After School Matters

Professional Learning Specialist

Programs - Chicago, IL - Full Time

After School Matters provides Chicago high school teens with high quality, after-school and summer opportunities to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Since 1991, more than 350,000 teens have participated in our hands-on, project-based after-school and summer programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Programs take place at locations throughout the city including Chicago public high schools, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library locations, community organizations, downtown at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, in Belmont Cragin at our Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters, and in the Pullman community at the new Gately Center for After School Matters. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.

Summary of Position:
The Professional Learning Specialist at After School Matters is responsible for designing, coordinating, and implementing professional development (PD) workshops and programs for instructors and program staff. The role ensures that these workshops align with the organization’s goals for teen outcomes and instructional practices. This position involves facilitating workshops, providing support and coaching, and collaborating with youth and leadership to develop and deliver impactful training sessions. Additionally, the Professional Learning Specialist will support new instructors in navigating learning and coaching resources to ensure they have the tools necessary for success. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of national education and out-of-school time trends, excel in relationship-building with both young people and adult learners, and demonstrate effective project management skills.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the Director of Learning Communities on ASM professional development, curriculum development, and programming.
  • Support, facilitate, and co-facilitate PD workshops for instructors and program staff.
  • Design, develop, and implement PD programs and training sessions tailored to needs of instructors and program staff.
  • Provide ongoing support and developmental coaching to staff and instructors, ensuring effective implementation of training content.
  • Support new instructors in navigating learning and coaching supports.
  • Conduct site visits and ride-alongs for on-site coaching and relationship building.
  • Collaborate with the leadership council and instructors to involve youth in PD creation and delivery, mentoring them in leadership and facilitation.
  • Ensure all PD programs align with After School Matters’ desired teen outcomes and instructional practices.
  • Assess the training needs of instructors and staff through surveys, observations, and feedback.
  • Cultivate and maintain a resource library with manuals, guides, and online materials for ongoing instructor and staff development.
  • Represent, when needed, After School Matters in community panels, committees, and workshops.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning, advocate for high-quality PD, and serve as a leader within the organization.
  • Monitor local and national out-of-school time and youth development trends, integrating relevant insights into PD programs.
  • Maintain flexibility and think outside the box to achieve the PD goals of After School Matters and instructors while maintaining engagement.
  • Perform other duties as required to support the overall goals and mission of After School Matters.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • None

Physical Demands:
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to sit for long periods of time

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to weather conditions
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • After School Matters Alumni are encouraged to apply!
  • A positive attitude and willingness to proactively offer assistance
  • Administrative tasks, including copying, mailing, filing and attention to detail
  • Desire to help internal and external customers
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Excellent customer services skills
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
  • Spanish speaking a plus

Qualifications:
  • College degree preferred or 2 years of professional experience
  • Prior participation in one or more After School Matters programs strongly preferred

How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume at https://afterschoolmatters.applytojob.com/apply

EEO:
After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.
 
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