STEM Coordinator

Location/Dept.: Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

Reports to (Title): Arts & Education Manager

Position Ranking : Part Time Non
- Exempt

Pay Range $25.00 (this is a grant funded position)

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Chicago exists to express the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army through a safe, enriching, and sacred environment where all individuals have access to opportunities to reach their physical, intellectual, social , and spiritual potential. The Vision of the Chicago Kroc Center is to impact individuals, families and seniors of the Southside while building community, promoting excellence, motivating wellness, teaching character, and encouraging faith.

The STEM Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and teaching the STEM after school program for ages 6-11 students. Primary responsibilities include program instruction, curriculum development and revision, and materials management.

Program Coordination:

• Coordinate program logistics
• Assist Tutors with STEM instruction
• Create, purchase, develop, and maintain detailed inventory and organizational system for all materials, equipment supplies, and lesson plans.

Program Development:

• Maintain and continue to develop a comprehensive curriculum in STEM education for 6th-8th grade students.
• Ensure curriculum content is engaging, student-centered, inquiry-based, scientifically accurate, age-appropriate.
• Create a balance of all categories of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in the curriculum.
• Add opportunities for students to apply STEM topics to environmental stewardship efforts.

Program Instruction:

• Establish a safe, healthy, supportive, and collaborative learning environment for students .
• Collaborate with middle school teachers to align STEM curriculum with their classroom instruction.
• Align activities with student interests and allow for flexibility in content week to week.
• Maintain a personal knowledge of the evolving field of science and STEM education theory and trends, hands‑on and inquiry‑based education, and other pertinent educational philosophy and use this to continue to grow and develop the STEM program.
• Other duties, as assigned

• A minimum of 4 years of college with a degree in Education or STEM related fields of study
• 2 years experience in after school programming preferred
• 2 years experience in youth engagement preferred
• Current CPR certification preferred

• CPR/First Aid Certification
• At least one year K-8 formal or informal teaching experience
• Knowledge of inquiry‑based learning
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to provide exceptional customer service
• Self‑motivated, team oriented, and creative
• Positive, flexible, and friendly
• Ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Preferred
  • Teaching experience in science, math, technology or elementary education or related fields
  • Ability to communicate in Spanish
  • Curriculum design and development experience

• Must possess genuine care and concern for youth – especially pre‑teens and teens.
• Strong project management and organizational skills. Must be able to initiate and finish projects.
• Able to communicate effectively with youth, co‑workers, stakeholders, and families in a respectful and culturally competent manner via written and verbal communication.
• Must enjoy working with teams but can also work independently.
• Enjoys being the leader but is also confident enough to take directions from others.
• Must be able to take initiative and problem solve. Must be a creative thinker.
• Demonstrates understanding of the positive youth development philosophy.
• Demonstrates an understanding of guidance and discipline principles & conflict resolution strategies.
• Must possess genuine care and concern for youth – especially pre‑teens and teens.
• Program area management skills that are engaging, non‑oppressive and age appropriate.
• Strong project management and organizational skills. Must be able to initiate and finish projects.
• Able to communicate effectively with youth, co‑workers,…