Chicago Jobs Council

What Chicago Jobs Council does

Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is an Illinois 501(c)(3) workforce development intermediary founded in 1981 and headquartered in Chicago with an additional Peoria presence. The organization operates three integrated program lines: Capacity Building (customized and public training, the Career Readiness Curriculum, and the newly launched CJC E-Learning Hub), Policy & Advocacy (coordinating the Skills Agenda Table, the CEJA Table for Climate and Equitable Jobs Act implementation, and the Fines & Fees Coalition), and the Anti-Racist Framework, a proprietary methodology for advancing equity in workforce systems.

CJC's product portfolio is delivered primarily through four channels: a membership program for community-based organizations, public virtual and in-person trainings, customized organizational engagements (e.g., engagements with LISC National, All Chicago, National Able Network), and a statewide IDHS SNAP and Employment & Training provider training contract. The 11-50 person staff is led by CEO Dr. Lisa Bly-Jones, with Director of Policy & Advocacy Jacob Sitati and Director of Capacity Building & Training Valerie Charles heading the two main program verticals. Board leadership is in transition following the June 2026 Annual Meeting, with Lisa Hampton incoming as Board President.

CJC's revenue model combines earned income (training fees, membership dues), government contract revenue (notably Illinois Department of Human Services), philanthropic grants, and grassroots fundraising (fall fundraiser raised $7,000+ in the most recent cycle). The organization does not publicly disclose financial figures; based on headcount, multiple program lines, and the scale of IDHS statewide work, revenue is estimated in the mid-single-digit millions.

Name

Chicago Jobs Council

Legal name

Chicago Jobs Council

Website

https://cjc.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Chicago Jobs Council is a Chicago-based nonprofit workforce development intermediary founded in 1981 that provides training, capacity building, and policy advocacy to workforce practitioners, member organizations, and government agencies across Illinois, including statewide IDHS training coordination and convening of the CEJA clean energy workforce implementation table.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Chicago Jobs Council is a nonprofit workforce development intermediary that provides training, capacity building, and policy advocacy services to workforce development practitioners, member organizations, employers, and job seekers. Its core paid offerings include the CJC E-Learning Hub (on-demand self-paced courses), CJC public trainings (webinars, virtual and in-person), Custom Trainings (tailored organizational programs), the Career Readiness Curriculum (CRC), the Anti-Racist Framework, and its Capacity Building Program, complemented by an organizational Membership Program.

