We are hiring
The Firehouse Dream exists to be a safe space for BIPOC youth (ages 13-22) to thrive in every area of their lives. We do this through our 3 interconnected pillars: creative entrepreneurship, financial wellness, and mental well-being.
Our shared team values:
Rest: We center rest as a restorative practice, and aim to maintain healthy boundaries while honoring our capacity as a 3 day operational organization. We are consistently evaluating and assessing our rhythms as a team, especially in our slow and busy seasons.
Co-creation: We deeply value co-creating with our youth and neighbors. We center their feedback as a way to inform our decision-making as a team, as well as, in our programming, and events.
Shared-power: As a team we value agency over our voices, ideas, leadership and boundaries/capacity.
Communication is Care: We believe that the only way to honor our boundaries and capacity well, is by being proactive in communicating our feelings/needs well. We do this by implementing non violent communication skills.
Curiosity/Mutuality: We meet each other with curiosity and mutuality in every areas our work, especially as conflict arises. Feedback is seen as an opportunity for growth, and accountability/ownership is a way we acknowledge when harm has been done.
Collective Healing: We believe we are on an individual and collective healing journey. This work is an invitation to heal holistically as we aim to be effective leaders and great neighbors. We hold space and lean into the restorative process of healing as a team and as individuals.
TEAM LEAD
Classification
Employee (20-hrs) | 3-day schedule (Wed-Fri)
Starting date
Fall 2025
Salary/Rate
$25-$35 / hour | Part-time
Benefits:
Wellness Stipend, 2 weeks PTO, 5 organizational weeks off, 9 Federal Holidays off if falls on an operational day, 401k option.
Reports to
Executive Director
Job Summary
The Team Lead is a critical member of The Firehouse Dream’s team, responsible for ensuring the organization runs efficiently and effectively in alignment with its mission and strategic goals. This role oversees daily operations, financial processes, and administrative systems, supporting the organization’s programs and initiatives. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Team Lead works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to sustain a high-performing and mission-driven organization.
Duties & Responsibilities
Operational and Administrative Systems
Establish and maintain shared systems and processes to run TFD operations, in collaboration with the Executive Director and staff
Develop internal systems in collaboration with the staff to ensure clear communications, goal-setting, and project management
Establish and manage regular TFD team meetings
Collaborate with a team to manage vendor relationships, including contracts, procurement, and service agreements.
Provide admin support and communications to the Executive Director, as directed
Onboard new hires and provide training on systems and processes
Team Management and Strategy
Ensure staff are on track for accomplishing annual goals
Invest in the team’s leadership capacity and promote positive team culture by planning professional development opportunities, team building activities, wellness days, etc.
Ensure the collection of operational metrics for monitoring and evaluating program activities, to support organizational decision-making and reporting
Provide logistical and operational support for events, campaigns, and other initiatives.
Financial Systems
Work closely with the Executive Director and Treasurer to develop and manage the organization’s budget.
Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes, including expense tracking and reporting.
Support the Executive Director in maintaining accurate personnel records and oversee payroll and benefits administration.
Support the preparation of financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with nonprofit financial standards.
Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and registrations relevant to nonprofit organizations – including but not limited to registrations and reporting to IRS, GATA, SAM, etc.
Support staff with the maintenance of other critical organizational compliance and risk management aspects – including but not limited to insurance policies
Skills and Abilities
Enthusiasm and commitment to the organizational mission and strategic direction
Strong organizational and leadership skills
Creative problem-solving attitude and skills
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong understanding of financial management, compliance, and reporting processes
Proficiency in relevant software and tools, such as project management and accounting platforms.
Proven ability to organize, lead, and communicate with staff and volunteers to successful outcomes
Solid work ethic, personal integrity, and high professional standards, including an appreciation for maintaining personal and confidential information
Transportation is required
Other Details
Location: TFD HQ in Maywood, IL.
Hours: In-Person Wed-Thursday: 9am-4pm | Friday: 9am-3pm
Culture alignment: Passion to engage with young adults ages 13-22. Cultural competency and consciousness is very important as we value elevating and centering BIPOC voices. Asset-based mindset with communities that face inequities and challenges due to systemic racism.
While non profit and/or operations experience is desired, we are willing to train the right person. Ultimately character, and passion for our mission/vision, and willingness to learn matters most to us.
Instructions for application:
Candidates should submit their resume and answered questions to jasmine@thefirehousedream.org with the subject line: Team Lead Application. In lieu of a standard cover letter, please answer the following questions (150 words max for each question):
Healing is a big part of our work, share what your healing journey has looked like and it means to you? (Please note you have agency over your story, please only share what you feel comfortable sharing)
What does authentic leadership mean to you?
Why are you interested in this role and this organization?
Tell us a bit more about your operations and project management experience and approach.
An Important Note about Job Descriptions: Job Descriptions are not designed to include an all-inclusive comprehensive list of tasks & responsibilities; tasks & responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time. We encourage all volunteers and staff, along with the Executive Board of Directors to periodically review and update job descriptions, as needed.
The Firehouse Dream is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. The Firehouse Dream is also committed to complying with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. ITIN’s are accepted.
