You Matter 2 Inc. Middle School Program Lead Flossmoor, IL · Part time Company website

Apply for Middle School Program Lead

You Matter 2 is a growing youth development nonprofit committed to closing opportunity gaps and empowering South Suburban youth to become confident leaders, engaged citizens, and future changemakers. We serve students in grades 6–12 through year-round programs that provide leadership development, college and career readiness, STEM education, academic support, workforce development, mentoring, service-learning, and enrichment experiences.

At You Matter 2, we believe every young person deserves access to opportunities that inspire them to dream bigger, discover their strengths, and build the skills needed for lifelong success. Our programs are designed to help youth develop confidence, leadership, critical thinking, healthy relationships, and a strong sense of purpose while exposing them to experiences they may not otherwise have.

Beyond direct programming, we are deeply committed to strengthening the communities we serve. Through signature initiatives such as the Juneteenth Parade & Block Party, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, community outreach events, and family engagement opportunities, we work alongside partners, volunteers, schools, and local organizations to create lasting impact.

As our organization continues to grow, we are building a high-performing, mission-driven team that values collaboration, innovation, accountability, continuous learning, and a passion for serving youth. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while helping shape the future of a dynamic and growing nonprofit, we'd love to have you join our team.

• Reports To: Program Director
• Job Status: Part-time, up to 25 hours per week
• Compensation: $20/hour
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Location: Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Rd, Flossmoor, IL 60422 (primary program site), with off-site field trips and events

ABOUT YOU MATTER 2

You Matter 2 (YM2) is a youth development nonprofit serving 6th–12th grade students in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Our mission is to close opportunity gaps and empower South Suburban youth to become confident leaders, engaged citizens, and future changemakers. We believe that youth are not problems to be solved, but rather they are the problem-solvers of our future. Each year, YM2 serves at least 200 youth through programs that provide a safe and supportive environment where participants build positive relationships with peers and mentors, develop leadership skills, and explore their passions.

THE ROLE

YM2 is looking for an experienced and passionate youth development professional to join our team as the Middle School Program Lead. The Middle School Program Lead is the day-of site supervisor for YM2’s middle school programming (grades 6–8) and is responsible for running and facilitating safe, high-quality, well-organized sessions from setup through dismissal.

The Middle School Program Lead plans and delivers curriculum, supervises participants, directs volunteers, mentors, and contracted facilitators on site, keeps accurate attendance and program records, and serves as the primary point of contact for middle school families. The Lead works closely with the Program Director, the High School Program Lead, and Administration & Operations to make sure every experience is positive, intentional, fun, safe, social, and educational.

Middle School Programs You’ll Lead

• IGNITE (Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 3:00–6:00 PM): After-school enrichment (Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Talents & Empowerment) with homework assistance and enrichment in Art, Culinary, Self Defense, Music, Life Skills, STEM, Graphic Design, and Financial Literacy, some of it led by community partners.
• G.A.M.E. Changers (8-week summer program, Tuesday–Thursday, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM): Summer program with creative studios in Dance, STEM, Martial Arts, and Theatre & Spoken Word.
• Study Break on Us (2nd & 4th Thursdays, 5:30–7:00 PM): Offers youth a welcoming space to relax, connect with peers, and engage in positive social activities that support their emotional well-being. Designed to reduce stress and promote balance between academics and personal development, the program includes structured creative, recreational, and wellness activities. Students develop healthy coping mechanisms, strengthen peer relationships, and build a strong sense of belonging.
• Let’s Talk About It (1st Thursday, 5:30–7:00 PM): A free monthly discussion circle that provides students with a safe, supportive space to explore real-life topics such as friendships, healthy relationships, social media, mental health, self-esteem, and managing emotions.
• Teen Night (1st Friday of the month, times vary between 5–10 PM): Monthly social outings and events.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Serve as the day-of site lead for IGNITE, G.A.M.E. Changers, and other middle school sessions, including setup, participant check-in, transitions, dismissal, and closing the space
• Facilitate activities for groups of up to 30 participants
• Plan and implement lessons and activities across YM2’s enrichment areas, some of which are partner-led: Art, Culinary, Self Defense, Music, Life Skills, STEM, Graphic Design, and Financial Literacy, in line with YM2’s program model and the Program Director’s guidance
• Plan and facilitate Study Break on Us sessions for middle school participants
• Select Let’s Talk About It sessions for middle school participants and help guide discussions and participation
• Select Teen Night events and work with Administration & Operations on planning and logistics
• Coordinate on site with partner-led enrichment facilitators, contracted facilitators, guest presenters, mentors, and volunteers; brief them on the session plan and YM2 expectations
• Provide supervision during field trips, Teen Night outings, and other off-site activities

