Director of Entrepreneurship

About the role

By The Hand Club For Kids is a Christian, after‑school program that emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing the whole child – mind, body and soul. Located in Chicago’s most under‑resourced neighborhoods, the organization helps children experience abundant life. Its culture is Christ‑centered, people‑focused and results‑oriented, combining love and nurture with a strong results orientation, a structured program and a growth mindset that believes hard work leads to continued learning and growth. Employees serve in ministerial roles, which include sharing the Gospel, teaching chapel, leading Bible studies, discipling students, and modeling behavior consistent with Christ’s teaching. The work environment varies among a professional office setting, indoor gardening in the hydroponic freight farm, classroom settings at after‑school sites, and the Austin Harvest youth‑led fresh food market. Standard office equipment (computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines) is used regularly. The role requires regular speaking and listening, occasional movement of equipment between rooms or locations, lifting up to 50 pounds, and travel to other organizational sites to meet with staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Entrepreneurial programs at By The Hand, reporting to the Director of NXT.
• Empower and develop 9th‑12th grade students to pursue their God‑given desires and responsibilities through entrepreneurship, professional and spiritual discipleship, and world citizenship.
• Create high‑quality training and developmental experiences, set and measure program goals, and meet key objectives through planning and adept project management.
• Lead, communicate and work effectively with others.
• Supervise the Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, the Economic Development Project Manager, and the Media Lab Manager.
• Lead the entrepreneurship program for:
  • Serving cross‑site high school youth;
  • The Gil and Marlene Bowen Fresh Food and Nutrition Center in Altgeld Gardens, including a state‑of‑the‑art hydroponic Freight Farm program;
  • Austin Harvest, the youth‑led fresh food market on Chicago’s West Side.
• Perform in a way that is consistent with the vision, mission, and culture of By The Hand and commit to excellence in every aspect of overall operation.
• Model cultural values of By The Hand Club For Kids in day‑to‑day behavior.
• Follow all policies outlined in the operational guide, including maintaining brand standards and ensuring 100% adherence to the Child Protection Policy.
• Participate in employee growth plans, including quarterly conversations and annual review meetings.
• Build relationships with students, staff, parents, donors, and both community and corporate partners.
• Develop a comprehensive entrepreneurial curriculum for students in By The Hand’s entrepreneurship programs.
• Manage the implementation of the entrepreneurial program at the Altgeld Gardens location around hydroponic freight farm gardening and nutrition, as well as the ongoing entrepreneurial programs at Austin Harvest and the Media Lab.
• Create project plans, set goals, and monitor progress of entrepreneurial and nutrition programs.
• Collaborate with various teams and sites across By The Hand.

Requirements

• Have a personal and saving relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced by a lifestyle that demonstrates the Word of God, and be in regular fellowship with other members in a Bible‑believing church.
• Agree with the By The Hand Club Doctrinal Statement and adhere to the Employee Biblical Standards of Living.
• Show by example the importance of Scripture memorization, Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and Christian fellowship.
• Lead a team devotional on a regular basis and participate in weekly team prayer.
• Have completed an evangelism course and be trained and prepared to share the gospel with anyone who inquires.
• Work with staff and members of the EOS Leadership Team to monitor and enforce policies and procedures to further By The Hand’s religious purpose and freedom.

Skills

• Christ‑like servant leader with a sense of calling who models Biblical principles.
• Passion and commitment for urban student transformation, confidence to lead in challenging situations, and belief that all children can learn.
• Outstanding problem‑solving skills with an orientation toward results, action, impact and influence.
• Ability to work both as a team player and independently.
• Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and multi‑task well.
• Outstanding time management and communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial spirit.
• Passion for gardening and nutrition.
• Understanding of entrepreneurship, youth development and program development.
• Knowledge of marketing, branding or advertising.
• Ability to work across lines of difference to build and maintain relationships and partnerships.
• Project management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, youth development/education or equivalent experience preferred.
• Entrepreneurial experience and/or education preferred.
• 3 or more years of management experience.
• Technical skills with Gmail, Google Docs, Slides and Sheets or Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with youth and parents/families in an urban context.
• Must have a valid driver's license, available transportation, and personal auto insurance to travel around the city.

Pay

Rate of Pay: $65,000‑$70,000 per year