Saturday Academy Facilitator (Contractual)

Description

We provide talented and highly ambitious Black students in and across Chicago with access, opportunities, and resources to be successful on their journey to, through, and beyond college. For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational opportunities and resources today. 

LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students’ success by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city. Our Scholars are outpacing their peers and graduating college at twice the national average for Black students (56% vs. 28%). Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 3,500 low- to moderate-income students. In the 2024-2025 academic year, we will serve 300+ middle and high school students.

Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!

Position Summary

As an integral part of the Saturday Academy team, the Saturday Academy Facilitator is responsible for delivering lessons/programming as a part of our leadership development programming. Saturday Academy facilitators work directly with our Scholars to ensure that they are receiving, discussing, and understanding the material and facilitators are curating a rigorous experience. Some Saturday Academy sessions may serve as college access/career exposure experiences during which Scholars engage in activities such as panels, career/college fairs, field trips or college representative visits. During such programming, Saturday Academy Facilitators will serve as chaperones and support Scholars in preparing for, engaging in and reflecting on their experience. All materials are provided for instruction and will be sent to Saturday Academy Facilitators to allow for ample time to internalize the lesson and prepare for execution. Saturday Academy Facilitators will collaborate with and report to the Director, Educational Programs.

Instruction/Grading

• Deliver instruction according to the lesson plans during each (6) Saturday Academy
• Support as chaperone during off-site Saturday Academy Programming and class Retreat
• Support and build relationships with assigned cohort of Scholars as they engage in Saturday Academy programming
• Assist with receiving Scholars and dismissing Scholars from programming
• Grade/score assignments and year-end capstone projects

Planning/Preparation

• Review provided academic materials to internalize the lesson plans and prepare as necessary to deliver instruction
• Attend one mandatory orientation meeting and monthly optional office hour meetings to attain necessary clarity around lesson execution or programming participation 
• Track Scholar assignment completion and participation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social/human services, counseling, social work or related field REQUIRED. 
• Previous teaching/instructional/ability to facilitate lessons required. 
• Ability to interface effectively with Scholars, LINK Staff and volunteers.
• Availability on Select Saturdays: 10/5, 11/16, 12/7, 2/1, 3/8, 4/12
• Ability to ensure appropriate outcomes for Scholars are balanced and maintained

Characteristics

• Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
• Growth mindset and servant leader approach to educating in Chicago
• Cheerful and welcoming demeanor
• Must have outgoing and engaging personality
• Strong work ethic
• A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker
• Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials
• Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion
• Interactive and engaging personality ability to connect 

Work Schedule

Part-time, on select Saturdays (10/5/2024, 11/16/2024, 12/7/2024, 2/1/2024, 3/8/2024, 4/12/2024) from 9a-12p, in-person. We ask that facilitators arrive at the venue no later than 30 minutes prior to the start time.  

Compensation

Facilitators will be compensated at a rate of $200 per Saturday Academy, totaling $1,200 for the fiscal year. This role is not eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance or any other benefits.

To Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter to Meghann Barnes, Director educational Programs.

LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.