Saturday Academy Facilitator (Contractual)

Who We Serve

Since our founding in 1966, LINK has been driven by a mission to confront and close the racial gaps in education and access to opportunity for Black students. That commitment remains at the heart of our mission. Today, our Scholar community continues to reflect this legacy, with the vast majority of students identifying as Black while others identify with more than one racial background, including Latino/a, White, Asian, and Other.

We are proud that our Scholars represent the rich diversity of Chicago. We intentionally recruit students from across Chicagoland, with focused outreach in 10 neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago, communities that have long experienced persistent disparities in education, economic opportunity, public safety, and health outcomes. Currently, our Scholars come from communities that represent more than 60 zip codes across Chicagoland and attend a diverse range of schools spanning Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County.

Our culturally responsive programming, rooted in academic, social-emotional, and leadership development, remains specifically designed to meet the needs of the communities we serve, honoring the multifaceted identities of our Scholars while maintaining our commitment to uplifting and empowering them to thrive in school, lead in their communities, and succeed to, through, and beyond college.

Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!

Position Summary

As an integral part of the Saturday Academy team, the Saturday Academy Facilitator is responsible for delivering lessons/programming as a part of our Leadership Development programming. Saturday Academy Facilitators work directly with our Scholars to ensure that they are receiving, discussing, and connecting with the material while facilitators are curating a rigorous experience. Some Saturday Academy sessions may serve as college access/career exposure experiences during which Scholars engage in activities such as panels, career/college fairs, field trips or college representative visits. During such programming, Saturday Academy Facilitators will serve as chaperones and support Scholars in preparing for, engaging in and reflecting on their experience. All materials are provided for instruction and will be sent to Saturday Academy Facilitators to allow for ample time to internalize the lesson and prepare for execution. Saturday Academy Facilitators will collaborate with and report to the VP, Programs & Evaluation.

Instruction/Grading

• Deliver instruction according to the lesson plans during each (3) Saturday Academy.
• Support as chaperone during off-site Saturday Academy Programming.
• Support and build relationships with the assigned cohort of Scholars as they engage in Saturday Academy programming.
• Assist with receiving Scholars and dismissing Scholars from programming.
• Grade/score assignments and year-end capstone projects.

Planning/Preparation

• Adapt and customize curricula while maintaining alignment with provided pacing guides, grade-level standards, and project-based outcomes (including Capstone activities), ensuring instructional quality and cultural responsiveness.
• Attend one mandatory orientation meeting and monthly optional office hour meetings to attain necessary clarity around lesson execution or programming participation.
• Track Scholar assignment completion and participation throughout Google classroom over the course of the program year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social/human services, counseling, social work or related field REQUIRED.
• Previous teaching/instructional/ability to facilitate lessons required.
• Ability to interface effectively with Scholars, LINK Staff and volunteers.
• Availability on Select Saturdays: 10/25/25, 01/31/26, and 04/25/26.
• Ability to ensure appropriate outcomes for Scholars are balanced and maintained according to LINK core values and curriculum.

Characteristics

• Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and servant leader approach to educating underrepresented youth in Chicago.
• Must have an outgoing and engaging personality and a cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be a self-starter.
• Must be a creative and forward thinker.
• Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.

Work Schedule

Part-time, on select Saturdays (10/25/25, 01/31/26, and 04/25/26.) from 8:30a-4:00p, in-person. We ask that facilitators arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to the 9:00 am start time.

Compensation

Facilitators will be compensated $1500 for the fiscal year, which is $500 per session for a total of 3 sessions. Compensation includes session preparation, facilitation, and post-session follow up. Facilitators will receive an additional $50/hr for attending mandatory orientation and training. For in-person orientation and training, we will reimburse up to $15.00 for parking. This is a 1099 independent contractor role and is not eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance or any other benefits.

To Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter to Alexandria Cummings, VP, Programs & Evaluation.