April Harrington

About April Harrington

I am passionate about expanding access to good jobs for Chicagoans, as I believe that quality employment is a foundational step toward building a more inclusive and prosperous society for all. To advance this mission, I manage a diverse portfolio of contracted projects and roles, partnering with workforce development nonprofits and collaboratives to drive systems change.As an independent contractor, I offer a broad range of services, including strategic planning, project management, program design, executive coaching, fundraising strategy, board development, and grant writing. My expertise lies in applying a systems change approach to tackle large-scale issues. This involves convening diverse stakeholders, uncovering shared challenges, identifying opportunities for transformative change, and driving collaborative action. I thrive on organizing work streams, building strong relationships, and facilitating alignment to ensure successful outcomes.Since joining the Chicagoland Healthcare Workforce Collaborative as Project Manager in late 2020, I’ve deepened my expertise in the healthcare sector and built a broad network of partners and stakeholders in the Chicagoland healthcare workforce development ecosystem.Please reach out to me if: • Your nonprofit could be doing more with a clearer strategic plan, stronger board, or diversified funding model• You need help coordinating a diverse group of stakeholders to translate a shared issue or goal into action• You have a complex workforce development project that could benefit from an organized, relationship-focused project manager• You are dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive healthcare workforce and would like to engage with the Chicagoland Healthcare Workforce Collaborative• You need a skilled, experienced grant-writer

Experience

1. Project Manager

   Chicagoland Healthcare Workforce Collaborative

   Nov 2020 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   I serve as convener and facilitator of an employer-led sector-based collaborative that brings together Chicago’s major health and hospital systems to support an inclusive healthcare workforce, provide accessibility for Chicagoland’s unemployed and underemployed populations, and develop innovative responses to the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.By leading research projects, facilitating peer learning, and designing workforce initiatives, I have sparked and supported several positive system changes including: expansion of paid apprenticeship models, launch of pathway programs to help frontline employees advance into higher-paying roles, a shift in employee tuition benefit models from reimbursement to upfront support, increased efforts to hire fair chance talent, and increased coordination in our efforts to expose youth to healthcare careers.

Education

• North Park University

  Certificate in Organizational Development

• York University

  Honors B.A., International Development Studies

  2006 — 2010