Seasonal Program Initiatives Assistant in Chicago, Illinois at After School Matters

Summary of Position: The Program Initiatives Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support to After School Matters Program Initiatives team. As the liaison between the department and program providers, as well as community and donor partners, the Program Assistant assists with recruitment and outreach efforts, ensures smooth coordination and execution of program-related activities, and ensures clear communication of compliance requirements, policy updates, and other essential information.

This is a temporary, full-time position. The role will begin in May 2026 and end in August 2026.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Administrative Support -

• Prepare and submit reimbursement forms, purchase orders, and check requests for Director approval
• Provide compliance reminders and follow-up with program providers on attendance, enrollment, verifications, Instructors Program Reports, and surveys
• Support administrative updates in Cityspan
• Oversee the program enhancement process
• Assist with logistics for teen recruitment events, interviews, orientations, and performances, and events.
• Provide logistical support with programs where needed
• Collect and monitor program supply orders and inventory

Community and Event Support -

• Assist teens and instructors with pay and stipend-related queries, including Wisely Replacement Cards and checklist completion
• Assist with planning and implementing branch showcases and special events
• Design signage via Canva, manage t-shirt distribution, teen badge distribution, manage cabinet storage inventory, and manage tech inventory (e.g., monitors, speakers, tablets)

Recruitment and Community Outreach -

• Collaborate with cross-departmental teams to provide recruitment and application support
• Attend recruitment events at program locations throughout all three program branches to support Program Specialists and instructors

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills: Proficient in fostering positive and effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Expertise in developing and nurturing collaborative partnerships: Skilled at cultivating and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities: Proficient in efficiently organizing tasks and adept at resolving challenges.
• Effective communication skills: Articulate in conveying information verbally and in writing.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office with the ability to gather, manage, and maintain data effectively.
• Proven ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to successful completion.
• Strong multitasking skills: Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment: Adaptable and comfortable working in dynamic settings.
• Demonstrates respect for all levels of the organization and external partners: Exhibits professionalism and consideration in interactions.
• Collaborative team player with high energy: Engages positively in team environments and contributes effectively to group efforts.
• Customer service orientation: Committed to delivering exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Minimum High School diploma or GED equivalent is required; Associate degree from an accredited college/university is preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years administrative support experience is required
• Valid Driver’s License, insured transportation, and driving record that satisfies our Motor Vehicle Policy preferred1

1 After School Matters will provide reasonable accommodation to a person who does not have a driver’s license because of a disability.
Pay: $20 / 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.