Product overview

Chicago Jobs Council offers a suite of workforce development products and services centered around training, advocacy, and capacity building. The core offerings include the CJC E-Learning Hub (on-demand courses), CJC Trainings (public webinars and in-person sessions), Custom Trainings (tailored organizational training), and the Anti-Racist Framework. Additional products include the Career Readiness Curriculum (CRC), convening programs like the CEJA Table and Skills Agenda Table, Policy & Advocacy services, and a Membership Program. These products work together to equip workforce development practitioners, social workers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates with skills to create equitable employment opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CJC E-Learning Hub On-demand, self-paced e-learning platform offering workforce development courses designed to support workforce professionals, advance equity in workforce practices, and enable organizations to onboard new staff.
• CJC Trainings (Public Training Calendar) Public training calendar offering webinars, virtual, and in-person sessions on cultural competency, trauma-informed care, AI tools, career readiness, and other workforce development best practices for practitioners and organizations.
• Custom Trainings Expert-led, customized training programs delivered by CJC's capacity building team and tailored to specific organizational goals and impact needs. Clients include LISC National, All Chicago, and National Able Network.
• Anti-Racist Framework (ARF) Proprietary framework providing structured guidance for organizations to advance anti-racism in workforce development practices, including examination of systemic barriers and consensus-building techniques.
• Career Readiness Curriculum (CRC) Comprehensive training curriculum covering trauma-informed care, AI in workforce development, career readiness, and anti-racist workforce development practices, with train-the-trainer sessions for workforce professionals.
• Capacity Building Program Program designed to strengthen and develop skills of workforce development practitioners through professional training, E-Learning Hub access, and tailored consulting engagements.
• CJC Membership Program Organizational membership providing access to advocacy efforts, training discounts, membership convenings, networking opportunities, and participation in CJC-led policy advocacy initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• 97.6% of CJC training participants recommend their programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• MBDC (Minority Business Development Center) - PeoriaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant representing Central Illinois at the Illinois Workforce Summit in Peoria.
• The Workforce Connection (Rockford)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant representing Northern Illinois region.
• Hire360coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant and Chicago-based CEJA workforce hub organization, also a symposium partner.
• NIU Workforce Policy LabminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant providing policy research support for clean energy workforce development.
• Illinois Power Agency (IPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant; CJC is working to strengthen partnership to connect CEJA graduates to Equity Eligible Persons (EEP) opportunities.
• YWCA McLean CountyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant serving Central Illinois communities.
• DREEAMminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant contributing to Central Illinois clean energy workforce discussions.
• One Level NFPminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant representing Central Illinois workforce development.
• Goodwill Northern IllinoisminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026CEJA Table participant serving Northern Illinois region.
• Chicagoland Workforce Funders AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2025Co-hosts of the Third Annual Chicagoland Workforce Development Symposium with theme 'Fostering Collaboration: Bridging the Gap Between Workers, Employers, and Community.' Partnership focused on exploring equitable workforce system creation through shared events and policy advocacy.
• LISC NationalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Three of seven customized training sessions delivered for LISC National in Q4 FY2025 as part of ongoing capacity building partnership.
• All ChicagominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Two customized programs delivered for All Chicago in Q4 FY2025, with additional sessions planned through December.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity (DCEO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2025CJC is working with DCEO as the administering agency for CEJA (Climate Equity and Jobs Act) funded programs. CJC hosted the first CEJA Table for Central Illinois at the Illinois Workforce Summit.
• North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024CEJA grantee serving as Navigator for Chicago West/Southwest region. Hosted inaugural Bob Wordlaw Award recipient Brenda Palms.
• Community Assistance Programs (CAPs)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024CEJA grantee participant in Chicagoland convening, representing community-based workforce services.
• 548 FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024CEJA Hub organization serving Chicago West/Southwest region as a Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship program.
• Central States SERminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2024CEJA Navigator participant serving Chicago West/Southwest region.
• Cook County Bureau of Economic DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2024Co-partner in planning the Third Annual Chicagoland Workforce Development Symposium, contributing to workforce policy discussions on WIOA and CEJA.
• World Business ChicagominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2024Partner in the Third Annual Chicagoland Workforce Development Symposium, supporting collaboration between workers, employers, and community stakeholders.
• Chicago Cook Workforce PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2024Partner in symposium and CEJA implementation. CJC highlights Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership as a CEJA Hub organization in Chicago West/Southwest region.
• The Innovation NexusminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2024Co-partner in the Third Annual Chicagoland Workforce Development Symposium planning.
• National Skills CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Collaborated with CJC on 'Workforce Policy on Capitol Hill and in Illinois & Why It Matters' panel at the Workforce Symposium.
• Manufacturing RenaissanceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting the Skills-Based Hiring Substitute Ordinance at Chicago City Council.
• Employment & Employer Services (E&ES)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting skills-based hiring ordinance; fall fundraiser sponsor.
• Per ScholasminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting skills-based hiring ordinance.
• Cannabis Equity IL CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting skills-based hiring ordinance.
• Chicago Women in TradesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting skills-based hiring ordinance and workforce equity.
• New MomsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting skills-based hiring ordinance and workforce services for young mothers.
• Women EmployedminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting skills-based hiring ordinance.
• SkillUp CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting skills-based hiring ordinance.
• Opportunity@WorkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Provided virtual testimony on Paper Ceiling research at City Council hearing; supports skills-based hiring advocacy with research and expertise.
• Cara CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Advocacy partner supporting skills-based hiring ordinance.
• Illinois Fines and Fees CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2024Led by the Shriver Center on Poverty Law and Fines and Fees Justice Center; CJC transitioning Transit Table work to participate in this statewide coalition tackling fines and fees issues for racial and economic justice.
• scaleLITminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Fall fundraiser sponsor; member organization formerly known as Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Jobs for the Future: National nonprofit workforce intermediary focused on equitable economic advancement through training, policy, and systems change — directly comparable to CJC's intermediary model, capacity-building training, and policy advocacy focus, though at significantly larger national scale.
• National Skills Coalition: National policy advocacy organization that partners with CJC on workforce policy (including Capitol Hill panels at the Workforce Symposium). Highly comparable mission around skills-based hiring, equitable workforce policy, and coalition-building with state and federal policymakers.
• Corporation for a Skilled Workforce: Nonprofit workforce intermediary that consults with state and local leaders on talent systems and equitable workforce policy — closely comparable to CJC in combining training/technical assistance with policy advocacy and systems-change work.
• SkillUp Coalition: National coalition of workforce and industry organizations that connects job seekers to training and advocates for skills-based hiring — directly comparable to CJC as a CJC advocacy partner on the Skills-Based Hiring Substitute Ordinance with overlapping training and policy missions.
• Opportunity@Work: National nonprofit focused on skills-based hiring and 'Paper Ceiling' research — a documented CJC partner that provided virtual testimony at City Council hearings, sharing CJC's advocacy focus on removing degree-based hiring barriers.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free tech workforce training and a CJC advocacy partner on the Skills-Based Hiring Substitute Ordinance — directly comparable in combining tuition-free training with policy advocacy for equitable workforce outcomes.

Regional players

• Heartland Alliance: Chicago-based human services and workforce nonprofit serving people experiencing poverty — comparable as a Chicago-region peer in the workforce and anti-poverty ecosystem, though operating at significantly larger scale across a broader service portfolio.
• Chicago Urban League: Chicago-based civil rights and workforce organization partnering with CJC on 'Think Like an Employer' workshops and Gen Z workforce support — directly comparable as a regional peer with overlapping workforce development and equity missions.
• Shriver Center on Poverty Law: Illinois-based anti-poverty policy organization co-leading the Illinois Fines and Fees Coalition that CJC is joining — comparable as a regional policy advocacy partner with overlapping workforce-equity and systemic-barrier-removal missions.
• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: Regional workforce board and CJC partner (highlighted as a CEJA Hub organization) — directly comparable as a Chicago-area peer coordinating workforce development funding and training delivery, though operating as the regional fiscal agent rather than an advocacy intermediary.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ChicagoJobsCouncil
• Xx.com/chijobscouncil
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chicago-jobs-council

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chicago Jobs Council