Girl/Friends Leadership Institute Program Coordinator

ABOUT A LONG WALK HOME

Founded in 2003, A Long Walk Home (ALWH) is a nationally recognized arts organization dedicated to empowering young people—particularly Black girls and young women—to end violence against girls and women. Through art, activism, and healing, we foster leadership and create change, advocating for freedom from gender-based and racial violence. A Long Walk Home is based in Chicagoland.

The Girl/Friends Leadership Institute is a year-long program with a two-year cohort that empowers Black girls from Chicago to find their voices and advocate for justice in their schools, communities, and beyond. Designed as a safety net for adolescent girls most vulnerable to racial and gender-based violence, Girl/Friends has led groundbreaking campaigns addressing sexual and domestic violence, violence against queer and gender-nonconforming youth, gun violence, and police brutality.

The Institute comprises three key components:

• Summer Initiative: In partnership with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this is a five-week, college-credit art and activism training program.
• Girl/Power Afterschool Program: A platform for youth-led campaigns, exhibitions, and public programming in schools, communities, and national platforms.
• Alumni Program: Ongoing support and engagement for program graduates.

We are currently hiring a Program Coordinator to join our team.

To learn more, visit www.alongwalkhome.org.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a full-time role overseeing and implementing all aspects of the Girl/Friends Leadership Institute, including the summer training program, year-long after-school program, and alumni engagement. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide emotional support to youth leaders, parent leaders, and alumni to foster a safe, supportive environment.
• Facilitate workshops with strong youth engagement skills.
• Write, plan, and implement curriculum.
• Attend weekly meetings with ALWH staff and community partners.
• Coordinate online and in-person programming.
• Research and plan monthly field trips, guest speakers, and workshop engagements to connect youth with broader social justice and arts movements.
• Maintain accurate program documentation and database systems.
• Manage the alumni program and maintain alumni relations.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with schools, nonprofits, artists, activists, and funders.
• Recruit, train, and supervise program volunteers and interns.
• Mentor youth and support youth-led public presentations, campaigns, and exhibitions.
• Oversee Girl/Friends program recruitment and manage the recruitment team.
• Manage program budget, track expenditures, and support fundraising efforts.
• Provide quarterly program reports to the board.
• Work one evening per week and 1-2 weekends per month (October–May).
• Commit to at least a two-year tenure in this role.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Child Development, Art Therapy, Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Political Science, Art History, Art Education, Fine Arts, American Studies, or Women's Studies.
• Knowledge of Black Feminist theory and practice.

Required Qualifications:

• Must reside in the Chicagoland area.
• 3-5 years of experience working with Black girls (ages 12-18).
• Experience working with survivors of gender-based violence.
• Background in social justice education, facilitation, youth development, and organizing.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Completion of 40-hour domestic violence/sexual assault training (within six months of hire).
• Must pass a background check.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, motor insurance, and reliable transportation.