Lead Chess Coach

Reporting to the Chess Program Manager, the Lead Chess Coach will provide regular instruction and leadership in our in‑person scholastic chess programs. Scholastic chess includes classes held at Mechanics' Institute, on school campuses during or after school hours, online classes, seasonal camps, and weekend classes. Qualified candidates should have a foundational knowledge of chess and be familiar or be willing to be trained in chess instructional techniques.

Candidates should also have a solid foundation in classroom management and conflict resolution strategies, particularly working with children, as well as experience in supporting and training other instructors. The Lead Chess Coach will be part of Mechanics' Institute team, working on building a culture of unity and quality that reflects outward to the community.

• Plan, prepare, and deliver dynamic lessons for students of varying levels of experience.
• Successfully manage classrooms including reporting accurate roll and absences, setting learning expectations, adhering to school rules and regulations, and reporting any classroom challenges.
• Provide leadership and support to other Chess Coaches.
• Supervise large classes with multiple coaches
• Support high‑level classroom and education initiatives
• Able to facilitate Mechanics’ Institute onsite and offsite scholastic camps
• Work with the Chess Program Manager and coach cohort to develop curricula, create lesson plans, and draft new exercises and worksheets for classroom and homework usage.
• Promote chess tournaments, classes, camps, and other MI Chess Club events to scholastic participants.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with school administrators as requested by Chess Program Manager.
• Attend professional development and staff meetings when scheduled and as needed.

• Scheduling is subject to change in accordance with the needs of schools. This may include size of class increase or decrease, day/time changes, school administrator and instructor requests, student support needs, etc.
• Schools are assigned based on a number of factors including but not limited to: amount of time at the school, duration of employment and good standing at Mechanics’ Institute, evaluation, school preference, and the experience level of the instructor.

• A minimum of two years of chess instruction in a classroom and/or at three years of teaching elementary or middle school students in academic or general enrichment classes.
• Strong knowledge of chess principals (pieces, checkmate, basic pins/ forks/ tactics/ strategies).
• Prior experience working with children, with preference to specific experience in teaching or assisting with scholastic chess.
• Demonstrative experience with classroom management strategies.
• Ability to manage large, multi‑section classes with multiple chess coaches: assess, group and assign students into different groups, supervise other coaches, and manage rosters, attendance, performance.
• Communicate with Chess Program Manager about students' progress, which in turn may be shared with school staff or families.
• Address any classroom issues as needed and report situations to supervisor about class status: challenges, problems, achievements, and potential leads.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Strong problem‑solving and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to communicate with members, donors, staff, and the public in a friendly and professional manner by phone, email, and in person.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel from one class location to another and lift up to 20lbs.
• Chess instructor title or chess player title (USCF of FIDE) is a plus but not required.

• This is a part‑time position in local schools and other sites. Compensation is based on available and assigned classes at $53.66 per hour for class and preparation time. Any travel time between classes on the same day, aside from unpaid break…