General Info

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Fairchild Challenge Assistant Coordinator – FILLED

PURPOSE:

To provide coordination and administrative support to the Fairchild Challenge at the Chicago Botanic Garden, a school-year-long environmental outreach program for Chicago-area high schools.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with a manager to coordinate the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Fairchild Challenge, a multidisciplinary environmental contest that engages approximately 50 Chicago-area high schools (approximately 175 teachers) annually.

Assist in the planning and coordination of special events including performances (poetry and music), workshops, student symposia, and the annual awards ceremony.
Coordinate the physical and electronic distribution of Fairchild Challenge program materials.
Coordinate the judging and processing of Fairchild Challenge entries in approximately ten categories.
Coordinate the distribution and processing of program evaluations.
Support the development of Fairchild Challenge categories.
Assist in other projects and duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT: Center for Teaching and Learning

REPORTS TO: Manager, Science Education

SUPERVISES: Volunteers and interns as needed

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat preferred
Access to own transportation preferred
Ability to work occasional weekends
Attention to detail
Reliability, adaptability, creativity and patience
Exemplary organizational skills
Excellent communication skills
Prior experience/training in environmental/arts education strongly preferred
Prior experience working with teachers, teenagers and urban audiences preferred

HOURS:

Variable. Average of 20 hours/week September through May. Most intensive in October-November and February-April.