Manager, Community Ambassador Programs

Mather; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401(k) with match

Health insurance

Parking/Transit benefits

Wellness program

Job summary

Mather, based in Evanston, IL, seeks a Manager, Community Ambassador Programs to design and scale an innovative model engaging adults 55+ as volunteers and ambassadors. This full-time hybrid role focuses on program development, coalition-building, and expanding community impact across Chicagoland.

You will recruit, train, and deploy volunteers, lead pilot initiatives, and travel to partner sites to grow sustainable, community-powered programs that support healthy aging.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years experience managing volunteers or programs.
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills.
• Experience working with older adults.
• Ability to travel throughout Chicagoland.
• Experience with ambassador or peer-led models (preferred).
• Experience working with communities, particularly on the South and West Sides of Chicago (preferred).
• Experience with program development and evaluation (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Design and pilot a model for connecting older adults to opportunities where they may contribute to programs, from greeter to ambassador roles.
• Develop and pilot ambassador-led, peer-led cohort models.
• Develop repeatable program formats and facilitator playbooks.
• Launch pilot programs and refine for scalability.
• Expand program reach through peer-led delivery.
• Develop and deploy volunteer training program.
• Deploy ambassadors across partner sites and neighborhoods.
• Ensure quality and consistency in delivery of volunteer-led programming.
• Foster a positive and inclusive volunteer experience.

Skills

Communication skills

Facilitation skills

Volunteer management

Experience with older adults

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor7s degree or equivalent

Job description

At Mather, a nationally recognized wellness-focused organization, we believe healthy aging thrives through connection, purpose, lifelong learning, and meaningful community engagement. Through our Community Initiatives team, we bring innovative wellness, educational, social, creative, and volunteer opportunities to older adults throughout Chicagoland, creating pathways for engagement, personal growth, and lifelong connection.

We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Manager, Community Ambassador Programs to help shape the future of community-based aging services. In this new role, you will design, pilot, and scale an innovative “Older Adults as Contributors” model that empowers adults age 55+ to serve as volunteers, peer leaders, facilitators, and community connectors. Building upon a strong foundation of volunteer program management, you will create sustainable pathways that transform participants into contributors and ambassadors, expanding program reach, strengthening community partnerships, and building community-powered models that support healthy aging across Chicago.

This role is ideal for a relationship-builder, program innovator, and community champion who is passionate about unlocking the talents, experiences, and leadership potential of older adults. You will lead the design and growth of ambassador and peer-led program models, develop scalable program formats and facilitator playbooks, launch and refine pilot initiatives, and expand community impact through volunteer-led and ambassador-driven programming. In addition, you will recruit, train, support, and deploy volunteers and ambassadors across programs, partner sites, and neighborhoods while fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging volunteer experience that empowers older adults to make meaningful contributions in their communities.

This is a full-time, salaried hybrid position that combines strategic program development, relationship management, and community engagement. The role requires regular travel throughout Chicagoland to support community partnerships, volunteer engagement, ambassador-led programming, and organizational initiatives. Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation, or have the ability to arrange alternate reliable transportation, to travel to Mather Headquarters (Evanston, IL) and off-site locations (throughout Chicagoland) for daily essential job functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design and pilot a model for connecting older adults to opportunities whereby they may contribute to supporting programs or offerings. These contributions may include lower commitment opportunities such as serving as a greeter, prepping program supplies, or assisting a program facilitator, as well as higher commitment opportunities, such as ambassador/peer facilitator roles.
• Develop and pilotambassador-led, peer-led cohort models
• Develop repeatable program formats and facilitator playbooks
• Launch pilot programs and refine for scalability
• Expand program reach through peer-led delivery
• Develop and deploy volunteer training program
• Deploy ambassadors across partner sites and neighborhoods.
• Ensure quality and consistency in delivery of volunteer-led programming.
• Foster a positive and inclusive volunteer experience

Measurement & Reporting

• Track volunteer engagement and participation.
• Prepare reports for leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years experience managing volunteers or programs.
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills.
• Experience working with older adults
• Ability to build scalable programs
• Ability to travel throughout Chicagoland

Preferred

• Experience with ambassador or peer-led models.
• Experience working with communities, particularly on the South and West Sides of Chicago
• Experience with program development and evaluation.

The salary range provided is a good faith estimate of what Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual salary rate offered will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, certifications, years of experience, geographic location, and current market conditions. At Mather, we are committed to being inclusive, resilient, bold, and impactful—and that includes offering a total rewards experience designed to support our team members. This position may be eligible to participate in Mather’s benefit plan and Holiday Bonus, if applicable. Eligibility for benefits is dependent on employment status and hours worked per pay period. Participation in the Holiday Bonus is not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hire date and program eligibility requirements. All benefits are subject to change without notice.

Salary Pay Range: $82,000 USD - $87,000 USD

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

Team members are eligible for:

• A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
• A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
• Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
• Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.

Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education

Extended illness benefits

Employee wellness programs

Short- and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance is available to benefit eligible team members.

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age WellSM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.