plan and set cadence for check-ins with Jr. LINK schools and community partners.
• In collaboration with the Program Team, support Scholar educational and support programs to ensure Jr. LINK participation and engagement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Data Analysis & Strategic Direction

• Works with the VP, Programs & Evaluation to design feedback strategies to gather stakeholder feedback to inform recruitment and engagement efforts.
• Manage the collection and organization of data to evaluate and measure outcomes.
  • Identify and recommend key recruitment and engagement indicators and outcomes.
  • Track and report regularly on outcomes of recruitment & engagement efforts.
  • Utilize and interpret data for program and process evaluation and decision making so as to make recommendations for continuous improvements.
  • Maintain student/family and partner information in Salesforce.
• Translate findings from outcomes, survey data, and stakeholder feedback into actionable insights.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree REQUIRED.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of previous recruitment experience or responsibilities similar to this role (e.g. sales or other recruitment related experiences) is REQUIRED.
  • Experience working with students and families in the nonprofit or education sector, preferably with Black students, highly desired.
  • Catholic, Urban Public School, and/or Charter School experience is a plus.
• A minimum of five (5) years Supervisory experience that has included full or part-time direct reports is REQUIRED.
• Strong experience in managing customer/client/stakeholder experiences.
  • Previous roles and experience where ensuring a positive customer/client/stakeholder experience was central and most important.  Customer/client/stakeholder driven.
• Experience developing and managing partnerships with either community-based organizations, corporations, institutions of higher learning, civic leaders, etc.
• Strong experience using data to drive and achieve programmatic outcomes, programmatic improvement, and demonstrate impact, including survey design and analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Ability to speak in public, engage, and build relationships with diverse stakeholders (Scholars, Parents, Mentors, Volunteers, etc.).
  • Strong presentation skills, both in-person & virtual.
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Ability to break down tasks into manageable sections in order to make informed decisions to tackle a larger problem.
• Demonstrated ability to work at a rigorous pace, prioritize multiple projects/assignments, communicate about challenges, plan, and most importantly, follow through to meet deadlines and objectives.
  • Experience using Project Management platforms to manage goal progress (preferably Basecamp).
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs and priorities.
• Ability to perceive and resolve a gap between a present situation and a desired goal.
• Demonstrated experience working with electronic databases.
  • Salesforce Experience preferred.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, or similar software with the ability to learn new or updated software.

Characteristics

• Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
• Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
• Strong work ethic.
• A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
• Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work enthusiastically with changing priorities or response to emergency situations.

Work Schedule

Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but requires 40-50 hours per week.  Hybrid schedule:  remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday.  Must also have flexibility to on occasion work Saturdays and evenings to support recruitment, trainings, Mentor-Scholar programming, and other organizational events.

Compensation

Salary range $75k-$85k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, accrued PTO days, 8 Holidays, and a holiday shutdown from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements.  To apply: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/9f42f360-fe7d-4557-a988-51234a605b20/LINK-Unlimited-Scholars

Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.

LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.

We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college.  For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational resources and tools today.

LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.

Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students.  In the 2023-2024 academic year, we will serve 300+ middle and high schoolers. Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future?  Then join our team!

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The Coordinator, Educational Programs and Partnerships is a key member of the Programs Team, responsible for coordinating program logistics and educational program partnerships. This role involves working closely with the Director,  Educational Programs to support the planning and execution of Scholar and external partner programs. The Coordinator will also collaborate with the Scholar Support Team to promote and execute other events as needed. The main goal of this position is to enhance programming for Scholars and increase partnerships and volunteer opportunities across the LINK community.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate Program Logistics

• Collaborate with the Director, EP to conduct market research and gather stakeholder feedback to inform Scholar programming.
• Work with the Director of EP and Director of Scholar Support to organize various workshops and limited opportunity educational programs:
  • Coordinate and assist with college and career workshops.
• Oversee and ensure Schmitt Scholar programming is facilitated.
• Support event logistics for  Saturday Academies, Virtual Career Panels, Scholars Retreats, Scholar Celebration and other events as needed.
• Data Management
  • Track and report on engagement outcomes:
    • Regularly report on program participant outcomes and partnership developments.
  • Maintain partner information in Salesforce.

Coordinate Educational Program Partnerships

• Build partnerships required for executing educational programming events.
  • Communicate with local CBOs to establish educational and programmatic partnerships throughout the academic year and for Summer Learning.
• Oversee and coordinate educational programming event logistics:
  • Secure event spaces and coordinate day-of-event logistics.
  • Handle internal and external communications related to events.
• Serve as a liaison to external partners, volunteers, and supporters:
  • Ensure alignment of organizational goals.
  • Facilitate partnership trainings and ongoing communication.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant programmatic work experience in College Access or Success  or other related Educational or Social Service areas.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building and partnership cultivation skills.
  • Experience in developing new programmatic partnerships with community-based organizations, corporations, civic leaders, and institutions of higher education highly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  Solution focused.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Must be able to prioritize and independently manage projects from implementation through completion; able to multi-task and meet deadlines in a complex environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
• Advanced computer skills, including Google Workspace, Adobe Suite.
  • Experience with Salesforce is preferred.
  • Must have the ability to learn new or updated software.
• Must have some flexibility to on occasion work a slightly later schedule to support special events.   Requires some evening/weekend work.

Characteristics

• Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
• Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
• Strong work ethic.
• A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
• Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work enthusiastically with changing priorities or response to emergency situations.

Work Schedule

Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but requires 40-50 hours per week.  Hybrid schedule:  remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday.  Must be able to occasionally work varied shifts dependent on events and staffing needs. Requires some evening/weekend work.

Compensation

Salary range $48k-$55k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, PTO days, 8 Holidays, and a holiday shut down from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements.  Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/9f42f360-fe7d-4557-a988-51234a605b20/LINK-Unlimited-Scholars

LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.

Saturday Academy Facilitator (Contractual)

We provide talented and highly ambitious Black students in and across Chicago with access, opportunities, and resources to be successful on their journey to, through, and beyond college.  For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational opportunities and resources today.

LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students’ success by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.  Our Scholars are outpacing their peers and graduating college at twice the national average for Black students (56% vs. 28%).  Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 3,500 low- to moderate-income students.  In the 2024-2025 academic year, we will serve 300+ middle and high school students.

Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future?  Then join our team!

Position Summary

As an integral part of the Saturday Academy team, the Saturday Academy Facilitator is responsible for delivering lessons/programming as a part of our leadership development programming. Saturday Academy facilitators work directly with our Scholars to ensure that they are receiving, discussing, and understanding the material and facilitators are curating a rigorous experience. Some Saturday Academy sessions may serve as college access/career exposure experiences during which Scholars engage in activities such as panels, career/college fairs, field trips or college representative visits. During such programming, Saturday Academy Facilitators will serve as chaperones and support Scholars in preparing for, engaging in and reflecting on their experience. All materials are provided for instruction and will be sent to Saturday Academy Facilitators to allow for ample time to internalize the lesson and prepare for execution. Saturday Academy Facilitators will collaborate with and report to the Director, Educational Programs.

Instruction/Grading

• Deliver instruction according to the lesson plans during each (6) Saturday Academy
• Support as chaperone during off-site Saturday Academy Programming and class Retreat
• Support and build relationships with assigned cohort of Scholars as they engage in Saturday Academy programming
• Assist with receiving Scholars and dismissing Scholars from programming
• Grade/score assignments and year-end capstone projects

Planning/Preparation

• Review provided academic materials to internalize the lesson plans and prepare as necessary to deliver instruction
• Attend one mandatory orientation meeting and monthly optional office hour meetings to attain necessary clarity around lesson execution or programming participation
• Track Scholar assignment completion and participation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social/human services, counseling, social work or related field REQUIRED.
• Previous teaching/instructional/ability to facilitate lessons required.
• Ability to interface effectively with Scholars, LINK Staff and volunteers.
• Availability on Select Saturdays: 10/5, 11/16, 12/7, 2/1, 3/8, 4/12
• Ability to ensure appropriate outcomes for Scholars are balanced and maintained

Characteristics

• Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
• Growth mindset and servant leader approach to educating in Chicago
• Cheerful and welcoming demeanor
• Must have outgoing and engaging personality
• Strong work ethic
• A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker
• Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials
• Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion
• Interactive and engaging personality ability to connect

Work Schedule

Part-time, on select Saturdays (10/5/2024, 11/16/2024, 12/7/2024, 2/1/2024, 3/8/2024, 4/12/2024) from 9a-12p, in-person. We ask that facilitators arrive at the venue no later than 30 minutes prior to the start time.

Compensation

Facilitators will be compensated at a rate of $200 per Saturday Academy, totaling $1,200 for the fiscal year. This role is not eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance or any other benefits.

To Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter to Meghann Barnes, Director Educational Programs via: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/9f42f360-fe7d-4557-a988-51234a605b20/LINK-Unlimited-Scholars

LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.