Associate Game Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description

The Auxiliary Program Team Member plays a critical role in providing dynamic, engaging, and enriching experiences for students outside of the traditional school day. Bennett Day School is seeking energetic, flexible, and student-centered individuals who are deeply invested in a collaborative work environment. Auxiliary team members bring enthusiasm and creativity to their daily work, ensuring that participants have a fun, age-appropriate, and joyful experience in a safe and nurturing environment.

This position is ideal for individuals passionate about youth development who prioritize student well-being and are excited to learn and implement positive classroom management techniques.

Candidates will be considered for one of the following specialized pathways based on their expertise and interest:

• STEM Expert: Leads and teaches hands-on, inquiry-based science, technology, engineering, and math programming across multiple grade levels (PreK-4th) to spark curiosity and problem-solving.
• Art Expert: Coordinates and supports creative expression, visual arts, design, and multi-grade creative projects (PreK-4th), encouraging self-expression and managing art materials.
• AfterCare Lead (PreK / JK): Manages daily care, structured play, and safe routines tailored specifically for our youngest early childhood learners.
• AfterCare Lead (SK / 1st Grade): Manages classroom behavior, oversees transition routines, organizes active group games, and recreational activities for kindergarten and first-grade students. 
• AfterCare Lead (2nd - 4th Grade): Manages classroom behavior, oversees transition routines, guides older elementary students in balancing independent choice time, collaborative activities, and positive peer engagement.

• Supervision & Engagement: Supervise, engage with, and motivate a diverse group of students spanning PreK through 4th grade throughout the afternoon.
• Program Implementation: Lead age-appropriate games, enrichment projects, and activities aligned with your specific path (STEM, Art, or age-group AfterCare).
• Classroom Management: Establish routines, enforce safety procedures, and provide positive guidance for a respectful environment using school-approved classroom management techniques.
• Daily Transitions: Organize and conduct timely and smooth student arrival, transition, and dismissal/check-out procedures.
• Communication & Community: Cultivate welcoming, first-class relationships with families, students, and staff through positive, professional daily interactions.
• Team Participation: Participate actively in staff training sessions and team planning meetings. Communicate daily regarding relevant information about students, staff, and early dismissal procedures. 
• Ad Hoc Support: Maintain safe, organized, and clean programming spaces; other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree or working towards a degree is preferred.
• Experience: Prior experience working with children in group settings (such as camp, after-school programs, childcare, or education).
• Student Focus & Energy: High energy, patience, enthusiasm, and a natural ability to prioritize the needs and safety of students.
• Adaptability: Exceptional flexibility and a positive attitude when navigating changes across different grade levels and environments.
• Growth Mindset: Willingness to receive feedback and actively learn new classroom management and student engagement techniques from teachers, directors, and other Bennett faculty.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate in a team atmosphere.
• Cultural Competence: Commitment to the continual development of one's cultural competence.
• Physical Requirements: Physical strength to independently lift light equipment or materials (15-20 lbs) and move around active environments.

• Primary Schedule: Monday through Friday, typically 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM during the school year.
• Additional Opportunities: Regular opportunities for extended shifts from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM may be available for scheduled special events, family nights, or late-night programming.