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Summer Program Leader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Career Navigator (Chicago IL)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... program leadership at Aon and a robust team of part- and full-time colleagues at Summer Search. The Lead Career Navigator supervises a team of two (2) Career Navigators, based out of the Chicago and ...

Career Navigator (Bannockburn IL)

Bannockburn, IL

$76K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... program leadership at Aon and a robust team of part- and full-time colleagues at Summer Search. Reporting to the Lead Business Development Associate, the Career Navigator ensures consistent, high ...

Career Navigator (Chicago IL)

Chicago, IL

$76K - $79K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... program leadership at Aon and a robust team of part- and full-time colleagues at Summer Search. Reporting to the Lead Business Development Associate, the Career Navigator ensures consistent, high ...

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.90/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories. Pay starts at $17 ... Discounts on programs , employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events. As a Summer Day ...

Showing results 21-40

Summer Program Leader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$31

$58

How much do summer program leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer program leader in Chicago, IL is $31.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $47.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a summer program leader do?

A Summer Program Leader is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising activities for children or youth during summer programs or camps. They ensure the safety and well-being of participants, lead recreational and educational activities, and foster a positive and inclusive environment. Summer Program Leaders also communicate with parents, assist with conflict resolution, and help create memorable experiences for participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer program leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Program Leader, you need experience in youth supervision, activity planning, and a background in education or recreation, often supported by CPR/First Aid certification. Familiarity with scheduling software, safety protocols, and incident reporting systems is also valuable. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication skills help you engage participants and resolve conflicts smoothly. These skills ensure a safe, enriching, and well-organized environment where youth can learn and have fun.

What are typical challenges faced by a summer program leader and how can they be addressed?

Summer Program Leaders often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of children, adapting activities to varying interests and abilities, and maintaining high energy throughout long days. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these challenges. Building rapport with participants and collaborating closely with fellow staff members helps create a supportive and engaging environment, ensuring the program runs smoothly and safely.

What is the difference between Summer Program Leader vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Program LeaderCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer experience in youth programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often entry-level
Work EnvironmentOrganized program settings, planning activities, supervising groupsOutdoor or recreational settings, supervising campers, leading activities
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, community centers, summer camps, youth organizationsSummer camps, recreational programs, youth organizations

Both roles involve working with youth during summer programs, but Summer Program Leaders typically have more responsibilities in planning and supervising entire programs, while Camp Counselors focus on supervising campers and leading activities. The roles often overlap, but the Leader position usually requires more experience and leadership skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Leader jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Program Leader jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Summer Program Leader jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Summer Program Leader job openings:

Music Program Instructor - Learn & Earn Program

After School Matters

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 6 days ago


After School Matters rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 223 rated education and training


Job description

Summary of Position: This is a part-time position scheduled for approximately 18 hours per week for 6 weeks. The program runs from June 22, 2026 through July 31, 2026.
The Music Program Instructor will be responsible for teaching teens foundational and advanced skills in music recording, songwriting, production, chorus performance, and music artist development. The instructor will guide teens through the creative process, support their artistic growth, and prepare them for a culminating showcase performance at the end of the session.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Plan and facilitate a 6-week curriculum, including field trips (e.g., recording studios, music venues) and recruiting guest speakers from various music disciplines to enhance training.
  • Create structure and support for teens, including agenda setting, group norms, and adherence to ASM's supportive behavior management plan and incident reporting procedures.
  • Teach participants the fundamentals of songwriting, music production, vocal performance, and collaborative music-making.
  • Lead teens in planning and executing a final showcase performance, demonstrating their learning and original creative work.
  • Conduct teen interviews, select participants by roster deadlines, and complete all required data entry (interview outcomes, attendance, checklists, program reports, surveys).
  • Prepare and manage program budgets in accordance with ASM guidelines.
  • Guide teens through hands-on creative projects, including recording sessions, songwriting workshops, chorus rehearsals, and production labs.
  • Supervise teens at an average 10:1 teen-to-instructor ratio.
  • Intentionally expose participants to a wide range of music careers, including performing, producing, engineering, songwriting, and artist management.
  • Maintain a complete program curriculum plan following ASM's Program Planner expectations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated practical knowledge of music performance, production, or songwriting.
  • Classroom or group management experience preferred.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with teens, parents, ASM staff, guest artists, and community partners.
  • Intermediate computer skills, including familiarity with Google Suite and basic music software.
  • Cultural competence and the ability to support teens from diverse backgrounds.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred; high school diploma or GED required.
  • Experience working in the music industry or a related creative field is highly preferred.
  • Experience teaching or mentoring teens is highly preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and youth development is required.

Program Schedule:
Summer programs run June 22, 2026 - July 31, 2026, Monday through Thursday. Additional hours are allotted for planning, professional development, and meetings. Program hours: 10:00 am - 2:15 pm.
Compensation: $20-27 per hour, depending on experience and education.
About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation's largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.
We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

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