Department

Lab School Family Life Programs

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity.

No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, LGBTQ+ identified candidates, candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Summary

This position prepares for, coordinates, and links activities supporting co-curricular, before school, after school, and summer programs offered through Family Life Programs. Communicates with the professional team, seasonal staff, parents, and students through messaging, email, telephone, and in-person meetings regarding program procedures, practices and expectations.

Responsibilities

Coordinates information related to programming, specifically daily activities, schedules, and student information.

Supports the Assistant Director in designing, collaborating on, and executing all FLP programming at the ESH campus during the school year and summer

Maintains program records and archives relevant information and program materials, and performs program-related duties as assigned.

Contributes to the implementation and operation of an impactful summer and after school program for children ages three to twelve. 

Communicates program information to families.

Lab Explorers Summer Camp lead at ESH campus.  

Coaches seasonal staff on how to apply best practices in the area of early childhood and youth development through modeling and demonstration.  

Collaborates with school administrators, faculty, and staff.

Establishes and maintains strong, positive relationships with parents, students, staff, and program providers.

Maintains and analyzes data within registration software to support financial tracking and administrative reporting.

Assures all materials and supplies are ordered, available, and organized for programs and events.

Responds to program inquiries from parents and caregivers. Triages emails and telephone calls for action. Resolves mostly routine and some complex inquiries.

Coordinates special projects as directed by the leader. Prepares write ups for recommendations for operational and administrative problems. Prepares financial and/or administrative reports.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Associate Degree in youth work, early childhood, education, social services, or a related field or a combination of education and experience relating to this position.

Experience:

2+ years in youth development, early childhood, education, or social service.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the area of activities for preschool and school-age youth.

Preferred Competencies

Ability to maintain confidentiality, and use discretion and tact in all interactions.

Ability to prioritize effectively among numerous tasks.

Ability to work independently and with limited supervision and to utilize good executive function skills.

Working Condition

Ability to walk between the Historic Campus, Earl Shapiro Hall, and the University of Chicago main campus in all seasons and weather conditions.

Ability to stand for 2 to 4 hours, climb stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs.

Requires sitting for extended periods of time.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

Reference Contact Information (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$18.25 - $23.62

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.