Children's Program Director

About the Society and Kids Program: As described more fully by our Mission, Vision, and Values statements, Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago (https://ethicalhumanistsociety.org/) is an organization committed to the belief that humans have the capacity to be kind, to be caring, and to make decisions and commitments that benefit our world and all its inhabitants. Our Humanist Kids Program is an important part of our community. The program’s curriculum and activities focus on the Humanist ideals of living life ethically and joyfully, through discussions, play, crafts, critical thinking, and social action projects. We welcome all families, regardless of religious backgrounds. Many families with mixed traditions, or just a desire to instill ethical values without religious dogma, are comfortable here. The program is open to families with children ages 3 – 12 (Pre-K–6th grade).

The Director’s Role: Oversee all aspects of the Humanist Kids program to maintain a vital, vibrant program that serves our kids, families, and community. You will develop and manage programming, as well as a safe and supportive space for our children to grow and thrive, in our beautiful, newly renovated building. Responsibilities (further detailed below) include developing curriculum, preparing all activities, managing the classroom spaces, hiring/supervising effective teachers and grouping children into classes, and organizing special events and service projects, sometimes in collaboration with the adult program committees.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a background in education and/or child development and at least 3 years of experience working with young children, either directly or in an administrative/programmatic role.

Time Commitment and Salary: The Kids Program is active during the school year, when the Director should expect to spend 8-10 hours per week, including at least 2.5 hours (10am-12:30pm) on site on Sunday mornings. The salary range is [$14,000 to $16,000], commensurate with experience.

Reports to: The Director reports to the Humanist Kids Committee with regard to day-to-day program operations. The Personnel Committee, with input from all groups to whom the Director is accountable, conducts the Director’s annual performance review.

Key Responsibilities: While the Director must make sure that these items are all attended to, it is acceptable, and in many cases preferred, for them to be delegated to others.

Administration. The Director is responsible for all administrative aspects of the Humanist Kids program, including:

• establishing age-appropriate classroom groupings;

• soliciting volunteers for snacks, trip chaperones, or other tasks;

• registering students; and

• overseeing the development and implementation of an appropriate curriculum.

The Office Administrator can support tasks such as document production, duplication, and filing.

Management. As manager of all Humanist Kids program teachers, whether paid or volunteer, the Director will:

• Identify, hire, and schedule teachers

• Administer background checks, as required by the EHS Child Protection Policy, for all teachers and substitutes.

• Ensure that a teacher for each class is on site each Sunday.

• Manage budget and expenses, purchase supplies and materials

• Reconfigure classes as the number of enrolled students changes over time.

Curriculum and Classroom Experience. The Director works closely with the teachers to make the Sunday morning experience engaging, informative, and enjoyable. The Director is ultimately responsible for the content of each classroom every Sunday. The Director will have appropriate curriculum and materials ready each Sunday. Teachers should be able to arrive in their classrooms by 10:15 am and find a clear, complete lesson plan for the day and any necessary supporting materials ready to use.

Communication. Because of the many stakeholders in the Humanist Kids program, the Director must develop and maintain effective communication strategies with each, such as:

• Inform the Board and other Committees of issues or activities of common interest or concern.

• Ensure that teachers are informed about curricular, behavioral, or other items on an ongoing basis, so that they are able to help the Director achieve the program goals.

• Develop and maintain clear communication with parents and children, both as groups and as individuals.

• Address any issues that arise promptly and in a way that respects the individuals as well as the entire community.

• Send regular (at least monthly) e-mails to the Humanist Kids program families, informing parents of upcoming curriculum and special events;

• Submit a monthly report to the Humanist Kids Committee, including updates on enrollment, special activities, or any other pertinent issues, to be included in the monthly report to the Board each month. This will also help the Committee to support the Director in achieving program goals or addressing issues.

• As needed, communicate with the Community Days and Speaker Series committees to coordinate scheduling of special events like the fall, winter, and spring festivals as well as any intergenerational activities.

Safety and Security. The Director is responsible for ensuring that the Humanist Kids program is a safe and secure place for our children and families. This involves:

• monitoring Humanist Kids spaces and equipment for safety – any problems should be brought to the attention of the Building Committee or other appropriate entity;

• making sure that children are always under the direct supervision of a teacher or vetted adult

• Ensure that all adult-child interactions are appropriate, positive and nurturing

• working with others at EHS to ensure that all adults treat children appropriately at all times; and

• implementing our Child Protection Policy, which includes vetting teachers and volunteers and conducting annual training on the EHSC’s policies and procedures to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse as outlined in the policy.

Special Events and Social Action Activities.

• Cooperate as needed with other EHS committees in planning special events, which may include special seasonal or other community-wide Sunday programs.

• Arrange for the kids to participate in age-appropriate service projects throughout the year.