Programs and Education Assistant

Cantigny Park 

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation envisions a Chicagoland comprised of thriving communities where all individuals have the resources and opportunities to succeed, without regard to income, race, ethnicity, gender, or ZIP code. We invest in people and organizations across the region to develop educated, informed, and engaged communities.  

The Foundation was established in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The Foundation’s philanthropic investments of more than $1.8 billion to date, are currently focused on Chicago's South and West Sides and the following issues: early childhood education, public safety, community development, veterans, and journalism. 

The Foundation’s Board also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick's 500-acre estate in Wheaton, Illinois, which encompasses a park, formal gardens, a museum dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, and a 27-hole public golf facility. Learn more at mccormickfoundation.org, cantigny.org, fdmuseum.org, and cantignygolf.com. 

Position Summary 

Cantigny is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Program and Education Assistant to support its education and public programming. This position works with school field trips (4th grade through high school) focused on U.S. military history, as well as scout programs (1st–8th grade), family programs, and large special events throughout the year. The ideal candidate is passionate about education, enjoys working with diverse audiences, and thrives in a dynamic, interactive environment. The role also involves teaching cultural and craft-based activities, fostering creativity and engagement for diverse audiences.  This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours/week). The position is on-site and includes weekends, evenings, and holidays. 

Essential Functions 

• Facilitate educational programming, including tours, field trips, in-classroom programming, Scout badge programs, drop-in programs, scholarly programs, and other special events 
• Assist the Educators with the ongoing evaluation and revision of programs, materials, and supplies 
• Assist with the setup, running, and break down for any public or education events 
• Collaborate with other departments on special events or other initiatives 
• Assist with the maintenance and accession of artifacts for the education collection 
• Maintain, replace, and update education resource materials, including history trunks. 
• Proactively engage visitors and initiate conversations to provide an exceptional visitor experience 
• Provides personal safety in the workplace by attending and completing all required safety training, following existing safety rules, and reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor.  
• Other duties as assigned  

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education: High School diploma; bachelor's degree preferred 

Experience: Background in education, history, museum studies, theater or other related work is strongly preferred 

Skills:   

• Demonstrated interest and experience in learning military history and sharing knowledge with visitors 
• Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation, including willingness to interact with groups of children and other visitors for long periods of time 
• Experience working with students, families, or youth groups in an educational or museum setting is preferred. 
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills to engage audiences of all ages. 
• Demonstrated passion for the Foundation’s values with commitment to deliver results measured against the Foundation’s mission 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• Comfortable working outdoors and indoors in various weather conditions. 
• Strong computer skills and comfort with programs such as Microsoft Office Suite 
• Must be available to work weekends and some evenings and holidays   
• Must be physically able to lift and maneuver 30 lbs. 
• Must attend Cantigny Park’s Child Safety Training, Mandated Reporter Training, and First Aid Training 

Working Conditions 

This is a part-time position. The successful employee must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Cantigny and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.