Department

Lab School Family Life Programs

About the Department

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.

Job Summary

The Family Life Programs Programming Manager provides overall leadership, management, and creative direction for program initiatives within the Extended Day and Lab Adventurers/Lab Explorers programs at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, supporting students from nursery through 8th grade. This role ensures that these programs offer safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate enrichment experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence. The Programming Manager works closely with staff, faculty, families, and both FLP assistant directors to continually elevate the quality and impact of campus-specific programming.

Responsibilities

Oversee comprehensive planning, implementation, and evaluation of program initiatives in Extended Day and the Lab Adventurers/Lab Explorers. 

Collaborate with both FLP assistant directors to deliver and enhance campus-specific Extended Day programming.

Keep organized and up to date supply inventory for all programming.

Design and maintain a diverse and engaging curriculum that aligns with the Laboratory Schools’ educational mission and supports students’ developmental and social-emotional growth.

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate program staff to ensure high-quality instruction and alignment with best practices in FLP programming.

Maintain organized archives of program materials, contracts, and communication.

Serve as a primary contact for Lab Adventurer/Explorer families and staff, addressing questions and gathering input to drive program improvements and participant satisfaction. 

Collect and analyze ongoing feedback to enhance program quality and parent satisfaction.

Conduct formal and informal observations; assess staff performance and provide actionable feedback to foster growth and excellence.

Work with administrative teams on scheduling, logistics, staffing, budget management, and coordination of Extended Day and Lab Adventurers/Explorers Programming.

Ensure all program operations meet safety protocols, policies, and regulatory standards.

Utilize technology platforms (such as Jumbula, PowerSchool, Google Workspace) and traditional methods for registration, attendance, documentation, and communication.

Promote ongoing professional development and team-building among program staff.

Markets student activities programming throughout the year. Develops and implements protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of programs.

Advises, supports, and recommends concepts for programming to leaders of various organizations and programs.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's Degree.

Experience:

Two years experience in student enrichment programs or youth education, with supervisory and program development experience valued.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and ability to learn new administrative or registration platforms.

Preferred Competencies

Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in diverse settings.

Creative, adaptable, and innovative approach to programming.

Skilled at prioritizing and managing multiple responsibilities.

Working Conditions

Ability to move throughout campus, stand for extended periods, and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

Occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends required, particularly during program sessions.

Full-day onsite presence during active program periods.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (preferred)

Professional References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$63,000.00 - $68,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

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.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.