Program Facilitator

CEO Program Facilitator

The CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Program Facilitator will create a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, discover and experience learning through real life activities. The facilitator’s role is to model a passion for learning, connect with the students and community, collaborate with the CEO board, and, most importantly, provide guidance to the students.

The facilitator position is a half-time position. 90 minutes of the day is spent with the students, and the balance is used for arranging business visits, guest speakers, calling on businesspeople, etc. CEO requires a great deal of time from the facilitator to establish good relationships with the business community, prepare the many communications that make the program transparent, and build the learning environment that allows students to succeed.

We are seeking a facilitator who is:

• A kid magnet, dedicated to students and their success
• A great relationship builder
• First-class communicator
• Willing and able to interact with business investors and partner
• Comfortable working in a technology rich environment
• Resourceful and adaptable
• An excited learner and naturally curious
• Able to get out of their own way. Facilitators are not instructors of this experience. A facilitator must be willing to lean on community members who are experts in their fields
• Able to contextualize and prioritize Craig Lindvahl's Life Lessons and their own throughout the program.

Specific functions of a facilitator:

Communication

• Promote a positive image of CEO.
• Serve as a shared point of contact for all CEO matters.
• Schedule CEO visits and speakers.
• Receive feedback from presenters.
• Assist with marketing of the program: write and post class updates through Facebook.
• Prepare and present a monthly board report.
• Collaborate with the CEO board on shared responsibilities.
• Class Orientation
• Mentoring
• Class Business
• Individual Businesses
• Trade Show
• Alumni Activities
• Look for and develop community networking opportunities that benefit students.

Support Student Development

• Read and respond to students’ weekly journals.
• Connect students to resources.
• Continually assess and evaluate student performance.
• Develop Strong Team/Produce the WOW.
• Facilitate development and execution of class business.
• Facilitate development and execution of individual student businesses.
• Identify and address student needs and issues.
• Track student grades and report quarterly to schools.
• Incorporate Craig Lindvahl’s Life Lessons from Things You Wish You Knew Yesterday.

Operations

• Develop program materials and content.
• Develop class and team building activities.
• Seek & secure host sites.
• Organize business visits and guest speakers.
• Track / attain key concepts and foundational skills recommended by MIE through provided evaluation system.
• Participate in The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship Training and Events:
• Required: Attend New Facilitator Training in Effingham, Illinois.
• Participate in Monthly Webinars (August - April).
• New Facilitator Huddle (Monthly)
• Kitchen of Learning (Quarterly)
• Complete & administer Midland Institute surveys.

Start Date: July 1, 2025

• Must be willing Obtain Educator licensure through the Regional Office of Education (ROE)/ Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
• CEO offers real-life experiences through regular contact with local entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and community partners.
• Students in the program will come from area high schools and will meet from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM Monday thru Friday during the school year.

How to Apply 

If you are passionate about cultivating lifelong learners, please send a cover letter and resume to Rich Eckert, Chair – Cass County CEO Program, reckert@beardstownsavings.com.

Applicants are encourage to submit application materials by Friday, March 14, 2025.

Cass County CEO Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer.