The Jane Goodall Institute is seeking a basecamp coordinator to facilitate Roots & Shoots program activity and expansion in Chicago, IL.

Background

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots is the global youth program of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). Established in 1991, Roots & Shoots is active in 66 countries with hundreds of thousands of young people who are inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall to make the world a better place for our communities, for animals and for the environment. The Roots & Shoots changemakers identify problems in their communities and take action through service projects and youth led campaigns. Roots & Shoots builds on Dr. Goodall's belief in placing the power for creating practical solutions to big challenges in the hands of young people.

Primary Responsibilities

The coordinator is expected to build relationships, recruit and leverage volunteers, and engage donors, youth leaders, and local organizations to energize, encourage, and celebrate Roots & Shoots participants. He/She/They provide overall organization and structure to what is a grass roots, participant-driven program.

• Volunteer coordination - Support and administer recruitment for a local Roots & Shoots Council of experienced educators, mentors and group leaders committed to growing a strong local network of Roots & Shoots groups. Provide brand, logistical and marketing support for activities of the council. Organize regular meetings for the Council.

• Adult leader recruitment & relationship management - Provide encouragement, inspiration and support to existing Roots & Shoots educators, parents, and other adult leaders. Recruit new leaders and refer new leaders to members of the volunteer Council who will in turn mentor the new groups.

• Institutional relationships - Support the effort (in concert with national office) to establish relationships with local organizations of similar mission (e.g., zoos, museums, gardens, social service providers). Maintain such relationships, acting as a conduit for the Roots & Shoots national office.

• Event management - Orchestrate in-person and virtual celebrations of Roots & Shoots participants showcasing projects for maximum exposure to reward participants and recruit new ones. Attend or table at local conferences.

• Roots & Shoots youth council recruitment & support - Through educator relationships and institutional affiliations, identify local Roots & Shoots participants who are highly motivated, accomplished, well-spoken and seeking to make greater impacts. Convene local youth leadership council, encourage leadership development, and celebrate successes.
• Project Grant dispensation - Oversee a budget for Roots & Shoots Project Grants to support the work of local educators and youth council members.

Qualifications

Individuals with nonprofit program coordination/management experience are invited to apply. Desirable experience for this position includes classroom teaching, after-school and summer program leadership, informal education coordination, youth leadership, community organization, volunteer coordination, and event management.

Terms

• Reports to Director, Roots & Shoots Network
• 15-20hrs/week contract position
• Six-month renewable contract
• paid $45/hour
• Work from home and/or from office space provided by a partner organization
• The position requires regular travel in the greater Chicagoland area for meetings and events. Mileage reimbursed at current government rate.
• Travel to Washington D.C. or other U.S. site 1-3 times per year