Head Coach - Chess

Illinois School District U-46; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Illinois School District U-46 is looking for an IHSA Chess coach to build and maintain a high-quality chess team.

This role involves implementing effective instructional strategies and maintaining communication with parents and students, ensuring a positive learning environment. A Bachelor's degree in Education is preferred, along with strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of chess strategies.

Salary and terms of employment will be determined in collaboration with the athletic director.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate clearly in oral and written forms.
• Strong public relations skills.
• Willingness to learn through professional development.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a high-quality chess team.
• Implement researched-based instructional strategies.
• Communicate effectively with parents, students, and staff.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of chess strategies

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education

High School Diploma

Job description

• Position Type: Appendix F - Extra Duty/ Non-Coaching
• Date Posted: 6/18/2026
• Date Available: 08/27/2026
• Closing Date: 06/01/2027

Position / Title: IHSA Chess

Bargaining Unit: NAC Department/Location: High School Activities

Calendar Days: Per IHSA Calendar Reports To: Building Athletics/Activities Director

JD Revision Date: 12/11/2023 Supervises: N/A

Function / Position Summary

To build and maintain a high-quality chess team, focusing on best-practice, student-focused instruction and providing opportunities for students.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Implement researched-based instructional strategies that engage all students, differentiating to accommodate a range of ability levels, and acknowledging a variety of cultural backgrounds in order to support student learning and growth.
• Communicate effectively with parents, students, administrators, teacher colleagues, and community leaders.
• Maintain high expectations for student achievement and behavior and motivate students to work to their highest potential.
• Maintain equipment associated with the activity.
• Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance.
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Cultivate a positive, harassment free, instructional culture which motivates students through the use of effective communication and constructive feedback.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Apply and enforce student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and appropriate student handbook.
• 5 District, Conference, or IHSA Contests
• Attendance at UEC Activities Summit
• Attendance at Freshman Orientation
• Manage Finances and Administrative Paperwork for the Organization
• 60 hours of meetings/practices

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Education preferred
• Appropriate Professional Educator's License (PEL) preferred

-OR-

• High School Diploma required
• Related coursework and/or previous related experience required

Experience / Knowledge

• Knowledge of chess strategies preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback, and to conduct conferences as needed with parents, students, administrators, or other teachers.
• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.
• Display courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; demonstrate a commitment to teamwork.
• Ability and willingness to learn and refresh job skills through professional development in order to meet the changing needs of this position.
• Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent unscheduled interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, or related equipment.
• Public contact requiring appropriate business-like apparel.

Terms of Employment

• This is an Appendix F stipend position in accordance to the school year calendar.
• For Non-ETA Coaches: this position is for this year only.
• Terms of employment will be determined in collaboration with the athletic/activity director.