Program Manager

The Program Manager for the Chicago Chess Foundation (CCF) will guide and grow the organization’s programs. CCF’s programs use chess as a vehicle for social-emotional and leadership development. The Program Coordinator will collaborate closely with the Executive Director to ensure that all programs are mission-oriented and sustainably effective. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about youth development, our Chicago community, and chess, and have the ambition to take on further duties and responsibilities as the organization grows. Top candidates will be able to build and maintain strong relationships with schools and community partners and have an understanding of social-emotional learning as it pertains to Chicago’s youth.

Programmatic Duties

• Manage Rook, Rattle & Roll programs (50% of program duties)
• Establish partnerships with school and community organizations annually to provide empowering chess programs in neighborhoods throughout the city
• Teach chess, weekly, to youth at 3-5 schools across Chicago, specifically in low-income communities
• Communicate regularly with partners to manage, evaluate, and improve program effectiveness
• Identify, train, hire, and manage instructors to deliver programs
• Establish regular training and development for coaches
• Obtain weekly feedback from coaches to ensure program efficacy
• Maintain a database of qualitative data from each program
• Co-Direct chess tournaments (40% of program duties)
• Act as Site Director for annual tournaments which average 300 participants each
• Keep tournament logistics on-time
• Ensure the tournament is staffed properly
• Work with vendors to purchase trophies and awards
• Organize food options for attendees and volunteers
• Act as the final decision-maker for all tournament day issues
• Address attendees for opening and closing announcements
• Coordinate with host sites to ensure set-up and take down of equipment.
• Create and disseminate all tournament communication promptly
• Maintain all tournament data and track participation and results throughout the season
• Host online competitive chess tournaments and events
• Organize summer camps (5% of program duties)
• Host 4 week-long chess-specific summer camps
• Introduce chess instruction at 2 partner summer camp programs
• Hire and train camp staff
• Manage camp staff during all camp sessions
• Expand and enhance all of CCF’s other programming (5% of program duties)
• Organize and plan the Pawns to Queens program (A program for advanced chess players)
• Maintain up-to-date quantitative and qualitative data and communicate the stories of CCF’s community through reports and social media
• Design and create new and innovative ways to reach more youth and improve the quality of CCF programming

Minimum Qualifications*: 

• 2-3 years of experience working in a school or extra-curricular setting with K-12 youth**
• Self-starter with the desire to help a young non-profit grow
• Flexible and open-minded 
• Effective communicator
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours
• Working knowledge of the game of chess and its intricacies, and a willingness to increase your knowledge
• Experience hosting large events for youth
• A passion for and knowledge of the Chicago community
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Understanding of the social-emotional needs of youth in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods
• Access to a laptop and reliable internet
• Ability to travel efficiently across the city – specifically to south and west side communities
• Ability to lift 50 lbs or more

*Job requires access to a computer, consistent internet connection, and occasional access to a car.

**Must be able to successfully pass a background check from Chicago Public Schools.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in nonprofit management, youth development, education, business, marketing, or related field
• Experience coaching chess to groups of youth
• Experience with social media, Squarespace, GSuite, and Zoom
• Knowledge of CPS and the Chicago school systems
• Access to a car

Vaccination Policy

To be considered for this position a candidate must be able to provide evidence that they are fully vaccinated with one of the CDC-approved vaccines of Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson. 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CCF is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace environment. Chess has the power to break down barriers of race, age, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, and all other identities. CCF is committed to working together with communities through celebrating diversity, welcoming all, and standing against systems of oppression. Applicants from all underrepresented groups, including people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and DACA recipients are encouraged to apply. All are welcome at the chess board.