Laboratory Schools: Associate Director for Culture and Engagement

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community. Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• Experience working in a school or summer camp setting.
• Five years experience working with school-age children or equivalent experience.
• Three years experience hiring and managing people.
• Previous employee coaching and mentoring experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet.
• Experience with Google Docs.
• Ability to quickly learn registration and scheduling platforms.
• Knowledge of Apple computer systems.
• Ability to use standard office equipment.
• Strong computational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of students, parents, staff, administrators, vendors, and faculty.
• Agility and flexibility; ability to adjust to changing priorities.
• Decision-making and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Creativity and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to manage stressful situations and perform multiple concurrent tasks with interruptions.
• Ability to lead, guide, and coordinate with others.
• Budgeting, resource planning, and collaboration skills.
• emphasizing documentation and maybe supporting policy and handbook creation/upholding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment, selection, and interviewing strategies to attract highly qualified candidates for Family Life Programs.
• Collaborate with HR partners to design, post, recruit, develop, and retain successful FLP teams.
• Conduct reference checks for all new employees.
• Partner with assistant directors and program managers to assess and fulfill program-specific hiring needs in Extended Day, Early Day, Late Day, and Summer Lab programs.
• Attend hiring fairs and other recruitment events when possible to attract candidates and promote Family Life Programs.
• Create comprehensive onboarding programs to ensure new hires are effectively integrated into the Lab Schools and FLP department.
• Coordinate orientation sessions to familiarize FLP staff with the schools’ culture, values, policies, and practices.
• Assess training needs and provide professional development, coaching, and mentorship opportunities to enhance employee skills and competencies.
• Continuously improve onboarding processes and staff training based on feedback and best practices.
• Champion a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture across all Family Life Programs.
• Facilitate effective communication between Lab Schools daytime administration, FLP staff, and other departments.
• Collaborate with various Lab departments, the Associate Director of Operations and Programs (for budgeting and planning), assistant directors, and program managers to support departmental goals and initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support to assistant directors regarding staff relations and family relations issues.
• Interpret and implement employee recognition activities to celebrate achievements and milestones.
• Use surveys, feedback tools, and other methods to gauge staff satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Support creation, maintenance, and upholding of FLP policies and handbooks, ensuring alignment with Lab Schools and university guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation related to recruitment, training, performance, and other HR matters.
• Ensure compliance with organizational standards and timely submission of required documentation.
• Assist in drafting and disseminating policy updates and handbook revisions for staff awareness and compliance.
• Manage and input payroll for all hourly, biweekly and seasonal FLP staff.
• Oversee performance review and management process for part-time and seasonal employees.
• Develop and monitor performance improvement plans for underperforming staff, providing support for progress.
• Address employee concerns in a timely and fair manner.
• Communicates and discusses contract terms with outside vendors.
• Administers contracts.
• Maintains organizational records and archives relevant information and program materials.
• Receives a minimal level of guidance and direction.
• Markets student activities programming throughout the year.
• Develops and implements protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of program.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director