Title: Community Engagement & Social Impact Associate
Department: Community Engagement & Social Impact
Reports To: Director of Community Engagement & Social Impact
Supervises People: No
About the Role
The Associate Development Program is a paid 12-month full-time (temporary) experience designed for early-career individuals or those beginning their professional careers. A bachelor’s degree, relevant certification, or a combination of related education and experience aligned with the responsibilities of the role is required. Relevant coursework, training, or equivalent experience is valued. The format allows for structured professional development and hands-on learning.
The Community Engagement and Social Impact Associate is responsible for managing the donation and care package process, supporting the staff and fan volunteer program, assisting with community events and initiatives, coordinating appearances, as well as administrative duties. The Community & Social Impact department is focused on utilizing our platform and resources to empower and revitalize local communities through action, programming and investment primarily centered around the following pillars of engagement: Community Safety, Economic Advancement, Education and Health Equity & Wellness. This role works out of our headquarters, Halas Hall, located in Lake Forest, IL; however, travels frequently throughout the greater Chicago(land) area with the ability for some remote work. In addition, the associate will be required to work all home games at our Soldier Field stadium location.
2026-27 Associate Development Program Dates: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Friday, May 21, 2027
Who We Are
As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, family is the core of who we are. We believe every person matters, and we can collectively achieve success through our values of respect, championship mindset, community, and perseverance. We’re different from other companies, as our vision is to be “one of one”. We strive to be a championship football organization that consistently performs at a level of excellence on and off the field. Our people represent a vast array of cultural backgrounds, human experiences and perspectives, and we believe they, collectively and as authentic individuals, are our greatest resource. Our working environment is one where your talent and contributions are valued by the organization and the community.
Responsibilities
- Administer the Chicago Bears DonationXchange system. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Review, process, and respond to all donation requests made online
- Pack, label and ship all outgoing donation items
- Log and track all donations made to charitable organizations
- Monitor donation items and maintain an accurate inventory
- Respond to all donation request received via USPS by either e-mailing the charity the proper online procedure or sending them a postcard describing the proper procedure
- Complete annual donation report detailing in-kind contributions
- Coordinate staff and fan volunteer program (Bears Huddle), including assisting with webpage support, communication and calendar development, and event execution
- Manage the Hello to Our Heroes military care package program
- Fulfill requests for Bears items from schools, hospitals, and other charitable organizations
- Assist with community and social impact events and appearances, including Community Tuesday events, Friday group practice visits and Bears home games
- Prepare gift bags for visiting groups
- Provide community partner outreach support, including post-event survey facilitation
- Assist in the development of Bears annual community report publication
- Assist with managing content for @BearsOutreach social media account and other department newsletter publications
- Collaborate across departments to support the facilitation of various appearances, events, programs and initiatives as assigned, including Player and Alumni Relations, Bears Care and Football Development
- Research and propose new ideas for community programs and partnerships
- Provide administrative support, including organizing storage areas, ordering supplies, filing, data entry, mailings, copying, etc.
- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned
Qualifications
- College degree preferred but not required
- Passion for working with youth and the community at large
- Must be organized, detail oriented and able to use good judgment
- Strong computer skills including Windows based applications and Microsoft programs
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to work with and develop relationships with diverse groups
- Must be dependable, flexible and able to adapt to a variety of situations
- Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced environment
- Able to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including weekends and evenings
- Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time in varying weather conditions, climb up/down stairs, lift heavy objects
- Reliable transportation is required for this role.
What We Offer
We remain committed to upholding the standard of being a first-class organization and employer of choice.
COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY PAY
The Community Engagement & Social Impact Associate is a full-time temporary position. This position is an hourly role. The expected hourly rate for this role is $20 per hour. Please note, due to job function, regular overtime (paid as time-and-a-half) is expected.
BENEFITS & PERKS
Our Associate offerings include but are not limited to:
- Core Coverage: Optional medical coverage (employer paid premium + employee paid deductible)
- Flexible Work Location: Up to 2 days a week of remote work (role dependent)
- Time to Recharge: 5 days of paid vacation time, 3 paid sick/mental health days plus 10 paid holidays, paid time off to volunteer
- Experiences: complimentary preseason tickets for one game, ability to buy additional tickets for home & away games
- Wellness: FREE breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks, access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit, complimentary Calm app access
- Connection: Social events for staff and their families, Employee Resource Groups, and more
- Professional Development: complimentary LinkedIn Learning access, professional development sessions, guest speakers, mentorship
Additional information on employee benefits can be found by visiting www.ChicagoBears.com/jobs.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Chicago Bears organization continues to deepen its commitment to establishing an inclusive, equitable work environment that reflects the diversity within our communities and fan base. We value, respect, and appreciate diversity at all levels, on and off the field, and are guided by a vision of success that includes integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into our club's DNA and culture. The Chicago Bears seek to attract, retain and develop top talent, regardless of personal characteristics, and we invite and encourage all individuals to apply for positions of interest.
The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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What We Do
Our mission is be a Championship football organization that consistently performs at a level of excellence on and off the field while making a meaningful impact and uniting our fans, partners, and community. The Chicago Bears value diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases.
