ABOUT US:

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 – has 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 Senior Policy and Engagement Specialist, the Project Manager provides leadership in the execution and implementation of Public Policy, Research, and Advocacy (PPRA) team outreach, projects, events, and functions. The Project Manager leads in the planning, coordination, and execution of critical projects and events, facilitates cross-divisional collaboration, contributes to the team’s outreach and communication activities, and manages data tracking and grant reporting, to advance PPRA’s goals and strategies. The Project Manager plays a key role in planning, supporting, and executing IAFC’s dynamic policy, advocacy, and research work and advancing Illinois as a national leader in early care and education.

This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people, and clear priorities. All work is to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

1. Create project plans and manage tasks for key Public Policy, Research and Advocacy initiatives, including advocacy and organizing activities, policy workshops and meetings, and research project implementation and dissemination. Work across the PRRA department to provide project management and logistical support as needed.
2. Lead the planning and coordination of statewide, regional, and local meetings, conference, trainings, and major events for the PPRA department, including annual advocacy day, policy workshops, and other presentations and trainings.
3. Manage PPRA’s constituent databases, including configuring entries, designing specialized queries and reports, conducting report analysis, and carrying out regular data entry, maintenance, and continuous quality improvement.
4. Manage and coordinate PPRA departmental grant deliverable tracking and reporting protocols, serving as the liaison to the Organizational Advancement and Finance departments as needed. Communicate with IAFC fundraising and development staff to manage deadlines, track progress toward goals, and report on grant updates.
5. Support organizing efforts related to the We, the Village coalition, including data tracking, meeting and event support, and outreach and communication activities.
6. Utilize WordPress, Smartsheet, Salesforce, Blackthorn, Action Network, Zoom, Microsoft and Google Suite, and other software and communication tools.
7. Coordinate contracts and payments for independent consultants and vendors, including tracking or contract development and execution, reporting, and payments. Must be able to manage budgets and financial records.
8. Provide logistical and technological support for external meetings, webinars, and events.
9. Execute our workplace core capabilities of: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people, and clear priorities.
10. Other Functions: The organization may assign other functions to the job at its discretion.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree and two to three years’ related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

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

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have Office and Google Suite skills and be comfortable learning

• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Strong database skills and experiences
• Willingness to work and communicate within team environment
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Ability to travel locally and statewide
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Understanding of political, legislative, and administrative process experience in grassroots organizing and coalition work, or knowledge or early childhood and family support issues a plus.

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 unbiased 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 a company contribution of 95% for single 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
• STD & LTD insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance

Salary: $53,000 (annualized) based on background and experience

Location: Chicago, Uptown

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.