Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Enlace Chicago:
Enlace Chicago convenes, organizes, and strengthens the capacity of stakeholders across Little Village to confront systemic inequities and expand access to economic and social opportunity. For more than 35 years, Enlace has served as a trusted community anchor—championing opportunity, improving lives, and building partnerships that drive lasting change.

Through our work, we advance community health, protect human rights, empower futures, promote safety, and foster resilience for families throughout Little Village. Our core departments—Education, Community Safety, Mental Health, Community Health, and Immigration & Advocacy—deliver critical, culturally responsive services that uplift and support the strength and dignity of our community.

Position Overview:

Enlace Chicago is looking for an individual who will provide support, guidance and alignment to Enlace Chicago’s education goals and initiatives, internally and externally. This position will work to achieve a higher level of integration by identifying and implementing strategies to support a successful transition from early childhood education to middle school to high school, completion of high school and the transition to college and career opportunities. The Associate Director of Education will work in collaboration with the Director of Education to integrate all aspects of the Education Department’s structure across the education portfolio and Enlace at large.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Strategy

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Education and Education Department staff to align departmental goals, strategies, and initiatives with the Little Village Quality of Life Plan.
• Support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of education programs, including Community Schools, early childhood education, parent engagement, and postsecondary pathways.
• Contribute to system alignment and system change strategies that advance equity and educational outcomes for youth and families.

Grant Management, Data, and Compliance

• Directly support reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements for the education department grant portfolio.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection, analysis, and reporting in accordance with funder requirements and internal evaluation timelines.
• Coordinate with internal teams to strengthen data informed decision making and continuous quality improvement. Staff Supervision and Team Development
• Directly supervise program staff, providing overall direction, coaching, and support.
• Conduct regular check ins, reflection sessions, and performance reviews, ensuring work plans are aligned with organizational priorities.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and equity centered team culture.

Partnership and Community Engagement

• Steward strong working relationships with CPS principals, counselors, teachers, parents, and education stakeholders at the local, city, and state levels.
• Facilitate formal and informal convenings that bring together education stakeholders to advance collaboration, alignment, and shared strategies.

Core Competencies:

Leadership and Strategic Thinking

• Ability to lead complex initiatives, align programs with community driven plans.

Program and Grant Management

• Strong capacity to manage multiple programs and grants, ensure compliance, oversee data systems, and translate requirements into effective practice.

People Management and Collaboration

• Demonstrated skill in supervising diverse teams, building trust based relationships, and working collaboratively across sectors and systems.

Equity Centered Practice

• Deep understanding of educational inequities and commitment to advancing racial equity through policy, practice, and community engagement.

Communication and Facilitatio n

• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in writing and verbally, facilitate meetings, and present to diverse, multi sector audiences.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant area of study from an accredited four-year college or university required.
• 4+ years of experience/passion for data analysis, grant writing and programming in the field of education.
• Direct experience implementing Community Schools and/ or Sustainable Community Schools models preferred.
• Knowledge of Chicago Public Schools structure and equity initiatives.
• Experience managing a team of diverse professionals.
• Knowledge and experience of participatory community approaches and frameworks.
• Knowledge of state and federal educational policies.
• Understanding of community organizing and advocacy.
• Strong understanding and passion for issues of equity in education.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience working with Latinx and African American communities.
• Experience and comfort in facilitating meetings and presenting to large multi-sector audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills.

Compensation: The salary range for this position annually is between 65,000 and 70,000. Salary is commensurate with experience in addition to the generous benefits package listed below.

Benefits:

• Health benefits. Enlace Chicago offers you and your family access to a low-cost comprehensive health care plan, which includes medical (Bluecross Blue Shield), dental (Guardian), and vision (VSP) coverage.
• Enlace Chicago also provides life insurance coverage and short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost to you with options of additional coverage.
• Retirement program. Enlace Chicago offers a voluntary 403(B) plan which begins at a 1% contribution. Enrollment is available on the first of the month depending on your first day of employment. An enrollment packet will be mailed to you.
• Paid time off. You will receive 96 hours of Upon Hire hours, which will be prorated depending on your start date. After your 3rd month, you will accrue 3.33 hours per pay period or a total of 6.66 per month . All vacation days are considered above and beyond the approved holiday schedule. Enlace has 12 paid holidays with a Holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s Day that will not be deducted from your PTO.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

At Enlace Chicago, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential to addressing the complex social challenges we seek to solve, and we strive to create a culture that promotes belonging, respect, and opportunity for all. Our mission is rooted in uplifting the stories of those who have been historically marginalized, and we actively work to ensure that our programs, partnerships, and workplace reflect these values. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and encourage candidates who share our passion for social justice, equity, and inclusion to apply.

Enlace Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Deadline for submission: Open until filled.

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