Learn more about OUR OPEN positions:

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Consulting Opportunities

Program Strategic Planning Consultant

The Garfield Park Community Council is seeking a consultant to assist in the creation of strategic priorities that will guide the organization’s next years of service to Chicago’s West Side. The consultant will work with staff, board and community members, to identify the most pressing needs within the community and how they align with the organization’s current program structure.

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About the Garfield Park Community Council

The Garfield Park Community Council (GPCC) is a 12-year-old community-based organization dedicated to the revitalization of the Garfield Park neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. The GPCC is led by a seven person staff and a nine-person board of directors comprised of community residents and civic leaders with a variety of expertise. GPCC’s programming currently encompasses three primary areas: business development (revitalization of the community’s retail corridors); wellness (management of the Garfield Park Garden Network and signature Neighborhood Market); and housing (housing stabilization and outreach to tenants, landlords, and homeowners). GPCC also owns a 40-unit senior housing building in West Garfield Park. A strong resident organizing and advocacy initiative is integrated into all of its program areas. The organization has an annual operating budget of approximately $1 million.

Project Description

The Consultant will help GPCC’s board and staff create a programmatic strategic plan for its work during the next 5-7 years, identifying the needs that are a priority within the community and determining if the GPCC’s current programs are meeting those needs. These newly-defined or refined focus areas will also help inform the organization’s fundraising work.

Deliverables will include a set of timed priorities, as well as recommendations for implementation over the next year. To produce these deliverables, it is anticipated the consultant will conduct interviews with the following stakeholders:

• Board members
• Staff
• Organizational partners in all current GPCC program areas
• Representative funders
• Community members

GPCC staff will assist with identifying interviewees. The consultant will also study existing needs assessment data and community plans for Garfield Park to inform the priorities and recommendations.

This work is anticipated to take approximately four months with final deliverables expected by early to mid-summer 2024. The estimated total budget is $8,000-$10,000. To respond to this RFP, please provide a resume, cover letter detailing experience with similar projects, three references, and an estimate of cost by February 29, 2024. Information can be forwarded to Mike Tomas, Executive Director, Garfield Park Community Council, mike@gpcommunitycouncil.org. No phone calls please.

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Americorps Opportunities

Data and Evaluation Associate, AmeriCorps VISTA

_{GPCC currently offers housing counseling, works to reoccupy vacant homes through the Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP), offers emergency housing support, and owns a 40-unit affordable senior housing building, but these services are not enough to meet the vast affordable housing needs in Chicago’s West Side. The Data and Evaluation Associate will use data management and community engagement to promote, integrate, and expand our housing programs. The Associate will analyze data and provide recommendations for GPCC to preserve or acquire at-risk properties, as well as support the research and development of community wealth-building or other shared ownership models for the acquisition of 1-3 2-4 unit properties. They will collaborate with GPCC staff to create systems and materials for outreach about our housing programs. By the end of service, they will evaluate and enhance GPCC’s programs to engage more partners and residents in our community.}

_{To Apply}

_{The Data and Evaluation Associate application is available on the AmeriCorps website. Related references will be required. No phone calls, please.}

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Development and Strategic Planning Associate, AmeriCorps VISTA

_{By summer 2024, GPCC will complete a strategic planning process that outlines how GPCC can serve its community both in the short- and long-term. The Development and Strategic Planning Associate will work with the Executive Director, Development Manager, and other staff to ensure we have the capacity to achieve the goals outlined in the strategic plan. They will also ensure that GPCC is effectively utilizing public and private funding sources for programs that reduce poverty. The Associate will accomplish a range of activities to help GPCC meet our strategic plan goals, including creating communications materials, coordinating grant applications, researching grant and partnership opportunities, and preparing reports on program outcomes. By the end of their service, they will also document and present the progress on our strategic plan, as well as develop a sustainability document to ensure the knowledge and relationships will be transitioned to GPCC staff and future AmeriCorps members.}

_{To Apply}

_{The Development and Strategic Planning application is available on the AmeriCorps website. Related references will be required. No phone calls, please.}

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Volunteer

Volunteer with the Garfield Park Community Council

_{Now more than ever, we need community-led programs that support emergency responses and build long-term resilience. Your contribution as a volunteer will help us make our work possible. After you fill out this form, we will be in contact with you about relevant volunteer opportunities and next steps!}

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