Program Coordinator

Organization Description

Foster Progress is a small but growing non-profit organization consisting of 6 staff members, 9 board members, and dozens of volunteers. Our mission is to empower youth from foster care to become successful adults through mentoring, advocacy, and educational opportunities. We are located in the Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. This position is mostly remote, with one day a week in the Chicago office required. You must live in Illinois and own a reliable vehicle.

Organizational Values

EXCELLENT

Foster Progress students deserve the same high-quality services that we would want for our own loved ones. Non-profit doesn’t have to mean watered-down. We maintain the highest standards for everything that has our name on it.

DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, INCLUSIVE

We take the time to examine our own biases and privileges and listen to voices different from our own. We are intentional about deconstructing systems of inequity at every level - with our students, board, staff, partners, and funders.

INNOVATIVE

We stay at the forefront of the current learning in our field. We strategize, evaluate, and iterate to get to the best possible solutions. We advocate for change not only at the individual level, but also at the systemic and policy level of postsecondary institutions and government.

RESOURCEFUL

We cut through red tape and navigate bureaucracies so we can access and leverage every resource available to our youth. We stay nimble so we can do whatever it takes for our youth to succeed. We are generous with what we have.

CONNECTED

No one succeeds alone. We keep our finger on the pulse of the youth at the center of our work. Connecting these youth to a caring, reliable adult remains central to our solutions. We connect resources, people, and ideas to further our mission.

ACCOUNTABLE

Foster youth have been let down by too many people. We will consistently be there for youth even when others have given up or they don't realize they need us. As a non-profit organization entrusted with donations from our supporters, we will uphold the highest ethical standards and transparency.

Program Descriptions

Mentoring & Scholarships

Foster Progress’s Mentoring & Scholarship program serves 55+ pairs in 2026. The goal of the program is to provide youth who have experienced foster care with a one-on-one mentor to help them access and succeed in higher education.

Youth in Care College Advocate Program (Y-CAP)

This program was launched in July 2023. Foster Progress recruits college students on campuses around the state to host student-run supportive groups. Around 55 students participated on 8 college campuses in 2026.

Trainings & Workshops

We provide training to youth and professionals interested in supporting youth from foster care in their transition into adulthood, including social workers, secondary and post-secondary education professionals, foster parents, and caregivers.

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Program Coordinator to support the implementation and growth of Foster Progress programs for youth with foster care experience.

The Program Coordinator will play an important role in the success of Y-CAP by managing program operations, supporting student engagement, maintaining consistent communication with students, and helping strengthen relationships with students and campus partners.

The Program Coordinator will work closely with the Program Manager to implement program goals while taking ownership of key program activities and systems that support a strong student experience.

This position reports directly to the Program Manager and works collaboratively with staff, students, volunteers, and external partners.

Responsibilities

Student Engagement and Program Support

• Maintain consistent communication with Y-CAP students and Peer Advocates through newsletters, updates, reminders, and other outreach.
• Support student engagement efforts and help create a strong sense of community among Y-CAP participants.
• Serve as a consistent point of contact for students by answering questions, sharing resources, and helping students navigate program expectations and opportunities.
• Support planning and execution of student events, workshops, gatherings, and other program activities.

Program Operations

• Coordinate day-to-day program logistics to support successful implementation of Y-CAP.
• Manage program systems, records, and processes, including student tracking, communications, and operational workflows.
• Support Peer Advocate operations, including payroll processes, tracking responsibilities, and ongoing communication.
• Coordinate event logistics, including planning, budget requests, and communication with students and partners.
• Collect and maintain program data to support evaluation and reporting efforts.

Campus and Partner Engagement

• Participate in campus visits, recruitment activities, and program events to support student engagement and relationship-building.
• Build positive relationships with students, Peer Advocates, campus partners, and community organizations.
• Support communication and coordination with campus professionals and external partners.
• Represent Foster Progress and Y-CAP at student events and other program activities.

Organizational Support

• Support program communications and outreach efforts.
• Provide updated program information and data to support grant reporting.
• Support organizational events, fundraisers, and other initiatives as needed.

Preferred Skills

• People with foster care experience are highly encouraged to apply.
• Ability to build authentic relationships with students, staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and take ownership of responsibilities.
• Experience supporting youth, college students, or communities impacted by foster care preferred.
• Knowledge of higher education, student success, or college persistence practices preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with Google Workspace, Canva, Squarespace, Mailchimp, and other technology platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team.

Additional Requirements

• This position is mostly remote, with one day per week in the Chicago office required.
• Must live in Illinois. In or near Chicago is preferred.
• Reliable transportation is required, as this position includes travel to college campuses and program events throughout Illinois.
• Some evening and weekend events are required.

Compensation

• $55,000 annual salary
• Medical Benefits
• 10 paid holidays
• 4 weeks paid time off
• Family-friendly work environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities

To apply:

Submit résumé and cover letter to Kate@foster-progress.org.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
• 10 paid holidays
• 4 weeks paid time off
• Family-friendly work environment