Participant Safety & Support

• Supervise participants during program hours in a safe, sensitive, developmentally appropriate, and positive manner
• Follow YM2 safety, behavior management, incident reporting, and mandated reporting procedures
• Build positive relationships with participants and support their success and well-being
• Help participants build healthy, positive relationships with their peers and adults
• Recognize when a participant may need additional support and refer them to the Program Director, including connections to YM2’s Healing & Support Pathway

Family Communication

• Serve as the primary program contact for middle school families through email, phone calls, and in person, and help respond to the [email protected] inbox
• Encourage families to complete enrollment, weekly attendance confirmations, and other required forms on time
• Coordinate with Administration & Operations on attendance changes, transportation needs, and family follow-up

Records, Data & Evaluation

• Maintain timely and accurate attendance and participation records in YM2’s systems, including Salesforce and program trackers
• Administer participant surveys and support program evaluation and outcome reporting
• Complete incident reports, session notes, and supply requests as required

Team & Organization

• Attend weekly all-staff and program team meetings and regular check-ins with the Program Director
• Partner with the High School Program Lead on shared programs and events, such as Study Break on Us and Teen Night
• Support organization-wide initiatives and events, including Back to School Bash, Giving Tuesday, Adopt-a-Family, MLK Day of Service, and Juneteenth
• Demonstrate professional behavior that supports team efforts and enhances team performance
• Work on special projects for other programs, initiatives, or organization events as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education

• A minimum of 30 hours of college credit in a related field

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Sociology, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or Youth Development)

Required Experience

• Experience leading educational curriculum for groups of 10 or more youth
• Experience serving in a lead role in a youth setting, such as directing volunteers, mentors, or other staff during program sessions
• A deep passion for working with youth and families
• A strong sense of teamwork, leadership skills, and project management skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a diverse group of team members, families, and youth
• Personal qualities of integrity, emotional maturity, and credibility; a demonstrated history of using good judgment

Preferred Experience

• At least 1 year of previous experience working with groups of middle school-aged youth in an after-school or camp setting
• Experience leading STEAM, literacy, business, and/or social-emotional workshops for middle school-aged youth
• Experience using a database or tracking tools (such as Salesforce or Google Sheets) to record attendance and participation
• Current CPR/First Aid certification

Preferred Skills

• Attention to detail
• Time management and organization
• Behavior and group management
• Problem-solving ability
• Decision-making skills
• Strong communication (verbal and written)
• Comfort with technology, including Google Workspace and email

Requirements

• Must successfully complete a background check and all other screenings required by YM2 before working with youth
• Reliable transportation to the program site and to off-site activities
• Ability to work the schedule below, including regular evening hours and the monthly first-Friday Teen Night

SCHEDULE

This is a part-time position of up to 25 hours per week. Total weekly hours will not exceed 25; additional hours for field trips or events require Program Director approval.

School Year (September–May)

• Monday: 12:00–5:00 PM (5 hours) – planning, family communication, records, and all-staff meeting
• Tuesday: 2:00–7:00 PM (5 hours) – IGNITE
• Wednesday: 2:00–7:00 PM (5 hours) – IGNITE
• 1st Thursday: 2:30–7:30 PM (5 hours) – Let’s Talk About It (middle school session)
• 2nd & 4th Thursdays: 2:30–7:30 PM (5 hours) – Study Break on Us
• 3rd Thursday: 12:00–5:00 PM (5 hours) – planning and administrative time
• 1st Friday: Teen Night (times vary between 5:00–10:00 PM)

Summer (8 weeks, June–July)

• Monday: 9:30–11:30 AM (2 hours) – planning and preparation
• Tuesday–Thursday: 9:30 AM–4:00 PM (6.5 hours) – G.A.M.E. Changers

WORKING CONDITIONS

The role requires regular evening hours and some weekends to accommodate Teen Night, field trips, and community events. Work takes place primarily on site at our program location at Flossmoor Community Church, with occasional travel for field trips, Teen Night outings, meetings, and program-related activities. The role involves active work with youth, including standing, moving between activity spaces, and participating in physical activities.

There will be no relocation costs included in this package. Applicants should have a current, valid legal authorization to work in the United States.

Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Rd, Flossmoor, IL 60422 (primary program site), with off-site field trips and events.