Program Coordinator

About the role

Adler University is dedicated to educating socially responsible practitioners, engaging communities, and advancing social justice. Through innovative academic programs, community partnerships, and applied scholarship, Adler prepares professionals to address society's most pressing challenges and create meaningful change.

About The CHOICE Program

The Creating Healing of Inside Community Educators (CHOICE) Program is a trauma-informed, restorative initiative that promotes healing, accountability, and personal transformation within correctional settings. Through facilitated dialogue, relationship-building, and evidence-informed practices, CHOICE volunteers partner with incarcerated men to examine the effects of trauma, strengthen resilience, and support successful reentry into their families and communities. Volunteers will work in Pinckneyville Correctional Center, with opportunities to expand programming at additional Southern Illinois correctional facilities such as Murphysboro and Menard.

Position Summary

Adler University seeks a compassionate, organized, and relationship-focused Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to recruit, orient, arrange training, and support volunteers serving in the CHOICE Program. This position is responsible for developing and sustaining a diverse volunteer network while ensuring volunteers are prepared, supported, and connected throughout their service. The successful candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal skills, strong organizational abilities, and a commitment to restorative justice, trauma-informed practice, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for growth and transformation. Training in the CHOICE curriculum and facilitation model will be provided.

Essential Responsibilities

• Recruit, interview, screen, onboard, and retain volunteers for the CHOICE Program.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, faith communities, colleges and universities, professional associations, and civic organizations to expand volunteer recruitment.
• Cook up volunteer scheduling and placement for correctional programming.
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers, providing ongoing encouragement, guidance, and support.
• Collaborate with CHOICE leadership to prepare volunteers for programming and ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Corrections policies and procedures.
• Aid in planning and facilitating volunteer orientation, continuing education, and program meetings.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records, participation data, and related documentation.
• Represent Adler University and the CHOICE Program professionally through community outreach, presentations, and recruitment events.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to volunteer engagement and program effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Experience coordinating volunteers, community engagement initiatives, nonprofit programs, or related activities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a remote team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual communication platforms.
• Ability to travel periodically to correctional facilities and community locations throughout Southern Illinois.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred: Volunteer management, Restorative justice, Trauma-informed practice, Correctional education or prison programming, Prison ministry, Reentry services, Behavioral health, Counseling, Social work, Higher education, Community organizing, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities.

Training and Development

Training in the CHOICE curriculum and facilitation model will be provided.

Working Conditions

This position is primarily remote with periodic travel to correctional facilities and community locations throughout Southern Illinois. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to accommodate volunteer recruitment activities, trainings, and special events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Adler University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Adler University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Adler University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. Applicants requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Human Resources.