Full-Time

Lead Administrative Support Specialist

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

201-500 employees

Economic empowerment, sexual violence support, childcare

No salary listed

Addison, IL, USA

In Person

Travel between sites and occasionally to other cities may be required.

Associate's

Category
Customer Experience & Support (1)
Required Skills
Word/Pages/Docs
Customer Service
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
Microsoft Outlook
PowerPoint/Keynote/Slides

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Requirements
  • Prior administrative or office experience in a professional setting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
  • Strong customer service and stakeholder support skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
  • Ability to influence and support operations without formal supervisory authority.
  • An Associate degree or equivalent is required.
  • A minimum of fifteen hours of professional development related to Early Childhood and/or job responsibilities is required annually after hire.
  • The role requires the ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Regular use of computers, phones, and office equipment is required.
Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and support daily operations across multiple program sites to ensure consistency, efficiency, and continuity of services.
  • Serve as an on-site point of contact when present, address operational needs, and escalate issues as appropriate.
  • Provide guidance and support to staff to align workflows, procedures, and service standards across locations.
  • Travel between sites as needed to support operational continuity and organizational priorities.
  • Support the Administrative Manager with contract compliance, program reporting, and operational documentation.
  • Maintain accurate program data, spreadsheets, reports, and shared records.
  • Prepare and maintain correspondence, presentations, meeting materials, and internal reports.
  • Process purchase orders, invoices, supply requests, and other administrative transactions.
  • Serve as a communication link between leadership, staff, and program sites to ensure timely information flow.
  • Track and follow up on action items to support issue resolution and operational alignment.
  • Provide leadership with updates on operational status, priorities, and cross-site needs.
  • Coordinate logistics for meetings, trainings, and leadership visits, including scheduling, space setup, materials preparation, and technology support.
  • Track attendance, timelines, and deliverables for projects and initiatives.
  • Support cross-functional projects by monitoring progress and providing status updates.
  • Support front desk and office operations, including phone coverage, visitor reception, mail distribution, and general office support.
  • Ensure office supplies are stocked and workspace areas are organized and functional.
  • Provide backup coverage for administrative functions as needed to maintain daily operations.
  • Provide professional, respectful, and responsive service to members, staff, and visitors.
  • Greet individuals in person and by phone, distribute program information, and connect individuals to appropriate resources.
  • Maintain a welcoming environment and support individuals who may require additional assistance.
  • Support outreach and awareness of organizational programs and services.
  • Assist with special events, trainings, and organizational initiatives.
  • Provide additional administrative or operational support as needed.
  • Perform additional duties assigned to support special projects, organizational priorities, or emerging operational needs.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience supporting leadership or cross-functional teams.
  • Experience coordinating operations across multiple sites or programs.
  • Familiarity with budget tracking, basic financial processes, or administrative financial support.
  • An adaptable, proactive, and solution-oriented approach.
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

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YWCA Metropolitan Chicago helps women and girls through a wide range of programs aimed at eliminating racism and empowering women. Its core service areas are Economic Empowerment Services (like job help and financial stability), Sexual Violence Support Services (safety, counseling, and advocacy), and Early Childhood Services (childcare and development support). The organization reaches more than 200,000 women, children, and families each year and delivers support through programs and services that address both personal empowerment and racial justice. Unlike many single-focus nonprofits, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago combines multiple interconnected programs under one umbrella to address economic, safety, and child development needs together. Its goal is to create a society where racial equity is real and women and families have the tools and opportunities to shape their own lives.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

1876

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The 2024 Breedlove cohort targets women-of-color founders with $100,000-plus annual revenue.
  • Partnerships with BMO, Coleman Foundation, Wintrust, and South Suburban College widen reach.
  • Health, early childhood, and housing programs match urgent Chicago demand and steady grant interest.

What critics are saying

  • FY2025 revenue fell short by $1.3 million; expenses hit $38.3 million.
  • Ninety-six point nine percent of revenue came from contributions, exposing severe fundraising dependence.
  • If donations weaken, program scale and service continuity face immediate operational strain.

What makes YWCA Metropolitan Chicago unique

  • Since 1876, YWCA Chicago anchors women’s advocacy, housing, health, and anti-violence services.
  • Breedlove Accelerator has supported 60 businesses and generated over $10 million new revenue.
  • 2026 150th Anniversary Luncheon underscores deep local brand equity and donor relationships.

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Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Company News

PR Newswire
Jul 24th, 2024
Ywca Chicago'S Breedlove Accelerator Opens Applications, Addressing $146 Million Funding Gap For Women Of Color Entrepreneurs

10-Week Program Kicks Off September 6, Aiming to Generate Millions in New Revenue for Chicago-Area BusinessesCHICAGO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Applications are now open for the Fall 2024 cohort of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's Breedlove Accelerator program. The program, which begins September 6, 2024, aims to address the staggering $146 million funding gap faced by women of color entrepreneurs in Chicago.This initiative offers crucial support to later-stage women of color entrepreneurs, providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to scale their businesses and build generational wealth.The Breedlove Accelerator, a cornerstone of YWCA's Women's Entrepreneurship Center, targets women of color business owners with at least 2 years of experience and $100,000+ in annual revenue.Running bi-yearly, the program has supported 60 women-owned businesses since its inception, generating more than $10 million in new revenue and creating dozens of jobs in the Chicago area.Participants in the Fall 2024 cohort will receive:10 weeks of intensive instruction on financial management, marketing strategies, and operational scalingOne-on-one mentorship from industry leaders and successful entrepreneursIntroductions to potential funders, including venture capitalists and angel investorsOngoing support to implement growth strategiesAccess to a powerful network of fellow entrepreneurs and program alumni"The Breedlove Accelerator is a crucial component of Chicago's economic development strategy," says Cheryl Hudson-Jackson, Director of Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. "By empowering women of color entrepreneurs, we're not just changing individual lives – we're building stronger communities and fostering innovation across our city."The program is supported by key partners including BMO, the Coleman Foundation, Mightyhum and Tether. Eligible applicants include women of color business owners in the Chicago area meeting the program's criteria.Interested entrepreneurs can apply online, https://bit.ly/BreedloveApplication, before the August 12 deadline.About Breedlove Entrepreneurship CenterThe YWCA's Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center is named for Madam C.J. Walker, America's first self-made female millionaire. Born to formerly enslaved parents as Sarah Breedlove, and orphaned at the age of six, she rose to success with sheer determination and grit

William Blair
Dec 15th, 2023
William Blair Celebrates Global Month of Giving

"The Women's Alliance has long partnered with YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, given the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and families.

Business Wire
Sep 22nd, 2022
The Baxter International Foundation Announces $3 Million In New Grants To Organizations Working To Advance Racial Justice

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), announced today it will provide a combined $3 million in new racial justice grants in 2022 to multiple organizations working in the United States. The funding aligns with Baxter’s ACT: Activating Change Today program, a global multidimensional and multiyear initiative to advance racial justice within the workplace and within the communities and markets the company serves. “As part of our Activating Change Today program, Baxter is partnering with organizations working in communities to advance racial justice,” said José (Joe) E. Almeida, Baxter’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We are honored to help support organizations like YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and NAACP in their efforts to reach additional residents with programming and services that address local needs.”

Chicago Tribune
Mar 21st, 2022
South Suburban College partners with Ywcachicago

South Suburban is partnering with community victims’ services providers YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse on the grant.

WFMZ-TV
Nov 17th, 2021
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago hired Nicole Robinson as CEO on Nov 17th 21'.

Nicole Robinson has been named CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago after a four-month nationwide search, the organization announced today.