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BUILDING THE FUTURE OF CHICAGO

At Chicago Scholars, our programs put our Scholars first, and our work culture puts our people first. Americans are currently in the midst of three pandemics right now: COVID-19, racial injustice, and mental health. In response, we have a hybrid work policy, flexible work arrangements, and generous PTO and sick leave. We want our employees to experience equitable and individualized support for their full, unique identities!

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“You can be part of the change, of the good of Chicago…”

Jeffery Beckham Jr., CEO


WORKING AT CHICAGO SCHOLARS

THE BENEFITS

Compensation

We’re committed to pay equity and transparency. All of our job postings include a pay range, and we maintain a best-offer-first policy. 

Insurance

We offer 75% employer-paid health, dental and vision packages, as well as fully-covered life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance.

Paid Time Off

Employees start with 12 days of paid time off and 11 sick days, as well as 11 paid Federal holidays and a holiday shutdown in the week leading up to New Year. 

Retirement

Employees have the option to create 403(b) accounts, matched up to 2% by Chicago Scholars.

Lifestyle

At Chicago Scholars, we know that life outside of work rarely stays contained to the hours outside 9-5. Through flexible work arrangements, a hybrid work policy, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all employees, we give everyone a chance to care for themselves — and each other.

THE PROCESS

THE PROCESS

Apply

Submit your application, resume and cover letter. Your materials will be reviewed by the position’s hiring manager.

One-way interview

If the hiring manager decides to move forward with your application, you’ll be invited to participate in a SparkHire interview. These interviews consist of self-recorded, one-way videos. You’ll receive several questions and have one minute to answer each one, with the opportunity to re-record your answer if needed.

Individual Interview

If your application moves beyond the SparkHire stage, you’ll be invited to an individual interview with the hiring committee. This interview may be in person at our office (247 S. State Street, Chicago) or via Zoom. This is a traditional job interview, and you’ll have the chance to ask the committee any questions you may have.

Job simulation

The final round of interviews is the job simulation. A few days before your appointment, you’ll be asked to create a presentation based on a prompt from the hiring committee. The prompt might ask you to prioritize common tasks for the role, explain how you’d handle a management issue, or create an example of your work. There are no wrong or right answers — the idea is to show how you think. During your interview, you’ll give your presentation to the hiring team and answer questions about it.

THE GIGS


Manager, Virtual Scholar Programming

The Manager Virtual Scholar Programming leads the design and continuous improvement of Chicago Scholars’ CS Virtual program in REACH Pathways. This role builds and maintains an outcomes-driven high school curriculum—quests, tasks, and virtual learning experiences—that advance college readiness, college counseling, and career and leadership development for CS Virtual Scholars. The Manager coordinates cross-functional working groups to align CS Virtual with CS Classic programming and uses engagement data and Scholar feedback to strengthen content and delivery. The role also supports recruitment and onboarding to advance long-term strategic plan priorities.

Apply by using this link!

Director, Development

The Director of Development is a senior leader on the Development and External Engagement team, responsible for overseeing and advancing the organization’s individual and institutional fundraising efforts. This role provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the development team, ensuring strong performance, accountability, collaboration, and professional growth across fundraising functions.

In partnership with the leadership team, the Director develops and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies that drive revenue growth from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and other funding partners. Working closely with development staff, organizational leadership, and external stakeholders, this position strengthens fundraising systems and processes, cultivates a culture of philanthropy, and ensures the successful execution of annual and long-term fundraising goals. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and results-oriented leader with experience managing high-performing development teams, building donor relationships, and overseeing a diverse portfolio of fundraising initiatives, including grants and individual giving.

Apply by using this link!

Social Media and Editorial Intern

The Social Media and Editorial Intern will be an integral part of the Marketing and Communications team. Working closely with the Associate Director of Marketing, this intern will create and manage content for Chicago Scholars’ social media and websites and advise on strategy and creative matters. We’re excited to support an intern with a variety of interests under the marketing and communications umbrella, including advertising, press relations, copywriting, graphic design, and other content production matters. These interests can be explored through stretch projects once a working relationship has been established.

This role is a part-time & hourly position without benefits. The rate per hour is $17/hour, and the number of hours that you will be permitted to work each week is up to 15 hours on average. The number of hours per week can be flexible to accommodate school schedules and heavy project periods.

 

Apply by using this link! 

Scholar Communications Intern

The Scholar Communications Intern plays an important role in helping Chicago Scholars keep Scholars informed about opportunities, programs, and resources. This role reports to the Associate Director of Scholar Communications and supports the day-to-day execution of Scholar communications, assists with tracking Scholar opportunities, and contributes a Scholar-centered perspective to communication and marketing efforts across programs. The Scholar Communications Intern also works closely with the Career and Leadership Advancement team to support data management.

This role is a part-time & hourly position without benefits. The rate per hour is $17/hour, and the number of hours that you will be permitted to work each week is up to 15 hours on average. The number of hours per week can be flexible to accommodate school schedules and heavy project periods.

Apply by using this link!

Chicago Scholars’ Careers Resume Bank

Are you interested in joining the Chicago Scholars Dream Team (staff team), but you don’t see a role on our Careers page that is right for you? You can submit your resume here so we have it on file.

We invite you to regularly visit our Careers – Chicago Scholars (Careers page) to stay up to date on the roles that are open and accepting applications. Submitting your resume does not guarantee consideration for future open roles. Only submitting an application for an open role will ensure you are considered.

Thank you for your passion and interest in Chicago Scholars’ work!

Chicago Scholars Content Crew – Independent Contractor

The Chicago Scholars Content Crew is a year-long program that will support three current Scholars as they grow as content creators and contribute to Chicago Scholars’ online presence. Every month, the Content Crew will participate in planning meetings with Marketing and Communications staff; draft, submit, and respond to feedback on at least one quality piece of content; and respond to Chicago Scholars’ content needs as they arise. Once a quarter, Content Crew members and other CS interns will attend professional development workshops that will focus on skill-building and/or career exploration.

Content is intentionally undefined to encourage applications from Scholars with a wide variety of skills. If you can make stuff that would work for Chicago Scholars’ website, newsletters, or social media, we want to hear from you. Graphic designers, videographers, photographers, writers, and artists of all kinds are encouraged to apply.

Important Details

· Program runs from September 2026 to August 2027

· Content Crew members are expected to work 15 hours per month

· Content Crew members will be paid $17 per hour as an independent contractor (not a part-time employee); they are expected to track their time and regularly update a timesheet

· Applicants must live in the Chicagoland area full time and expect to remain in the Chicagoland area throughout the program

Apply by going to – https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4282004

Development Intern

The Development Intern is a key support role within the Development & External Engagement team. This position provides hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, and event coordination. The intern will assist with day-to-day development operations, contribute to donor communications, and support fundraising initiatives that advance Chicago Scholars’ mission.

The Development team covers donor data management, grant research and writing, and donor, volunteer, and Alumni relationship management and stewardship. This position would have the opportunity to learn a wide breadth about nonprofit development.

This is an excellent opportunity for a college student interested in nonprofit development, philanthropy, and social impact.

This role is a part-time & hourly position without benefits. The rate per hour is $17/hour, and the number of hours that you will be permitted to work each week is up to 15 hours on average. The number of hours per week can be flexible to accommodate school schedules and heavy project periods.

Apply by using this link!