The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation presents a comprehensive program of tours, exhibitions, lectures, special events, and adult and youth education activities, all designed to enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation of Chicago’s outstanding architectural legacy.

Overall Responsibility:                

This position serves as the point person for all teen-based, teen-targeted relationships and coordinates the operations, development, implementation and facilitation of design education programs for teen (9th-12th grade) audiences. This coordinator develops and implements strategies for recruiting and retaining teens to programs through in person, onsite and online strategies; tracks participation and badging for participants and serves as the administrator for in person and online design competitions.  

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Program Implementation: 

• Coordinate and facilitate/teach in a variety of youth education experiences including workshops, custom programs, design studios and conferences. Key programs include the CAF Teen Academy, Saturdays in the Studio, After School Matters, CCOL, Newhouse Program & Architecture Competition and DiscoverDesign.org National Competition.   
• Assist with developing new innovative architecture design programming for teens which may include hands-on interactive design and design-build projects and workshops; architecture and design competitions; digital and social media projects; curricular projects; career-based programming, and internship and apprenticeship programs.
• Recruit, manage, and motivate both face-to-face and online volunteer mentors to ensure that volunteer mentors are responsive to teen learners and that programming content reflects the most current information and practices in pedagogy and in architecture, design, construction, engineering, and related fields.
• Coordinate teen components into CAF large-scale public programs as well as permanent and temporary exhibition programs.

Recruitment and Retention 

• Assist with record-keeping & audience tracking for Youth Education programming. 
• Update and maintain student database and student contact information.
• Track students' participation in annual programs and create attendance reports. 
• Develop, implement and analyze evaluation of student's participation. 
• Research and implement best youth development practices in all programs.

Administrative: 

• Work with teachers and administrators from partner schools and organizations to recruit and retain students to all teen programs.
• Assist the sales and marketing team regarding teen programming. This work may include but not limited to: representing Youth Ed at off-site events, assisting with external communications (web site, email, other).
• Assist the youth education team with special events, workshops, conferences, field trips, exhibitions and more. 
• Assist with training for volunteer docents who serve teen audiences.
• Assist in-house team and external partners with program evaluation.
• Assist with the operations and scheduling of the Design Studio. 
• Assist with budget development and grant preparation for Youth Ed programming.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills and Attributes

• High interest and enthusiasm for working with teens, teachers, and volunteers to develop programming and advance learning and engagement in architecture, design and design process, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• Energetic, outgoing, and friendly with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work directly with teens, teachers, volunteers, and all levels of staff with care and diplomacy.
• Working knowledge of architecture discipline, practices, and fundamental skills, and the design process. 
• Strong organizational skills, including an ability to manage details and a variety of concurrent projects. 
• Strong communication skills on social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter.
• Strong teaching/facilitation skills.   
• Excellent writing and presentation skills. 
• Strong interest in architecture and the mission of CAF. 
• Skilled in recruiting and nurturing volunteers as well as experience supervising interns.
• Familiarity with current assessment and evaluation practices.
• Flexibility in work schedule for regular evening and weekend programming. 
• Able to facilitate programs that are hands on and physically active in the studio and on field trips.   
• Able to lift and move 40 pounds. 
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.   

Education and Experience Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, museum education or related discipline.
• 1-3 years of programming experience in a school or after-school environment. 
• Direct work experience with teens (required). 
• Experience working with secondary education teachers (preferred). 
• Experience working with volunteers (preferred). 
• Knowledge of architecture, urban planning or design-thinking a plus. 
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, AED a plus. 

Chicago Architecture Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.