Program Support Specialist

The Ark is a vital resource in Chicago, providing a safety net for the Chicagoland Jewish community and anyone in need. Founded on the principles of dignity and compassion, The Ark offers free, comprehensive human services to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. With a deep commitment to restoring hope and self-reliance, The Ark integrates social services, medical care, and financial assistance in a welcoming, respectful environment

About The Role

The Program Support Specialist keeps The Ark’s Volunteer and Outreach Department running smoothly. In a typical week, you might help a volunteer navigate the online portal, set up new roles in Salesforce, coordinate supply orders for an upcoming program, and answer in-kind donation calls – work that spans volunteer support, community engagement, systems management, and general department operations.

This full-time role requires strong organization, comfort learning new systems, and a helpful, can-do attitude. Reporting to Director of Community Engagement and working closely with the Volunteer Coordinator, this position is ideal for someone who enjoys being the go-to person who keeps things moving behind the scenes.

What You’ll Do

Volunteer and Outreach Program Support

• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for the on-site volunteer base, supporting the Volunteer Coordinator with volunteer management needs
• Help volunteers navigate the online portal and Salesforce, and coordinate with The Ark staff on volunteer roles and coverage
• Assist with occasional group program facilitation as needed

Salesforce / Volunteer Portal Management

• Set up and maintain volunteer roles in Salesforce
• Serve as the department’s go-to contact for the online volunteer system
• Run monthly reports for board meetings and staff

General Administrative Support

• Manage department calendars and provide overall administrative support
• Keep volunteer spaces organized
• Prepare materials in advance of programs, presentations, and events
• Order and organize supplies for the department and its programs

What You’ll Bring

Education / Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience

Experience:

• 2 years’ experience at a social service or nonprofit organization
• 1 year experience data management

Skills/Requirements:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Working knowledge of Canva, Monday.com, and Salesforce
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with good judgment for day-to-day decisions
• Familiarity with the Jewish community or Jewish customs preferred
• Access to reliable transportation for occasional offsite program support

Schedule:

• This is a full-time in person role requiring availability on occasional Sundays and weekday evenings

• No-Cost HMO Health Insurance with PPO plan options through BlueCross BlueShield.
• 100% employer-paid vision and dental coverage.
• PTO, sick leave, and generous Jewish and secular holiday time-off.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with matching.