Youth Service and Social Justice Coordinator

Summary Description

The Youth Service and Social Justice Coordinator advances Fourth Church’s Youth Ministry,
Community Engagement, and Young Adult Ministry by welcoming groups of junior high, high
school, and college youth for mission and social justice work in solidarity with Chicago’s most
marginalized and under-resourced communities. The position accomplishes this through two
programs: Urban Youth Mission (UYM)--a Fourth-led ministry of immersive mission and social
justice service and learning—and Abide, a program that offers welcome and hospitality to
groups conducting their own mission and social justice experiences in the city. This position is
responsible for the planning and logistical support of these programs.
Fourth Presbyterian Church is a progressive and inclusive Presbyterian Church USA
congregation of 5000+ members located on Chicago’s vibrant Michigan Avenue. The
complex of historic and modern buildings welcomes hundreds of people each day,
including members, guests, church staff, and others. Programs offer services to those
who seek faith and guidance or are active in one of our many community programs or
participate in one of our associated mission programs.

Schedule: The role is a full time, 40 hours per week position. Evening and weekend hours will
be required based on program schedule. Work remote days will be negotiated with supervisor
based on program activity.

Essential Functions:
Planning and Logistics (approximately 50%)
 Design group itineraries for service, learning, advocacy, and reflection, in partnership with
local organizations. These itineraries will be 4-5 days long in the summer and 1-2 days long
during the school year.
 Oversee all the operations of UYM and Abide, including arranging security, managing the
calendar, and reserving spaces for sleeping, food storage, and meals.
 Manage budget for UYM and Abide program budgets through planning, negotiation and
expense tracking.

Community Building (approximately 25%)
 Develop and nurture relationships with service organizations that host youth groups for
service and learning, such as food pantries.
 Conduct local and national outreach to churches and colleges to offer Abide for their
alternative break programs and youth retreats.
 Market UYM to churches locally and nationally.
 Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff for UYM programming, including full-time summer
staff.

Program Support (25%)
 Participate as a staff member on the Committee on Youth.
 Maintain constructive professional relationships with Fourth Church and Chicago Lights
staff who share facilities and equipment.
Required Skills and Abilities
 Training and/or experience working with high school or college youth
 Experience facilitating large and small group programs.
 A familiarity with the city of Chicago, its physical layout and culture, history, and
politics.
 A demonstrated ability:
o To act independently, organize workload, set priorities, work well under deadline
pressure, and adapt to change.
o To develop a systematic approach to carrying out assignments with clear and
measurable outcomes; prioritize objectives with supervisor direction and
coordinating multiple activities.
o To change approaches or methods based upon circumstances to achieve the
desired results.
o To relate to and interact with all congregation members, colleagues, and other
staff members in a positive way that results in cooperation, mutual respect, and
common benefit.
o To handle high-stress situations with calm competence.
 Commitment to equity and social justice and proven ability to thrive in a diverse,
equitable, just, and inclusive environment.
 High degree of emotional intelligence and flexibility in a dynamic culture.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
 Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
 Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
 Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
 Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience
 Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience
 1-2 years’ experience in work environment

COVID-19 Considerations
At this time, masks are welcomed but not required. We will adjust this as pandemic continues.
In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an
offer of employment from Fourth Presbyterian Church or Chicago Lights, you will be required
to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. This requirement is subject to accommodation in
compliance with applicable laws.

Physical Requirements
 Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
 Must be able to lift 15-25 pounds at times.
 Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.