Event Florist & Youth Trainer at Nehemiah Group – Chicago, Illinois

About Southside Blooms
Southside Blooms is a nonprofit social enterprise using flowers as a vehicle for empowerment, job training, and community transformation. We provide paid employment, life skills, and mentorship to young people while delivering exceptional floral design for events, weddings, and corporate clients.

Position Overview
The Event Florist & Youth Trainer is a dual-impact role that blends high-level floral execution with hands-on youth development. This position is responsible for designing and executing floral installations for events while training, mentoring, and supporting youth employees as they build technical, professional, and life skills.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced event environments and is equally passionate about teaching, coaching, and uplifting young people.

Key Responsibilities
Event Floral Design & Execution
Design and execute floral arrangements for weddings, corporate events, installations, and special projects
Lead on-site event setup, styling, breakdown, and strike
Translate client vision boards and proposals into polished floral designs
Ensure quality control, consistency, and brand standards across all event work
Assist with floral prep, inventory management, and studio organization
Collaborate with the events and sales teams to meet deadlines and client expectations

Youth Training & Mentorship
Train youth employees in floral design techniques, event setup, and studio best practices
Model professionalism, teamwork, time management, and communication
Provide constructive feedback and hands-on coaching during events and studio work
Support youth in developing workplace confidence and transferable job skills
Foster a safe, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment
Serve as a positive role model aligned with Southside Blooms’ mission and values

Qualifications
2+ years of experience in event floristry, floral design, or related creative field
Strong knowledge of floral mechanics, installation techniques, and event workflows
Experience working with youth, mentoring, teaching, or coaching (formal or informal)
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Ability to remain calm, organized, and solution-oriented in high-pressure environments
Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and early mornings as required by event schedules
Physical ability to lift, stand, and work long event days

Preferred Qualifications
Background in nonprofit work, workforce development, or social enterprise
Experience training or supervising entry-level employees
Passion for community impact, equity, and youth empowerment
Valid driver’s license and comfort driving vans for events (if applicable)

What We Offer
Meaningful work with measurable social impact
Creative, mission-driven team environment
Opportunities for leadership growth and professional development
Competitive pay based on experience
The chance to help young people build real skills while creating beautiful work