Community Engagement Associate

The Community Engagement Associate (the Associate) manages campaigns for community awareness and engagement to advance access to high quality child care and early education. The Associate promotes Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) programs and initiatives by making meaningful connections with providers and families.  The Associate provides consumer education and resources to families and providers, and engages families and providers in community and professional meetings. Responsibilities include:

• Creates opportunities for dialogue within communities to enable providers and families to inform the work of Illinois Action for Children.
• Participates in staff training across IAFC departments to ensure Public Policy and IDHS priorities are understood by all staff that work with providers and families, coordinating staff participation in  community engagement opportunities.
• Connects providers and families to appropriate IAFC programs and services based on assessment of needs.
• Works with child care consultants, providers and parents on providing community presentations that promote quality early care and education. 
• Builds and develops relationships with child care consultants, community partners, faith-based contacts and possible donors of materials for community engagement activities, with a focus on promoting early care and education opportunities.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree and one to two years related experience; one to two years experience in grassroots organizing; public speaking and presentation skills, writing and editing. Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred; excellent communications skills;  access to reliable personal transportation, valid drivers license and insurance; willingness to travel throughout city and suburbs; ability to work independently.

The ideal candidate will have professional experience in organizing – including skills in identifying grassroots leaders, experience in managing and developing core base of leaders, organizing and managing policy campaigns at the state level, coalition-building with stakeholders and legislators.

Location: 4753 N. Broadway, Chicago

Salary: $42,840/yr