Direct Report: Systems and Training Manager

Full-Time: Exempt

Salary: $55,000

Benefits: Blue Cross Medical/Dental/Vision, 403(b) retirement plan, Holidays, Paid Time Off, 10 weeks Paid Parental Leave after 1 year of employment

Alternatives Overview:

Our mission is to inspire young people to create a just future through practices that heal individuals, restore communities, and transform systems. Since 1971, Alternatives has modeled innovative alternatives to the status quo in Chicago's youth services field. Our school and community-based therapy, prevention and leadership development programs support young people to individually and collectively address causes of substance abuse, grief and trauma while building social-emotional, career and social change skills. In addition to working directly with young people, we train, coach and advocate for youth-serving institutions like Chicago Public Schools to be restorative and trauma-informed.

Position Overview:

Racial equity work must be integrated and shared with everyone including staff. The Racial Equity Coordinator is an internal and external facing position; sharing our internal practices externally and ensuring that the value of racial equity is reflected in our training curriculums. This position would work with both RJ and trauma-informed trainers to ensure anti-racist practices and values are upheld throughout.

Responsibilities:

Perform the following from a racial, gender, sexuality, and ability equity lens:

• Support leadership in the development and implementation of organizational initiatives, objectives, and strategies related to the advancement of racial equity and inclusion.
• Provide training and support to Alternatives’ staff and external partners regarding equity and inclusion principles and initiatives. Assists individual staff members, teams and work groups in understanding and applying training to their day-to-day work.
• Assist staff and partners in advancing race and equity goals in new and existing programs and policies by developing toolkits and providing data, support, and recommendations.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive, evidence-based, equity-minded educational program that is rooted in social justice and develops cultural competence, with an intentional focus on anti-racist education for students. Serve as a change agent within and without the organization and a resource to fellow Alternatives’ staff and in identifying and removing structural bias and inequities in Alternatives policies, programs and services.
• Compile, distribute and present regular reports and measurements of race and equity work to Alternatives leadership and Executive Team.
• Serves as a member of the Leadership Team, contributing to the activation of the organization's mission, vision and values and working to address cross-organizational issues having significant, long-term impact for our staff and community.
• Help develop, support and model a positive and productive workplace culture and emphasis based on equity, respect and inclusion.
• Actively pursue education, networking and learning opportunities to stay abreast of new and emerging issues in the field of equity and inclusion.
• Develop and maintain effective professional relationships with other race and equity practitioners, particularly in the public sector and in Chicago.
• Proactively share new information through all levels of the organization.
• Build positive workplace relationships and work as a collaborative and reliable team member within the Alternatives.
• Perform other related duties as apparent or assigned.

• 2-4 years of experience in human services, social work, business or public administration, education, or other related fields or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of related experience that includes project/process management, stakeholder engagement, and/or organizational leadership.
• Progressive experience in designing, implementing, sustaining and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion programming, training, and strategies.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and awareness of, as well as commitment to, contemporary issues of inclusion, diversity, access, and equity.
• Cultural competency with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth.
• Interest and commitment to working in a community-based youth service agency.
• Innovative problem-solving abilities and excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with diverse internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple projects and activities with varied deadlines.
• The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all employees to the full extent permissible under applicable law.