Without leaders, Chicago Cares would not be able to create and implement our programs.  With your help, we are able to make a real difference in Chicago, and with the help of the hundreds of Chicago Cares volunteers who step forward to lead a program on a regular basis or service event project for one of our annual events, more than 20,000 individuals will make a difference in the city this year.  

What is Involved in Being a Leader?

Being a Chicago Cares volunteer leader is a great way to take your volunteering to the next level while developing leadership and management skills, enhancing your resume or simply meeting new people and making more Chicago Cares friends. Chicago Cares staffs most of its group volunteer projects with one or more volunteer leaders. Volunteer Leaders (Team Coordinators or Project Site Managers) provide organization and leadership for the service project and management and motivation for the volunteers.

Team Coordinators (TC) or Back-Up Team Coordinators are Chicago Cares volunteers who decided to step up to the challenge of leading or filling in at an ongoing project. These dedicated leaders work with Chicago Cares staff to plan each project, take volunteer sign-ups prior to the project, act as a liaison between Chicago Cares and our partner agency and return project evaluations to our office. Team Coordinators lead small groups of volunteers (4 – 10 people) on a weekly or monthly basis.

Project Site Managers (PSMs) and Primary Project Site Managers lead service projects for our Serve-a-thon and Celebration of Service in teams of two or more. These dedicated individuals will lead, manage and motivate large groups of volunteers, enabling thousands to paint, plant, and rejuvenate Chicago 's schools, parks and agencies. Although the events are only one-day affairs, there is additional prep work prior to the event that each Primary PSM or PSM must complete with their team of co-leaders and Chicago Cares staff liaison.

Youth In Service Project Site Manager lead projects that have been custom-created for each youth group. This is a flexible opportunity for leaders who enjoy working with youth ages 8 - 18.  Youth in Service Project Site Managers lead projects in a variety of issue areas, as often as they are willing (4 – 6 times per year).  Youth in Service Project Site Managers inspire young people to give back to their community and encourage the ethic of service.   

How to Become a Leader:

1. Check out the below position descriptions for a program that meets your interests
2. Submit an application to be a team coordinator or an application to be a Project Site Manager
3. Chicago Cares staff review applications and contact candidates
4. Chicago Cares staff conduct a phone interview with interested candidates
5. Candidates accepted as leaders are assigned a program or event
6. Candidates attend Leader Training at Chicago Cares' office
7. Attend at least one site visit or project before assuming leadership of program or event
8. Lead and have fun!

View Current Leadership Opportunities 

Submit an Application

Submit an application to be a team coordinator or an application to be a Project Site Manager

For more information about leadership positions, call us at 312.780.0800 x163 or e-mail lead@chicagocares.org