Program and Education Assistant

McCormick Foundation; Wheaton, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL, is seeking a part-time Program and Education Assistant to support education and public programming. You will work with school field trips, scout programs, family programs, and large events, teaching cultural and craft activities to diverse audiences in a dynamic environment.

The role requires a passion for education or history, strong storytelling, and the ability to engage visitors. On-site position with weekend and some evening hours; safety trainings provided.

Qualifications

• Education or museum/history background preferred.
• Experience with engaging school groups or youth is preferred.
• Strong storytelling and communication abilities for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate educational programming and field trips.
• Assist Educators with evaluation and revision of programs.
• Set up, run, and break down public or education events.
• Collaborate with other departments on special events.
• Assist with maintenance and accession of artifacts for the education collection.
• Maintain education materials, including history trunks.
• Engage visitors and provide an exceptional experience.
• Attend safety trainings and follow rules.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Military history interest

Interpersonal skills

Storytelling

Communication skills

Teamwork

Flexible schedule

Computer skills

Evening/weekend work

Lift 30 lbs

Safety training ready

Education

High School diploma; bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Description

Foundation Summary

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation, with annual grants of more than $75 million, seeks to improve economic opportunities and quality of life for the residents of Chicagoland. We invest in organizations serving families in neighborhoods on Chicago's South and West Sides to help them advance their own success. With partners, like United Way, we target investments in Englewood, Little Village, and eight other communities with a focus on kids, jobs, and other key priorities those

neighborhoods have set.

The Foundation also makes grants to leading public serving organizations, including ones based on Colonel McCormick's long-standing commitments to journalism, civic responsibility, and the military community. The Foundation operates Cantigny, Colonel McCormick’s 500-acre estate in Wheaton, IL. Over 450,000 people visit Cantigny annually to enjoy its exceptional gardens, the historic McCormick House, the First Division military museum, and Cantigny Golf, a 27-hole highly rated public course.

Position Summary

Cantigny is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Program and Education Assistant to support its education and public programming. This position works with school field trips (4th grade through high school) focused on U.S. military history, as well as scout programs (1st–8th grade), family programs, and large special events throughout the year. The ideal candidate is passionate about education, enjoys working with diverse audiences, and thrives in a dynamic, interactive environment. The role also involves teaching cultural and craft-based activities, fostering creativity and engagement for diverse audiences. This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours/week). The position is on-site and includes weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Essential Functions

• Facilitate educational programming, including tours, field trips, in-classroom programming, Scout badge programs, drop-in programs, scholarly programs, and other special events
• Assist the Educators with the ongoing evaluation and revision of programs, materials, and supplies
• Assist with the setup, running, and break down for any public or education events
• Collaborate with other departments on special events or other initiatives
• Assist with the maintenance and accession of artifacts for the education collection
• Maintain, replace, and update education resource materials, including history trunks.
• Proactively engage visitors and initiate conversations to provide an exceptional visitor experience
• Provides personal safety in the workplace by attending and completing all required safety training, following existing safety rules, and reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High School diploma; bachelor's degree preferred

Experience: Background in education, history, museum studies, theater or other related work is strongly preferred

Skills:

• Demonstrated interest and experience in learning military history and sharing knowledge with visitors
• Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation, including willingness to interact with groups of children and other visitors for long periods of time
• Experience working with students, families, or youth groups in an educational or museum setting is preferred.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills to engage audiences of all ages.
• Demonstrated passion for the Foundation’s values with commitment to deliver results measured against the Foundation’s mission
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working outdoors and indoors in various weather conditions.
• Strong computer skills and comfort with programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be available to work weekends and some evenings and holidays
• Must be physically able to lift and maneuver 30 lbs.
• Must attend Cantigny Park’s Child Safety Training, Mandated Reporter Training, and First Aid Training

Working Conditions:

This is a part-time position. The successful employee must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cantigny Park and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.