Education and Engagement Coordinator

Education & Engagement Coordinator

Location: Crystal Lake, IL

Reports To: Education & Engagement Manager

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Hourly Rate: $20 - $25 / hour, depending on experience

About NAMI McHenry County

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI McHenry County provides free mental health support, education, advocacy, and community-based services throughout McHenry County.

Education is at the heart of NAMI’s mission. Through evidence-based classes, suicide prevention training, school-based programming, public presentations, and community outreach, NAMI McHenry County reaches thousands of individuals each year with life-changing mental health education and resources.

Position Summary

The Education & Engagement Coordinator is a dynamic, community-facing role responsible for expanding NAMI McHenry County’s presence throughout the community by building relationships, engaging volunteers, and connecting individuals with life-saving mental health education and resources. Working closely with the Education & Engagement Manager, this position coordinates educational programs, assists with community outreach events, manages program logistics, and helps ensure the successful delivery of NAMI’s educational programming throughout McHenry County.

This position is ideal for an organized, enthusiastic professional who enjoys working with people and networking, public speaking, coordinating events, supporting volunteers, and is energized by creating meaningful community connections that expand NAMI’s impact throughout McHenry County. 

Essential Responsibilities

Education Program Coordination

• Coordinate engaging educational programs, trainings, workshops, presentations, and outreach events.
• Coordinate scheduling, participant registration, communications, program materials, room reservations, and facilitator scheduling.
• Work closely with instructors to ensure educational programs are meeting the desired outcomes and needs of participants. 
• Become certified to facilitate multiple NAMI Signature Programs and assist with program delivery as needed.
• Support implementation of school-based programming, including NAMI Ending the Silence, NAMI on Campus, and other youth education initiatives, as needed.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Represent NAMI McHenry County at community events, health fairs, and outreach opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to expand awareness of NAMI’s programs and services.
• Assist with coordinating outreach events and educational presentations.
• Build positive relationships with community organizations, schools, libraries, employers, and other community partners.
• Support efforts to reach underserved populations throughout McHenry County.

Volunteer Engagement & Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for education and outreach volunteers.
• Facilitate volunteer onboarding, orientation, training, and ongoing communication. 
• Coordinate volunteer schedules for educational programs, outreach events, and community presentations.
• Assist volunteers with certification renewals, continuing education opportunities, and ongoing engagement.
• Help plan volunteer appreciation activities, trainings, and networking opportunities.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and communication lists.
• Foster a welcoming and engaging volunteer experience that encourages long-term involvement.

Program Administration & Data Management

• Maintain accurate records for educational programming, participation, volunteer activities, and outcomes.
• Enter program participation, survey results, and other required data into organizational databases.
• Assist with monthly and grant-related reporting.
• Prepare educational materials, participant packets, and presentation supplies.
• Monitor program evaluations and assist with continuous quality improvement efforts.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Education & Engagement Manager, Director of Education & Engagement, Director of Youth Programs, and other agency staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute ideas that improve educational programming, volunteer engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Public Health, Communications, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• One to two years of relevant experience preferred, including internships, volunteer leadership, customer service, event coordination, education, nonprofit work, or community engagement.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfortable initiating conversations with diverse community members. 
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and the ability to learn new technology platforms.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to pass all required background screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating volunteers or community events.
• Experience working within nonprofit organizations.
• Experience working with schools or community organizations.
• Certification in NAMI Signature Programs or willingness to become certified.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Familiarity with behavioral health or mental health services.

Desired Attributes

• Passion for mental health education and community engagement.
• Energized by community engagement, networking, and public interaction 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-starter who works well independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent listener who communicates with empathy and professionalism. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive programming.
• Enthusiasm for helping others and contributing to a mission-driven organization.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to utilize a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to travel throughout McHenry County for community events, trainings, and outreach activities.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds of program materials, displays, and event supplies.

Why Join NAMI McHenry County?

• Become one of the public faces of NAMI McHenry County, connecting with thousands of community members each year through education, outreach, volunteer engagement, and advocacy.
• Gain experience coordinating programs and events within a growing nonprofit organization.
• Work alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to improving mental health across McHenry County.
• Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous PTO and Sick Time
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Four-Week Paid Sabbatical After Five Years of Full-Time Employment
• Ongoing Professional Development Opportunities
• Meaningful, Mission-Driven Work

NAMI McHenry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace