Summary of Position: The Seasonal STEM Program Specialist’s primary responsibility is to facilitate and monitor the day-to-day logistics of After School Matters ComEd Youth Ambassador and Peoples Gas programs. The Program Specialist will conduct site visits, observations and provide recommendations regarding program quality, safety, compliance, instruction, program attendance, enrollment and retention and other critical issues. Acting as the liaison between After School Matters and the program providers and community partners, the Program Specialist will communicate requirements, policy changes and other relevant information to ensure successful program implementation and payment to teens and instructors The Seasonal STEM Program Specialist will also help plan and facilitate special program opportunities such as career panels, guest speakers, and a final showcase. Availability is required from mid-May through mid-August 2026.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Act as the primary day-to-day contact person for instructors and on-site program staff;
Develop and maintain relationships with program partners and instructors;
In partnership with the Program Initiatives team, recruit and select Instructors and program
providers;
Conduct regular program site visits and assigned Youth Program Quality Assessments for all programs; provide coaching and follow-up supports, including recommended professional development.
Act as a trouble shooter in the areas of program implementation, logistics, and data collection;
Assist in developing, and implementing, effective teen recruitment and retention strategies for regional programs;
Identify program needs, considering budgetary constraints and make recommendations and submit to Program Manager for approval;
Secure the appropriate tools and supplies for each program and work with the warehouse department to ensure delivery;
Ensure that all required data, i.e. attendance, enrollment, program verifications, surveys, etc. are entered into the database system;
Work with the Program Quality team, Program Operations and Contracting, to ensure that all assigned programs are in compliance with After School Matters policies and procedures;
Working with the Program Initiatives team, identify public media opportunities and share with the Program Initiatives Manager and Communications department;
Working with the Program Manager, approve instructor and liaison timesheets and trouble shoot systems errors with instructors and liaisons;
Conduct one on one meetings with partners, instructors, and on-site program staff when needed;
Plan and support program events and demonstrations of learning, such as career panels, guest speakers, showcases, field trips, and more.
Assist with grant outcomes and reporting.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Instructors for ComEd Youth Ambassador and Peoples Gas programs and program providers
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Excellent interpersonal skills
Skilled in developing and facilitating collaborative relationships
Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams
Excellent organizational skills and problem solving abilities
Ability to work in a fast paced, high energy environment
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent Microsoft Office skills; ability to collect and maintain information as needed
Demonstrated experience in project management
Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
Respect for all levels of the organization and outside partners
Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations
Strong orientation to customer service
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required
Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle
Policy required1
Youth development experience preferred
Experience in using Cityspan database a plus
Must be available on some Saturdays & evenings as needed
Compensation: $25 / hour
About Us:After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.
We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.
