Instructional Support Program Associate, Chicago
Job Description
Position: Program Associate, Chicago
Reports to: Program Director, Chicago
Location: Chicago (currently remote, hybrid option available)
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Start Date: July 1, 2022
Facing History and Ourselves is a global education non-profit organization that challenges teachers and students to use lessons of history to stand up to bigotry and hate. Facing History’s educational content is informed by a unique pedagogical model that helps students explore questions of identity, human behavior, prejudice, and civic responsibility and make the essential connection between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives today. We currently apply this model to explore case studies of pivotal historical moments such as the Holocaust, the Reconstruction Era following the American Civil War, the Civil Rights Era, as well as local histories like Red Summer in Chicago and an exploration of the development of Chicago’s neighborhoods in addition to rich works of literature such as Brown Girl Dreaming. Facing History increasingly works with whole schools and districts to spur transformation in adult mindset, pedagogical practices, and school culture, building on the pillars of Social Emotional Learning, Equity, and Civic Engagement.
The Program Associate will facilitate professional development workshops and seminars in person and online, cultivate and document relationships and communications with educators, educational leaders and key constituencies. The position is also expected to help seed and recruit new schools and districts to implement Facing History and Ourselves, and give special attention to educational trends and factors specific to Chicago and Illinois. In addition, the program associate will have regional work assignments; and manage events or initiatives on a case-by-case basis. They also work across regions and teams to support organization-wide projects and initiatives, including outreach to schools and districts. Some travel may be required to assist with regional and national initiatives.
Who we are: We are passionate educators who care deeply about our community. Innovative and entrepreneurial, we constantly look for better ways to serve our teachers, our schools, and their students. We have sought and continue to prioritize building a team that represents the diversity of our region. We work closely together and depend on clear communication, commitment to each other as a team, and a positive energy.
Who you are: You share our passion for education, youth, and the community, with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. You bring your experience and unique perspective to make us stronger together. You thrive in a team environment, bringing both strong collaboration skills and independent initiative. You have a constant curiosity, and an appreciation for all of Facing History’s core case studies. You are confident facilitating workshops and conversations that explore identity, racism, antisemitism and other challenging topics in diverse settings. You demonstrate the ability to build community, support and coach teachers, both in person and in digital spaces, and you seek to be part of a team which is making a positive impact in Chicago and Illinois.
Essential Skills/Qualities
Facing History understands that restrictive job requirements may exclude historically marginalized groups from applying to jobs for which they are qualified. We take an equitable and holistic screening approach. If you feel you have demonstrated experience and expertise relevant to perform this role, please don’t hesitate to apply!
- BA/BS; MA preferred.
- Demonstrates effective communication and facilitation skills.
- Secondary classroom (grades 7-12) teaching experience required.
- Interest in, and ability to articulate the mission of Facing History.
- Familiarity with social-emotional learning, building positive school culture and civic education.
- Experience with culturally responsive teaching, equity and justice initiatives required.
- In-depth knowledge of European and United States history required.
- Experience with literacy, writing/English/language arts/humanities.
- Experience with designing and facilitating technology-enabled in-person, hybrid and online professional learning experiences leveraging digital tools (i.e., GSuite, Google Jamboard, Padlet, Mentimeter, Mural).
- Entrepreneurial and collegial style; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Growth mindset in approaching new challenges and reflecting on past efforts; a desire to deepen knowledge in Facing History content areas and strategies.
- Ability to organize and execute tasks in a non-profit context.
- Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
- Some travel required.
Preferred
- Use of Facing History and Ourselves resources and pedagogy in a secondary classroom.
- Knowledge of Chicago Public Schools Initiatives and Curriculum.
- Experience leading professional development and/or adult coaching in educational settings.
- Experience with whole school reform or district change management.
- Experience teaching the Holocaust and other examples of collective violence, the Civil Rights Movement and the history of race in America.
- Comfort with or willingness to learn how to use digital platforms for professional learning (i.e., Zoom Meeting, Zoom Webinar, Google Classroom, Canvas LMS).
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn how to use databases and/or CRMs (i.e., Salesforce) to support engagement with educators, schools and district leaders is preferred.
- Fluency in online digital media literacy skills and comfort with integrating web-based and social media technologies for support of a global network of teachers and students.
Benefits Summary: In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, Facing History provides an excellent and competitive compensation and benefits package including medical with a health reimbursement account, dental, vision, life & AD&D, long-term & short-term disability insurance, 403(B) retirement plan with a discretionary organizational contribution, generous paid time off, an employee assistance program, travel assistance plan, pre-tax commuter spending accounts, flexible spending accounts, voluntary Colonial Life group plans, robust wellness programs through Welnys TV, aHealthyMe & weekly virtual yoga and meditation, WellCents 403(B) advisement, and a friendly work environment.
Facing History values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Facing History’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. At Facing History, we honor and value the uniqueness of each and every human being. Our strength as an organization that provides and distributes educational content and pedagogy to teachers across the globe is directly tied to our diversity of staff, leadership, educators, students, scholars, and volunteers. Our commitment is to treat individuals with dignity and to build and maintain a community of full participation, inclusive of the voices, needs, and contributions of all. As an organization, we are deeply aware of the legacies of injustices that persist in society and in the workplace, and we value and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their association with excellence.
