Candidate Coordinator — Hybrid Recruitment & Advising

Grow Your Own Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

Job summary

Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) is seeking a Candidate Coordinator for the Diverse Male Teacher Initiative. Based in Chicago, this role focuses on advising DMTI participants, supporting their progression from community college toward degree completion and teacher licensure, with regular travel across Illinois.

You will manage up to 30 candidates, coordinate monthly cohorts, assist with enrollment and financial aid, and help build partnerships with NAACP chapters, colleges, and community partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education, higher education, community development, social work, public administration, communications or related field.
• Three (3)+ years in student recruitment, college access, workforce development, academic advising, community engagement, or related field.
• Ability to collaborate with community colleges, four-year institutions, community organizations, and statewide partners.
• Experience facilitating adult training and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Advise and maintain regular communication with an assigned group of DMTI participants as they explore teaching and progress from community college toward bachelor’s degree completion and teacher preparation.
• Support candidates with community college applications, enrollment, transfer planning, financial aid, admissions, educator preparation requirements, and key milestones.
• Identify barriers to persistence and connect participants to GYO-IL and partner resources (tutoring, counseling, case management, financial supports).
• Collaborate with the Program Director, other Candidate Coordinator, and college partners to support participant engagement, monthly cohort activities, transitions, and follow-up.

Skills

Relationship building

Interpersonal communication

Presentation

Facilitation

Organizational skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree (education, higher education, community development, social work, public administration, communications)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) is seeking a Candidate Coordinator for the Diverse Male Teacher Initiative. Based in Chicago, this role focuses on advising DMTI participants, supporting their progression from community college toward degree completion and teacher licensure, with regular travel across Illinois.

You will manage up to 30 candidates, coordinate monthly cohorts, assist with enrollment and financial aid, and help build partnerships with NAACP chapters, colleges, and community partners