Kids Forward’s Youth Project Assistant is a temporary consultant position. Candidates located in Outagamie or Winnebago County are preferred. 

About Kids Forward

Kids Forward is a statewide child and family research, communications, engagement, and policy advocacy organization with a vision for a Wisconsin where every child thrives, notably children of color and those furthest from opportunity. As Kids Forward enters the next stage in its 140-year history it commits to being a multicultural, equitable, inclusive, and antiracist policy center.

Kids Forward makes a difference by pursuing an aggressive agenda with the lived experience of marginalized Wisconsinites and justice at its core. Our work advances equitable policy solutions and systemic change. Kids Forward utilizes a multi-pronged approach of engagement, data-driven analysis, communication, and policy advocacy to effect change. 

The Position

The Youth Project Assistant will sustain and support the partnership development between Fox Valley Opportunity Youth Initiative (OYI) and Kids Forward. 

The Fox Valley Opportunity Youth Initiative is a systems change network prioritizing the lived experience, voices, and leadership of the most marginalized young people between the ages of 16~24 in our region. We center issues most important to the needs of marginalized youth in the Fox Valley while remaining responsive to changing needs. As youth leaders, we know that by bringing in the youth voice to community conversation we make the Fox Valley a better place not just for young people, but for everyone.

The Youth Project Assistant will assist the Policy and Engagement Coordinator, Grants and Fundraising Coordinator, Youth Engagement Facilitators, and other team members. This role will involve project administration, community engagement, and ensure all activities align with developing a collective vision for Kids Forward and the Fox Valley Opportunity Youth Initiative to improve the lives of young people in the Fox Valley and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and facilitates group meetings between Fox Valley Opportunity Youth Initiative and Kids Forward team members, including scheduling, creating agendas, and note taking during meetings.
• Develops actionable steps and timeframes to accomplish goals.
• Monitors project progress through the planning stage, and coordinates with Policy and Engagement Coordinator on ensuring project goals are met.
• Builds and maintains relationships with community partners in the Fox Valley region. 
• As determined by Kids Forward staff and Opportunity Youth Initiative, provide support to the Youth Engagement Facilitators.
• Assists with grants cycle for Fox Valley Opportunity Youth Initiative programming in collaboration with the Grants and Fundraising Coordinator.
• Evaluate current governance structure and identify actionable next steps. 
• Travel throughout the Fox Valley for meetings and events as necessary.

Below are some competencies that will help an individual succeed in this role. We do not expect candidates to be able to demonstrate all these qualifications. Please apply if this position holds interest for you, even if you do not hold all of the following qualifications:

• Sincere passion for the mission and values of Kids Forward, and the ability to articulate and share that passion with internal and external audiences.
• Recognizes the value of youth voice in community and advocacy. 
• Experience in project management and administrative support. Relevant experience in a nonprofit environment preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive outreach and community engagement for diverse and effective coalitions, alliances, and community-based relationships. 
• Ability to work effectively as a hybrid remote team member in an adaptive, engaged, collaborative work environment. 
• Commitment to antiracist policy advocacy and youth justice. 
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills. 

Compensation

Compensation for this position includes hourly pay between $20~$27 hour based on experience. This position will work 8-10 hours per week and is temporary, expecting to last approximately 6 months from start date. We encourage consultants to consider applying.

To Apply

We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply.

To apply, email resume and cover letter to info@kidsforward.org with the subject heading “Youth Project Assistant.”

Candidate review and interviews are expected to take place in January.

Research shows that some candidates will only apply for a position if they meet 100 percent of the qualifications. Kids Forward looks for talent and passion. We hire team members from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. 

Kids Forward is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment along with our own professional and personal capacity to advocate on behalf of people of color. Kids Forward is a remote first employer designed to support the success of colleagues residing outside of Madison, Wisconsin.

Kids Forward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, disability, or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law. Kids Forward participates in E-verify and will provide the federal government with Form 1-9 information from each new employee to confirm work authorization.