Program Lead Full Time NEW

Company Description

New Community Outreach is a community-based nonprofit committed to cultivating safe, restorative spaces for youth and neighbors on Chicago’s South Side. NCO was founded by New Community Covenant Church in 2017 and remains affiliated with the church. NCO believes that restorative justice is fundamentally about centering humanity and prioritizing relationships. Our work is rooted in getting to know our community — its people, its needs, and its strengths — and creating spaces where individuals can learn about themselves, one another, and the world around them. We believe these spaces open pathways to healing, reconciliation, and flourishing. In partnership with schools, organizations, and churches across the South Side, NCO addresses the community’s core needs: violence prevention, trauma-informed care, education, and workforce development. The Bronzeville Community Action Plan recognized NCO as a critical partner in this work, and we take that responsibility seriously. To learn more about NCO and the KEY Program, visit newcommunityoutreach.org

Role Description

The Program Lead (PL) will work closely with the Executive Director and a second Program Lead to advance NCO’s mission through direct program leadership, community engagement, and

organizational support. The two Program Leads will share responsibility for leading the Knowledge

Empowers Youth (KEY) Program — NCO’s flagship youth restorative justice initiative, which uses the

Circle process to create consistent, healing-centered spaces for students to process their experiences, build relationships, and grow. Together, they will ensure the KEY Program is implemented with fidelity and that every component — from circle sessions to mentoring to field trips — reflects NCO’s commitment to healing and community. Beyond KEY, the PL will also play an active role in NCO’s broader programming, including the Back to Fun Fair community event, community circles, and other organizational needs as they arise.

This is a role for someone deeply committed to restorative justice, who shows up fully for young people and community, and understands that meaningful work requires both vision and a willingness to be creative and mission-grounded. The PL will bring initiative, creativity, and accountability to everything they do — and will grow into additional responsibilities over time based on their individual strengths and the needs of the organization.

Education and Experience:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• Experience in: teaching, education, and/or youth programming or development; urban and multi-ethnic communities; cross-cultural collaboration.
• Preferred:
• Certified Circle Keeper.
• Prior volunteer or professional experience with NCO’s KEY Program.

Essential Functions:

• Co-lead the KEY Program with fidelity alongside the second Program Lead, including circle sessions, Saturday Sessions, mentoring, field trips, and care packages.
• Serve as a Circle Keeper for circle sessions, preparing thoughtfully and consistently for each one.
• Build genuine relationships with youth participants, showing up consistently and engaging actively in their growth and development.
• Mentor KEY students formally and informally, and coach student interns as applicable.
• Support planning and execution of broader NCO programming, including community circles and the Back to Fun Fair.
• Maintain consistent communication with partners, stakeholders, and volunteer mentors in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Handle administrative responsibilities that keep programming running smoothly — i.e. supply purchasing, documentation, system creation, and program analysis.
• Participate fully in staff development, co-lead staff meetings, and commit to ongoing professional growth.

As the PL grows into the role, additional responsibilities may include:

• Managing NCO’s social media presence and communications.
• Representing NCO in partner meetings and community collaborations.

Who You Are:

• Deeply committed to restorative justice, healing-centered practice, and community equity.
• A self-starter who takes initiative and holds themselves accountable without being prompted.
• Creative and innovative — you bring fresh thinking to how NCO serves its community.
• A team player who understands that no task is above them and shows up for colleagues the way they show up for the community.
• An effective communicator and relationship-builder, especially with youth.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities with flexibility and focus.
• Interculturally competent and comfortable working across differences.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by Tuesday, June 30, 2026 to info@newcommunityoutreach.org. 

Please include in your subject line: NCO Program Lead Position [Your Name].