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Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the Life Is Work team!
Deputy Director Job Description
starting salary from $80,000 to $110,000 annually
Position Summary
The Deputy Director at Life Is Work plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission to educate, empower, and organize TLGBQ+ individuals from diverse backgrounds. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role requires a dynamic leader who will provide operational expertise, foster innovation, and support the organization's strategic goals. The Deputy Director will work to ensure the efficient delivery of programs and services while maintaining a commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice. This position also requires a strong focus on grant writing and reporting to secure and maintain funding for the organization’s programs and initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Partner with the Executive Director to develop and execute organizational strategies that align with Life Is Work's mission and vision.
- Provide leadership and guidance to senior staff, ensuring organizational goals are effectively communicated and achieved.
- Serve as a bridge between the Executive Director and staff, fostering clear communication and collaboration.
Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring all programs and services are delivered effectively and meet community needs.
- Develop and implement operational policies and procedures that enhance organizational efficiency.
- Track organizational performance using key metrics and provide updates to the Executive Director.
Grant Writing and Reporting
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Development team to identify funding opportunities and develop compelling grant proposals.
- Manage grant reporting processes to ensure compliance with funder requirements and deadlines.
- Work closely with program staff to collect data and success stories to include in grant applications and reports.
Financial Oversight
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Finance team on annual budget development and management.
- Ensure compliance with funding requirements and maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Identify innovative opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation to sustain the organization’s impact.
Team Development
- Supervise and mentor senior staff, promoting professional growth and accountability.
- Lead recruitment efforts to attract and retain skilled and diverse talent.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent Life Is Work in high-level meetings with funders, partners, and community stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors, providing updates and strategic recommendations to inform decision-making.
- Oversee communications strategies to amplify the organization's visibility and impact.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management or a related sector.
- Proven success in managing complex operations and achieving organizational objectives.
- Demonstrated expertise in grant writing and reporting, with a successful track record of securing funding.
- Strong expertise in financial management and resource allocation.
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Deep commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to envision and implement long-term organizational goals.
- Problem-Solving: Proficient in addressing challenges and delivering effective solutions.
- Leadership: Demonstrated capacity to inspire and lead diverse teams in achieving excellence.
- Grant Writing Expertise: Strong ability to craft compelling proposals and manage reporting processes.
- Financial Acumen: Expertise in budgeting, financial oversight, and strategic resource management.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, tailored for diverse audiences.
Work Environment
This position is based in a professional office environment with occasional travel required. The Deputy Director should be available for evening and weekend engagements as needed to support the organization's goals and community events.
Compensation
The starting salary for the Deputy Director position ranges from $80,000 to $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This role includes a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision,
Housing Case Manager
Starting Salary $50,000
Housing Case Manager will play a key role in Life Is Work’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic by providing wraparound support and housing services to individuals living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS. This role involves coordinating housing placements, delivering non-medical case management, and supporting clients in accessing resources that
improve their health outcomes and overall stability.
The ideal candidate is compassionate, detail-oriented, and committed to providing affirming services to TLGBQ+ communities facing housing instability.
Key Responsibilities:
○ Manage a caseload of clients by providing individualized, client-centered, and trauma-informed care.
○ Conduct intake assessments, develop service plans, and document progress toward housing goals.
○ Assist clients in accessing stable housing through placement services and ongoing support.
○ Provide non-medical case management, connecting clients to resources including healthcare, HIV prevention/treatment services, employment programs, and social services.
Housing Support:
○ Utilize the Housing First approach to support clients in securing and maintaining housing.
○ Assist clients with housing applications, referrals, and navigation of housing systems, including the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
○ Advocate for clients with landlords, housing agencies, and other service providers to ensure long-term housing stability.
Health and Wellness Coordination:
○ Collaborate with healthcare providers and community partners to link clients to HIV prevention and treatment services.
○ Promote client wellness by offering education and resources on harm reduction, PrEP, ART, and other health strategies.
○ Support clients in achieving health-related goals through referrals to gender-affirming care, mental health services, and substance use support programs.
Program Documentation and Reporting:
○ Maintain accurate, timely documentation in compliance with program, funder, and agency standards.
○ Monitor client progress and participate in regular case reviews with the Housing Program Manager.
○ Track housing placements, health outcomes, and other relevant program metrics to support reporting and evaluation.
Community Engagement and Advocacy:
○ Collaborate with Life Is Work’s community partners, including the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Center on Halsted, and Chicago House, to deliver wraparound services.
○ Attend community meetings, training, and events related to housing, HIV prevention, and TLGBQ+ wellness.
○ Advocate for systemic changes to address housing disparities impacting TLGBQ+ individuals and people living with HIV.
Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, human services, or a related field
(equivalent experience considered).
● 2+ years of experience in case management, housing services, or HIV prevention/treatment programs.
● Understanding of housing systems, HMIS, and the Housing
First approach preferred.
● Experience working with TLGBQ+ communities and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
● Strong commitment to trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and culturally affirming care.
● Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
● Proficiency with case management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
● Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:
● Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
● Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
● Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and holidays. Opportunities for professional development and training. Supportive and affirming work environment that prioritizes staff wellness.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references
Life Is Work is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. TLGBQ+ individuals, people living with HIV, people of color, and those with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Intake Prevention Specialist
Starting Salary $45,000
Job Summary: We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Intake Prevention Specialist to join our team. The Intake Prevention Specialist will serve as the first point of contact for clients and will be responsible for managing the intake process, gathering necessary information, and ensuring a smooth transition for clients into the services we provide. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, efficient, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. The Prevention Specialist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing programs designed to support prevention efforts to reduce other high-risk behaviors within the community. The ideal candidate will have experience in public health, HIV Risk-Based Testing/Counseling, or related fields, and will be dedicated to promoting healthy behaviors and providing support to at-risk individuals and communities.
Location: Chicago, Illinois (Southside and Westside Location)
Employment Type: Full -Time
Agency Background
Life Is Work is a trans-led nonprofit organization that educates, empowers, and organizes Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Queer+ (TLGBQ+) individuals from diverse backgrounds to secure safety, wellness, and justice for all. As a Coordinated Entry site, we use a Housing First approach to address housing insecurity and provide compassionate, trauma-informed, and affirming services to community members impacted by HIV and systemic inequities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Client Interaction: Serve as the initial point of contact for clients via phone, email, or in-person, answering inquiries and providing information about services.
- Intake Process: Collect and verify essential client information, including personal details, insurance information, and medical history, as applicable.
- Data Input: Collecting demographic information and inputting clients into Life Is Work CMR system (Case Worthy).
- Data Collection and Reporting: Collect data on program outcomes, participant engagement, and overall impact. Prepare reports and present findings to Housing Manager and Program Director.
- Documentation: Ensure all required forms and documents are accurately completed and maintained in the system. This includes consent forms, release of information, and any other necessary paperwork.
- Scheduling: Coordinate appointments for clients, ensuring the correct scheduling of assessments, screenings, and meetings with appropriate staff.
- Communication: Serve as a liaison between clients and service providers, ensuring clear and timely communication regarding intake status and appointment details.
- Case Management Support: Work closely with case managers, clinicians, and other team members to provide the best client experience and ensure seamless service delivery.
- Confidentiality and Compliance: Adhere to all privacy and confidentiality policies and ensure compliance with HIPAA and other relevant regulations.
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of client interactions, services, and appointments using client management software or databases.
- Problem Resolution: Address any issues or concerns that clients may have during the intake process, ensuring prompt and effective resolution.
- Program Implementation: Co-implementation and facilitation of youth and aging adult drop-in center services and sessions on the South and West side of Chicago. Facilitate group sessions for youth and adults to raise awareness about the importance of prevention.
- Community Outreach: Establish and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, schools, local government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote prevention initiatives and resources.
- Education and Training: Attend and complete the required trainings center on CMR system, HMIS entry system, reentry training, DV/IPV trainings and all other training scheduled through AFC.
- Support and Referrals: Offer guidance, resources, and referrals to individuals who may be at risk or seeking help. Collaborate with case managers, and healthcare providers to support individuals in need of more specialized care.
- Advocacy: Work to reduce stigma associated with seeking help for mental health and substance use disorders.
- Crisis Intervention: Provide initial support and intervention for individuals in crisis, offering guidance on appropriate next steps, resources, and referrals. Respond to urgent situations as necessary.
- Other duties assigned
Qualifications:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; or an Associate degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
- Experience: Prior experience in an intake or administrative role in healthcare, social services, or a related field preferred.
- Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Familiarity with client management software or databases
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Attributes:
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Compassionate, patient, and empathetic demeanor
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a dynamic environment
Work Environment:
- Office setting community-based role, with some fieldwork, including outreach and community engagement depending on client needs.
- May involve handling high volumes of inquiries and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- May involve the lifting of heavy objects (the employee must be able to lift 40 lbs)
- Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for events, or workshops/trainings.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Supportive and affirming work environment that prioritizes staff wellness
Application Process: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
Life Is Work is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. TLGBQ+ individuals, people living with HIV, people of color, and those with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Office Coordinator
Starting Salary at $55,000
Position Overview
Life Is Work is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Office Coordinator to manage day-to-day administrative and clerical tasks. The Office Coordinator will play an integral role in ensuring smooth and efficient office operations, contributing to the success of our programs and initiatives. This role requires exceptional organizational abilities, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Job Responsibilities
- Follow office workflow procedures to ensure maximum efficiency and coordination across teams.
- Maintain accurate files and records using effective filing and documentation systems.
- Provide administrative support to other teams, including managing calls, disseminating correspondence, and scheduling meetings.
- Greet and assist visitors, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
- Monitor office expenditures and oversee office-related contracts (e.g., rent, services, maintenance).
- Perform basic bookkeeping activities and maintain updates in the accounting system.
- Address clients’ complaints or issues with professionalism and resolve them promptly (or escalate complaints/issues when necessary)
- Monitor and maintain inventory of office supplies; place orders as needed to ensure availability.
- Monitor and maintain, in coming donations of (food and clothing).
- Organizing flow of Food Pantry and clothing closet.
- Assist in managing vendor relationships, ensuring timely delivery and quality services.
- Responsible for setting up staff for training and training new housing case managers
- Responsible for developing housing case management training manual
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements and Skills
- Proven experience as an Office Coordinator, Office Manager, or similar role.
- Outstanding organizational and time management skills.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with basic bookkeeping and accounting principles.
- Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a positive team-oriented approach.
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to address issues promptly and effectively.
- High school diploma; a degree in business administration or a related field is a plus.
- Or Equivalent employment experience to reflect the job qualifications
- Knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
What We Offer
- A dynamic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven organization.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- The chance to contribute to impactful programs that promote equity, safety, and justice for TLGBQ+ communities.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Supportive and affirming work environment that prioritizes staff wellness.
Application Process: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Life Is Work is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. TLGBQ+ individuals, people living with HIV, people of color, and those with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
If you are an organized, proactive, and resourceful professional passionate about supporting a team dedicated to community empowerment, we encourage you to apply!