FREE SPIRIT MEDIA

JOB TITLE: Program Coordinator, Free Spirit South

REPORTS TO: Civic Media Manager

SUPERVISES: Production Coordinator, Free Spirit South

SUMMARY

The Free Spirit South Program Coordinator is a dynamic staff person who is able to work directly with high school age youth to spark creativity, confidence, and leadership through journalism and video production. The Program Coordinator is responsible for delivering a four-day per week after school program for youth on the South Side of Chicago. The Program Coordinator is a team player, who can maintain focus, perspective, attitude, and attention to detail in a fast-paced, creative, and youth-driven environment.

The Free Spirit South program teaches video production and journalism to youth, with a focus on supporting youth in learning the best practices in journalistic reporting, research, and live news. Through production of news packages, PSAs, and full newscasts, youth gain real world skills and begin to use media as a way to tell their story and learn about their community. Free Spirit South has a cross-site partnership with Free Spirit West, located in the North Lawndale community of Chicago’s west side. Both news crews are responsible for the production of a 10-minute advanced newscast every month, which airs at the end of FSM HoopsHIGH on CAN TV Channel 19 (Saturdays from 8:00-10 p.m.). In addition, ABC7 features all of the participant produced newscasts on their community page.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and design media production programming, including writing curriculum and lesson plans, as well as teaching and instructing youth/students on video production
• Prepare and implement daily lessons, including lessons on camera operations, editing, producing, directing, and reporting
• Create and maintain youth development environment where youth/students receive academic, artistic, social and emotional support
• Production Operations – Support youth in producing monthly newscast
• Technical Operations – Participate in care, set up/tear down, and management of camera, control room, and editing equipment
• Manage recruitment and retention of all youth participants
• Manage attendance, participant paperwork, and stipends
• Collaborate with FSM’s Open Lab coordinator to mindfully help participants develop skills in effort to level up to Semi-Pro special projective initiatives and independent work
• Collaborate with FSM’s Industry Pathways manager to help provide industry workforce development opportunities for youth participants
• Collaborate with Program Leadership team to develop the organization’s College Initiatives program 
• Ability to utilize social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to support the social media goals of the Free Spirit South program as well as the Development and Communications team
• Other programmatic duties as assigned
• Coordinate After School Matters partnership
• Supervise and coach the Free Spirit South Production Coordinator
• Coordinate and cultivate relationships with local media professionals to serve as guest speakers and field trip hosts
• Work collaboratively with Gary Comer Youth center administration and other service providers to ensure quality program delivery
• Participate in FSM meetings and professional development trainings
• Support FSM reporting and evaluation efforts
• Other administrative duties as assigned

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (BA) in journalism from a four-year college or university preferred
• Experience working with high school aged youth and middle school students in education, after school, or youth development settings.
• Experience working with youth representing diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, and abilities.
• Experience or interest in designing and developing project-based programming with youth.
• Experience in production of video, film, or journalism, as well as post- production tools, such as Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro

WORK REQUIREMENTS:

This is a full-time position, based out of the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave., Chicago, IL 60619. Hours may exceed 40 hours a week. Occasional evening and weekend hours required. Regular access to a car is required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience; range $38,000-$48,000.

Benefits: Competitive package including healthcare, dental, and vision; IRA match after 1 year.

Paid Time Off: 18 Paid Time Off days accrued during first year in addition to 16 paid holidays.

Professional Development: Funds available to support staff in achieving skill objectives.

TO APPLY:

Please e-mail resume and cover letter to hr@freespiritmedia.org with subject line: Free Spirit South Program Coordinator - {Your Name}.

Free Spirit Media is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and equitable environment in which all staff can excel regardless of race, ethnicity, age, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. People of color, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT FREE SPIRIT MEDIA:

The mission of Free Spirit Media is to cultivate diverse youth voices to transform media and society. Free Spirit Media provides youth on Chicago’s South and West sides with a comprehensive foundation in media literacy and a hands-on media production experience through a youth development lens. We employ a holistic program model to develop youth into productive, connected, and engaged adults. Since our founding in 2001, Free Spirit Media has empowered more than 5,500 youth to share their stories, discover their potential, and engage their peers and communities through digital media. Free Spirit Media’s programming includes school-based media arts education, after school digital media programs, and advanced pathways programs that connect participants with opportunities in professional media industries. Participants at all ages and levels of our programming are supported in developing 21st Century skills that prepare them for success in college and careers. Please see freespiritmedia.org for more information.