Programs and Operations Associate

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $55,000 to $65,000, based on experience

Experience: 3+ years

Reports To: Vice President, Program Strategy and Impact

Travel: 10-15% travel initially, with potential to increase as programming expands. Domestic and international travel required.

Schedule: Occasional evenings and weekends for programming and events

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Enjoys organizing details, coordinating logistics, and helping bring creative programs and experiences to life.
• Builds trusting relationships with young people, families, and partners through warmth, professionalism, and clear communication.
• Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and follows through on commitments while knowing when to ask questions or seek guidance.
• Is excited to learn and grow within a small, collaborative team and can adapt as priorities evolve.

Background

Virgil Abloh fundamentally reshaped how we see creativity and the world around us. As a multi-hyphenate visionary, he transformed industries, built category-creating brands, and advanced equity, collaboration, and inclusivity across disciplines. He was an artist, architect, engineer, designer, musician, DJ, philanthropist, creative director, artistic director, and advocate. Virgil was a prolific collaborator and a popular fashion theorist whose expansive and innovative approach to design inspired culture and the creative world as we knew it.

As a creative that practiced across a multitude of disciplines, Virgil always believed that the most significant impact could be made through inclusivity and community building, instilling a methodology of bringing together a variety of individuals and organizations from different spaces and inspiring collaboration. He also believed deeply in the power of artistic expression through creative practice to inspire future generations. His commitment to open doors has served as a model for many who remain inspired by his motto "Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself."

The Virgil Abloh Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as the philanthropic arm of Virgil Abloh Securities, the creative company that upholds the far-reaching practice, teachings and ethos of the late creative visionary, Virgil Abloh. Virgil and his wife Shannon believed sincerely in the power of creativity to inspire future generations and in the adaptability of the creative industry to foster change. 

To continue this work, the Virgil Abloh Foundation was created with a strategic mission to open doors, break barriers, and build a more equitable and inclusive industry for underrepresented youth and cultural leaders in pursuit of a limitless creative future.

Position Summary

The Virgil Abloh Foundation is seeking a highly motivated Programs + Operations Associate to join its growing team. This hands-on role coordinates the day-to-day logistics, communications, and operations across our programs and initiatives. The Associate will take ownership of assigned tasks and coordination processes, helping deliver high-quality participant experiences and reliable follow-through in a small, growing team. This role offers opportunities to learn, take initiative, and grow into increased program and operational responsibility over time. The ideal candidate is organized, warm, and excited to help deliver meaningful experiences for young creatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and delivery of in-person and virtual programs, workshops, events, and domestic and international travel, including scheduling, materials, logistics, and tracking deadlines.
• Co-facilitate programming alongside program leadership and guest creatives, and lead assigned activities such as welcomes, icebreakers, and reflections to help create a welcoming, engaging, and supportive environment for students.
• Serve as a friendly, reliable point of contact for students, parents/guardians, mentors, and partners; support recruitment, onboarding, outreach, and ongoing communications.
• Draft clear, warm, and on-brand communications and program materials; maintain accurate records and trackers; and help collect feedback and compile program recaps and impact highlights.
• Provide administrative and operational support, including meeting coordination, vendor coordination, invoicing, expense tracking, and maintaining organized files and resources.
• Help uphold youth safety policies and emergency protocols, maintain required participant documentation, promptly report concerns, and handle participant and family information with discretion and confidentiality.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in program coordination, event production, youth development, nonprofit operations, or the creative industries
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a warm, professional tone
• Comfort speaking in front of groups and a willingness to develop facilitation skills, with guidance and support
• Ability to take Initiative, anticipate logistical needs, follow through on assigned responsibilities, and adapt to shifting priorities while seeking guidance when needed
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Zoom, and comfort working with databases and spreadsheets
• Must be authorized for employment in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• Experience working with high school students, families, or school partners
• Experience with live events, run-of-show development, or workshop facilitation
• Experience with Salesforce, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Canva
• Connections to Chicago's creative, cultural, and community organizations
• Bilingual skills are a plus

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Virgil Abloh Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Learn more at thevirgilablohfoundation.com.