The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation presents a comprehensive program of tours, exhibitions, lectures, special events, and adult and youth education activities, all designed to enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation of Chicago’s outstanding architectural legacy.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for outreach and engagement strategies with schools and community organizations to cultivate support for, and participation in, a dynamic portfolio of design, architecture and youth education programming. The Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible, in particular, for organizing partnerships and a robust schedule of educational opportunities associated with the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial.

Outreach and Relationship Development

• Grow and maintain robust relationships with a network consisting of formal and informal educators from art, architecture, design, and youth development organizations.
• Identify opportunities to increase access and engagement with populations historically underrepresented in architecture and design programming.
• Build and maintain relationships with new and existing community partners. This may include: conducting 1-on-1 meetings to promote projects, facilitate matches between partners and programs, assess partners' needs and opportunities.
• Develop and deliver presentations about the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s mission and education programs.
• Recruit and support partners to be involved with Chicago Architecture Foundation education programs including festivals, field trips and camps and classes.
• Attend relevant community meetings; represent CAF on relevant councils and committees as assigned.

Program Coordination & Communication

• Schedule and coordinate a diverse portfolio of trainings, educational events, field trips and special events in conjunction with community partners
• Create, coordinate and implement partner communication and recognition strategies to sustain engagement.
• Organize and maintain and maintaining a robust schedule of CAF education related to the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial.
• Collect data about active partnerships and program deliverables; issue a monthly report against goals; report on progress as needed.
• Develop and maintain a database and communication log of partnerships.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Commitment to CAF’s mission of helping people understand why design matters
• Passion about creating access and equity in architecture and design education
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to connect with others and forge strong relationships; comfortable working with a broad range of people (e.g., grassroots and community leaders, youth workers, teachers, architects and designers, senior-level nonprofit leaders);
• Ability to successfully meet deadlines and adjust to changing priorities; comfort with performing several tasks concurrently;
• Excellent public speaking, presentation and written communication skills;
• Able to work independently, establish priorities and react promptly to a large variety of requests and needs, sometimes with short deadlines;
• Highly organized, analytical, IT-competent – proficient in Microsoft Office programs and databases;
• Able to organize and maintain detailed records;
• Two or more years of experience in successful community outreach/recruitment and program coordination a plus;
• Knowledge of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and communities a plus
• Spanish speaking a plus

Other Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Occasional evenings and weekends required
• Ability to travel to various partner locations across Chicago and regionally

Chicago Architecture Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.