Saturday Academy Facilitator (Contractual)

About the Organization

At LINK Unlimited Scholars, our mission has always centered on advancing educational equity for students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. By addressing systemic inequities through programming, we ensure our Scholars have the access and support they need to thrive to, through, and beyond college. Annually, we serve 300+ Scholars through our six-year fellowship, which spans middle through high school, focused on academic enrichment, scholarships, college access, leadership development, career exposure, and mentoring. This holistic approach not only prepares Scholars for college success but also nurtures their confidence, character, and commitment to community.

The success of our Scholars is a powerful testament to what’s possible when we invest in education. Since 1966, we have served over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. Our Scholars are outpacing their peers and graduating from college at rates higher than the national average (55% vs. 48%), nearly twice the national average for Black students (55% vs. 28%), and more than three times the average for Black students in Chicago (55% vs. 17%).

About the Role

As an integral part of the Saturday Academy team, the Saturday Academy Facilitator (SAF) is responsible for delivering lessons/programming as part of our Leadership Development programming. Saturday Academy Facilitators work directly with our Scholars to ensure they are engaging with, discussing, and connecting to the material while curating a rigorous experience. Some Saturday Academy sessions may serve as college access or career exposure experiences, during which Scholars participate in panels, career/college fairs, field trips, or college representative visits. During such programming, Saturday Academy Facilitators will serve as chaperones and support Scholars in preparing for, engaging in, and reflecting on their experience.

All materials are provided for instruction and will be sent to Saturday Academy Facilitators to allow ample time to internalize the lesson and prepare for execution. SAFs are responsible for creating their own slide deck for each session so their voice and strengths shine through during facilitation. Saturday Academy Facilitators will collaborate with and report to the Director, Educational Programs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver instruction according to the lesson plans during each Saturday Academy.
• Serve as a chaperone during off-site Saturday Academy Programming.
• Support and build relationships with the assigned cohort of Scholars as they engage in Saturday Academy programming.
• Assist with receiving and dismissing Scholars from programming.
• Grade/score assignments and year-end capstone projects.
• Adapt and customize curricula while maintaining alignment with provided pacing guides, grade-level standards, and project-based outcomes (including Capstone activities), ensuring instructional quality and cultural responsiveness.
• Attend one mandatory orientation meeting and monthly optional office hour meetings to attain necessary clarity around lesson execution or programming participation.
• Track Scholar assignment completion and participation throughout Google Classroom over the course of the program year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social/human services, counseling, social work, or related field (required).
• Previous teaching, instructional, or facilitation experience (required).
• Ability to interface effectively with Scholars, LINK Staff, and volunteers.
• Availability on all listed Saturdays: 10/17/2026, 12/12/2026, 2/27/2027, and 4/17/2027.
• Availability to complete one SAF orientation on or around September 14, 2026, in addition to a curriculum check-in at least two weeks prior to each Saturday Academy.
• Ability to ensure appropriate outcomes for Scholars are balanced and maintained according to LINK core values and curriculum.

Characteristics

• Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and servant-leader approach to educating underrepresented youth in Chicago.
• Must have an outgoing and engaging personality and a cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be a self-starter.
• Must be a creative and forward thinker.
• Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect, and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.

Schedule

Availability on all listed Saturdays: 10/17/2026, 12/12/2026, 2/27/2027, and 4/17/2027 from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, in-person.

Pay

Facilitators will receive $2,000 in total compensation, separated into four payments. Compensation includes session preparation, facilitation, and post-session follow-up. SAFs will receive an additional $50/hour for attending mandatory orientation, pre-session check-ins, and training. For in-person orientation and training, we will reimburse up to $15.00 for parking.

This is a 1099 independent contractor role and is not eligible for health, dental, vision insurance, or any other benefits.