Community Organizing and Family Issues 1436 W. Randolph, 4th Floor Chicago, IL 60607 Tel. (312) 226-5141 www.cofionline.org JOB DESCRIPTION: PARENT-INITIATED PROJECTS ASSISTANT (BILINGUAL PREFERRED) Community Organizing and Family Issues is a center for family-focused leadership development and community organizing. COFI's mission is to build a movement of family focused leaders and organizers that strengthens the voices of low-income and working families at all levels of civic life - from local institutions to the city, state, and federal levels. To-date, COFI-trained parent leaders have been successful in developing innovative solutions to address issues from access to quality early learning programs to stemming the skyrocketing suspension rate in schools, and in winning government and private funding to implement these solutions. COFI seeks a project assistant to assist in implementing these projects through the coordination of and support to bilingual parent teams working part-time, ensure project data is collected, analyzed and reported and work collaboratively with project partners. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS This position will be primarily responsible for assisting in the implementation of a range of parent-initiated projects which may include projects to 1. increase enrollment in Head Start programs in Chicago 2. increase the utilization of Summer Meal Sites by children in Chicago 3. increase the attendance rates of preschool children by addressing the lack of reliable transportation 4. increase the use of restorative justice practices in CPS schools The position will be responsible for tracking and reporting on project outcomes and will also be exposed to the basic leadership training and organizing tools and approach of COFI’s Family Focused Organizing model. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   Working in low-income communities with small teams of low-income parents (primarily Latina and African American mothers and grandmothers) to achieve each project’s intended results. Providing leadership development, support and mentorship to low-income parent leaders. 1    Tracking and reporting project outcomes through the use of paper and electronic data. Working with community partners and funder representatives to optimize each project’s impact in the community. Attending training in COFI’s Family Focused Organizing model focused on the skills and tools of community outreach and community organizing. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS         Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and minimum of 1 year of experience working with nonprofits in low-income communities of color. Experience or proven commitment to promoting early learning, positive health outcomes and/or restorative justice practices among low-income communities a plus. Strong interpersonal skills required; ability to relate easily with a wide range of people, particularly low- and moderate-income women of color. Strong organizational skills required including planning, time management, and task prioritization required. Experience with database software (minimally Excel and Access) and leading diverse teams preferred. Willingness to work flexible hours depending on the assigned project, including early mornings, some evenings and weekends. Must have a car, and maintain a valid Illinois driver's license and automobile insurance coverage. Spanish /English bilingual preferred, but not required. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS  Reports to Director of Contracts and Initiatives CLASSIFICATION    Non-Exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act Full time - 40 hours per week Salary range: $30,000 to $37,000 (with benefits) 2