Seasonal Program Assistant

After School Matters; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

After School Matters is seeking a Program Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative support to the programs team at a Chicago branch. You will liaise between the branch, program providers, and community partners, assisting with recruitment and outreach and ensuring clear communication of compliance and policy updates.

This is a temporary, full-time position running from September 2026 through November 2026, with duties spanning event coordination, vendor management, and youth program

Qualifications

• Minimum High School diploma or GED; Associate degree preferred.
• 1–2 years of administrative support experience required.
• Valid driver’s license and insured transportation preferred.
• Cook County residency required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for ASM guests, visitors, and inquiries.
• Manage branch and building Google inbox, Google Classroom, answer phones, and email communications to teens and parents/guardians.
• 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, and program reports.
• Assist with logistics for teen recruitment events, interviews, orientations, and professional development.
• Oversee the program enhancement process and maintain inventory and supplies.
• Support recruitment and community outreach at events and across branches.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration and partnerships

Organizational abilities

Problem-solving

Education

High school or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Google Inbox

Google Classroom

Cityspan

Canva

Link2Feed

Job description

Summary of Position:

The Program Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support to the After School Matters programs team within an assigned branch. As the liaison between the branch and program providers, as well as community 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 Septmeber 2026 and end November 2026

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Administrative Support:

• Serve as the first point of contact for all ASM guests, visitors, and inquiries; provide a welcoming environment
• Manage branch and building Google inbox, google classroom, answer phones, and send teen and parent/guardian communication emails
• 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 professional development opportunities
• Collect and monitor office supply orders and inventory

Community and Building 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)
• Oversee teen sign-in process, update rosters, and distribute badges
• Manage and track meal distribution for teens, including GCFD documentation and Link2Feed data entry

Recruitment and Community Outreach:

• Collaborate with cross-departmental teams to provide recruitment and application support
• Attend recruitment events at building and at program locations throughout the branch 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.

  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 preferred
  • Cook County residency required

  Compensation:

  $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 Orleans in Cabrini-Green, 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:

  AfterSchool 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.