[German International School Chicago] Extracurricular Programs Manager

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Position Title: Extracurricular Programs Manager

Reports to: Deputy Head of School (Stellvertretende Schulleitung)

Status: Full-Time Administrative Position (year-round, on-site)

Classification: Exempt

Start Date: 06/01/2026

About the School

The German International School Chicago (GISC) is a private, nonprofit, bilingual IB World School, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). GISC opened its doors in 2009 and is offering classes for students from Preschool through Grade 8. As of October 2024, GISC is officially recognized as a German School Abroad (Deutsche Auslandsschule - DAS).

Overview
The Extracurricular Programs Manager oversees GISC’s After Care, Extracurricular Programs, and Camp Programs. The role organizes and manages program schedules, staffing, budgets, and communication while working closely with faculty, staff, families, partner schools, and external providers who deliver enrichment activities. The Manager ensures safe, high‑quality programming and smooth daily operations across all offerings.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop, plan, and manage semester schedules for After Care, Extracurricular Programs, and all Camp Programs (Summer and School Break Camps).
• Create and oversee program budgets, pricing, and financial sustainability, including tracking costs, preventing deficits, and providing regular financial updates to GISC’s finance department.
• Manage and maintain the school’s online software for extracurricular programs.
• Coordinate with GISC’s finance department regarding payment questions and concerns; approve timesheets and oversee all invoices and payments to instructors and teachers.
• Recruit, hire, and onboard After Care Teachers, all Camp Teachers (including Summer Camp), and extracurricular program providers, including preparing handbooks and operational procedures.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, including first aid training, emergency preparedness (fire, tornado, lockdown), and proper handling of medical information.
• Organize After Care Teachers and special programs for all school-wide events and activities, such as Parent Evenings, Parent-Teacher Conferences, GISC Parent Group (GPG) events, and other events as scheduled throughout the school year.
• Coordinate daily schedules with After Care Teachers and extracurricular program providers, including directing After Care Teachers on student participation in music and other enrichment programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, staff, and instructors; manage communication, resolve issues, and support online account and billing questions.
• Manage all visitor and front-desk interactions, including answering calls and emails, assisting parents during pick-up, and ensuring all visitors follow school safety while maintaining a welcoming reception environment during after school hours.
• Collaborate with the Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC) and other partner schools to organize summer camps and other joint events.
• Manage program resources and facilities, ensuring spaces are clean, organized, and appropriate for students’ needs; recommend improvements as needed.
• Evaluate and improve the physical environment in classrooms on an ongoing basis to meet the changing needs of students, and make recommendations to the Deputy Head of School.
• Craft and distribute program communications (updates, reminders, parent information) in coordination with administration.
• Performs administrative and other office tasks as needed

Specific Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Experience in supervising staff and coordinating external program providers preferred
• Experience working directly with children in educational or enrichment settings
• Highly dependable and able to follow through on responsibilities with consistency and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency in the German and English language (both in speaking and writing); commitment to bilingualism, international education, and global citizenship
• Proficiency with Google Suite, MS Office, and extracurricular program software

Work Environment

This is an in‑person position that requires on‑site presence from 10:00am–6:30pm on regular school days. Some evening or weekend work may be required for special events or programs. The role involves regular interaction with students, parents, and faculty & staff, periods of standing and walking, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Compensation: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Authorization: Candidate must be authorized to work in the US

Our Mission

The German International School Chicago (GISC) is an IB World School that prepares students to become well-rounded, creative, and responsible global citizens. We provide students with a rigorous German-English bilingual education in a supportive and individualized learning environment. GISC graduates will be prepared academically and socially to succeed in an increasingly global world.

Core Values

At the German International School Chicago, our motto is "Give Your Child the World," and we believe our unique education will provide your child with the tools to thrive in any environment around the world. Our focus as a school is represented by four distinct values, each one contributing to the success of our students throughout their lives.

Bilingual Advantage
Students at GISC are both linguistically fluent and culturally fluent. As a bilingual, international school, we encourage our young learners to engage meaningfully with a wide variety of cultures across Europe and throughout the world.

International Education
GISC's unique education is rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. We foster a strong sense of agency in our students and provide them with a deep understanding of the world around them. Our students have the skills to engage successfully with a wide variety of academic and social environments in the US, in German-speaking countries, and beyond.

Global Opportunity
At GISC, we believe that global citizenship extends beyond knowledge of other lands and peoples. Our faculty helps our student body to use their intercultural competence as the foundation for increased compassion. GISC students will leave our school with the skills to succeed and thrive anywhere in the world.

School Community
Both schoolwide and in each grade level, GISC fosters a strong sense of community. We believe that a supportive, nurturing community is the key to a learning environment in which each student knows they belong and matter.

Are you interested in working at a one-of-a-kind, dynamic bilingual IB World School in Chicago's beautiful Ravenswood neighborhood?
Our staff is just as international as our student body, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative community. Every employee at GISC is encouraged to grow through professional development and peer learning opportunities. If you are a dedicated, enthusiastic, and talented professional, we invite you to apply today!