Coalition Coordinator (Full Time)

Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to: Erin Tegge, Prevention Director at etegge@peerservices.org

The Coalition Coordinator (CC) is a member of the Prevention Team, and reports to the Prevention Director. The CC is accountable for the coordination of the Knowledge Empowers Youth Coalition (KEY Coalition) and the implementation of community-level substance use prevention efforts. This includes overseeing member recruitment and retention, coordination of coalition meetings, implementation of initiatives, and assisting with reporting requirements for funders. Other duties include managing coalition public relations and communications and planning and implementing substance use prevention communication campaigns. The CC may also implement direct youth-focused prevention programming as directed by the Prevention Director.

In addition to direct service, the CC works with the Prevention Team to educate staff, community members, and other stakeholders on the Prevention model. The CC is responsible for assisting the Prevention Team in cultivating and maintaining relationships with community partners, students, families, school personnel and other stakeholders. The CC works cooperatively with other PEER staff and partners, serves as a contact for community members, and is an advocate and role model for those in recovery from substance use. The CC provides administrative assistance, as directed by the Prevention Director.

Job Duties

Ensure the Prevention Director is kept abreast of all aspects of the program and services. Offer suggestions that support program development and improved services.
Work with DFC Project Director and committees to create, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations program and calendar
Provide technical assistance and support to the coalition on utilization of the Strategic Prevention Framework
Coordinate the collection of assessment and evaluation data
Liaise with residents (youth, parents, clergy, etc.) and professionals (law enforcement, businesses, local government, etc.) to expand the reach of the coalition
Recruit coalition members, provide new member orientation, and work to retain members
Design and conduct trainings/presentations for coalition members and/or the community
Coordinate with members to implement coalition action plans with a specific focus on environmental strategies
Work with coalition leadership to steer the direction of the coalition, build leadership among its members, and move coalition initiatives toward sustainability
Work with the coalition to obtain human and financial resources to support the coalition.
Collaborate with subcommittee leadership to develop agendas and ensure necessary documentation of coalition meetings and initiatives
Maintain coalition’s website, social media pages, signage, and logos
Create and maintain monthly coalition newsletter
Design and coordinate coalition’s news releases, publications, and advertisements
Work with coalition subcommittees on developing materials for social norms marketing and social marketing campaigns for high school youth
Assist the Prevention Team in the implementation of youth-focused programming including, but not limited to, helping lead a youth advisory board, prevention presentations and youth prevention education curriculums as needed.
Work with DFC Project Director to ensure coalition adherence to grant requirements, maintain records, and submit programmatic reports
Attend training in evidence-based drug prevention strategies in Chicago, and occasionally in Springfield or Champaign, Illinois or nationwide.
Fill in for Prevention Program staff as needed.
Support PEER Services fundraising and community events.
Assist the Prevention Director promote PEER’s programs and services and build relationships with institutions that foster referrals and resources for clients.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with PEER staff, supervisors and program partners.
Attend and participate in organizational, program, and team meetings and activities.
Participate in individual and group supervision/consultation and other educational opportunities as assigned.
Meet program and professional goals as defined in collaboration with the Prevention Director.
Represent PEER during networking events, educational and training opportunities, and other community activities. Promote the positive reputation of the organization.
Track and document encounters and services provided.
Collect and record data for grants, reports, and ongoing quality improvement.
Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by the Prevention Director.

Classification, Compensation, Work Schedule, and Benefits:

This is a regular, full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week position.
Compensation is $52K – $62K annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Work hours will be based on the needs of the program and staff availability.
Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
Benefits include comprehensive health (medical, dental and vision) coverage; paid holidays; accrued vacation, sick and personal time; time off for birthday; professional development trainings; and employee discount through ADP.

Qualifications:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, or Health Education. Master’s degree in Social Work preferred.
Understanding of prevention best practices and a commitment to Prevention, Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Care.
Knowledge of health communications and evidence-based substance use prevention strategies
Experience working with coalitions, community-level programs, and community engagement
Experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, preferably in the nonprofit sector
Experience working with youth.
Working knowledge of alcohol and other drug pharmacology.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Graphic design or other artistic background.
Demonstrated project management experience (adherence to budgets, program plans, etc.)

Strategic and tactical thinker with creative problem-solving skills
Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, email software, contact management software, and internet software.
Must be flexible and adaptable to work in different settings (office, schools, community, etc.), and able to adjust work schedules, as needed.
Must have regular access to a reliable car, be able to lift and transport program materials, be open to flexible scheduling, including some evening and weekends, and must be able to travel to statewide and national trainings.

Characteristics:

Self-starter and ability work independently and with a team.
Good time management, organizational, interpersonal, and written skills.
Attention to detail with good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Able to read and analyze research data and incorporate information into presentations.
Discrete and ability to maintain confidentiality, use good judgement and sensitivity.
Professional demeanor and role model for other staff.
Customer oriented and ability to communicate effectively and positively.
Confident, collegial, and direct.

PEER Services, Inc. appreciates the opportunity to provide services to its diverse community, including people of color, low-income and financially insecure, non-English speakers, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities and other marginalized communities to join our staff to better serve our clients. PEER Services makes hiring decisions without regard to any person’s race, color, sex, creed, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, military discharge status, source of income, FMLA status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes.

PEER Services’ Mission is to reduce the harms of substance use, addiction and stigma by engaging youth and adults with innovative prevention programming and by supporting people on their path to recovery through holistic, evidence-based treatment. We provide affirming services to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

PEER Services is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Since 1975, PEER Services has provided community-based substance use prevention and treatment services to teens, adults and families in Northern Cook County, including Evanston, Maine, New Trier, Niles and Northfield Townships, and the north side of Chicago. PEER Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.