Playworks
Overview
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Program Specialist Illinois
role at
Playworks . ABOUT PLAYWORKS: At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships. ABOUT THE POSITION: as a Program Specialist, you will help demonstrate the power of Playworks in new communities throughout Illinois by providing single or multi-day trainings, on-site service delivery, and spreading awareness of Playworks best practices. This role reports directly to the IL Program Director. This is a hybrid position; however, time is split between various programs, training, and activities. This position may require frequent travel throughout Illinois and Missouri. Responsibilities
External Playworks Trainings and Consultative Support (Up to 50%) – Lead school-site support, train designated staff in the implementation and ongoing use of the Great Recess Framework (GRF), and develop school-site status reports and action plans. Training Delivery – Serve as a certified trainer to deliver high-quality trainings for Playworks Pro services, implement trainings across Illinois, Missouri, and nearby regions, and build relationships with partners pre- and post-training. School-Based Program Implementation (Up to 50%) – Plan and implement a consultative play-based program (TeamUp) at one public elementary school, deliver onsite coaching and modeling, oversee recess operations, lead a Junior Coach leadership program, conduct instructional classroom sessions, and manage program documentation. Coordination and Collaboration – Facilitate communication among Playworks staff, school personnel, and volunteers; contribute to curriculum development and learning resources; and support regional and national teams with resources and tools. Qualifications and Skills
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in elementary education or working directly with schools and school districts Proven ability to quickly learn and apply Playworks’ methodology, assessment practices, management systems, and outcome measures Strong ability to collaborate with diverse audiences including students, teachers, principals, and district administrators Experience teaching and facilitating adult learners Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience engaging senior and executive leadership Data-driven decision making with the ability to identify and interpret trends at school-wide and district-wide levels Ability to work independently and in teams; high professional standards with big-picture thinking and attention to detail Spanish fluency preferred but not required Compensation & Benefits
Playworks offers a comprehensive package that includes benefits, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth. Details include: Competitive nonprofit salary commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, exempt position. The expected salary is $56,600. Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) with employer match, life insurance, pre-tax accounts). Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, and holidays. Note: This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and meaningful place to work with a focus on student success nationwide. Travel and Requirements
Travel to various school locations required; roughly 10-18 days per month. Reliable transportation is required. If driving for work, authorization and valid driver’s license with insurance are required. As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of protected characteristics. Playworks evaluates candidates on merit. Application Details
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role, and a resume.
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Join to apply for the
Program Specialist Illinois
role at
Playworks . ABOUT PLAYWORKS: At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships. ABOUT THE POSITION: as a Program Specialist, you will help demonstrate the power of Playworks in new communities throughout Illinois by providing single or multi-day trainings, on-site service delivery, and spreading awareness of Playworks best practices. This role reports directly to the IL Program Director. This is a hybrid position; however, time is split between various programs, training, and activities. This position may require frequent travel throughout Illinois and Missouri. Responsibilities
External Playworks Trainings and Consultative Support (Up to 50%) – Lead school-site support, train designated staff in the implementation and ongoing use of the Great Recess Framework (GRF), and develop school-site status reports and action plans. Training Delivery – Serve as a certified trainer to deliver high-quality trainings for Playworks Pro services, implement trainings across Illinois, Missouri, and nearby regions, and build relationships with partners pre- and post-training. School-Based Program Implementation (Up to 50%) – Plan and implement a consultative play-based program (TeamUp) at one public elementary school, deliver onsite coaching and modeling, oversee recess operations, lead a Junior Coach leadership program, conduct instructional classroom sessions, and manage program documentation. Coordination and Collaboration – Facilitate communication among Playworks staff, school personnel, and volunteers; contribute to curriculum development and learning resources; and support regional and national teams with resources and tools. Qualifications and Skills
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in elementary education or working directly with schools and school districts Proven ability to quickly learn and apply Playworks’ methodology, assessment practices, management systems, and outcome measures Strong ability to collaborate with diverse audiences including students, teachers, principals, and district administrators Experience teaching and facilitating adult learners Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience engaging senior and executive leadership Data-driven decision making with the ability to identify and interpret trends at school-wide and district-wide levels Ability to work independently and in teams; high professional standards with big-picture thinking and attention to detail Spanish fluency preferred but not required Compensation & Benefits
Playworks offers a comprehensive package that includes benefits, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth. Details include: Competitive nonprofit salary commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, exempt position. The expected salary is $56,600. Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) with employer match, life insurance, pre-tax accounts). Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, and holidays. Note: This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and meaningful place to work with a focus on student success nationwide. Travel and Requirements
Travel to various school locations required; roughly 10-18 days per month. Reliable transportation is required. If driving for work, authorization and valid driver’s license with insurance are required. As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of protected characteristics. Playworks evaluates candidates on merit. Application Details
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role, and a resume.
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