Scholastic Chess Program Coordinator | Mechanics' Institute

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Scholastic Chess Program Coordinator

The Scholastic Chess Program Coordinator works to advance the goals and activities of Mechanics’ Institute through onsite and online support of the robust chess program offerings. The Scholastic Chess Program Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the oldest continuously running chess club in the United States, including greeting and providing information to visitors, ensuring a safe and accessible environment, administering classes and tournaments, tracking and evaluating program offerings, and contributing to the Programs Team efforts across the institution. This position also includes teaching scholastic chess classes at school sites, as determined by the candidate and supervisor, and coordinating with Chess Coaches and Lead Chess Coaches.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Be an ambassador for the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club in all situations and interactions, creating connections with local, regional, and national chess community.
  • Staffs the chess room for assigned hours of operation: ensuring a welcoming, safe, and accessible environment for members and visitors.
  • Monitors communications from members and public, provides accurate and timely information, support, and guidance for inquiries, registrations, and comments.
  • Facilitates and accurately processes sign ups, registrations, changes, and withdrawals from classes and tournaments including working with tournament directors, chess room staff, and accounting to reconcile payments and payouts; including scholastic program registration support.
  • Individually and with the team develops course ideas for online and in person classes for different levels of chess players.
  • Provides information, tracking statistics, and evaluation of chess programs for reporting as requested.
  • Participates in and supports the technical aspects of chess events as needed.
  • Teaches at schools as part of the Mechanics’ Institute Scholastic Program 3-4 days a week.
  • Coordinates with Chess Coaches and Lead Chess Coaches in the Scholastic Program ensuring high quality programming is being provided.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The qualifications listed in this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Solid knowledge of chess, chess history, and current news and trends in chess.
  • Ability to travel off site to classes and/or events regularly.
  • Proficient in the use of event software, communications platforms, and online chess tools such as ChessBase or Jumbula, or similar experience.
  • Excellent customer service and ability to communicate with members, staff, volunteers, and the public in a friendly and professional manner by phone, email, and in person.
  • Must be highly organized and detailed oriented with ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Experience with email communications, webpage creation, and flier design.
  • Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Proficiency with standard business software including MS Office and Google Suite.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • US Chess Tournament Director Certification or experience supporting tournaments a plus.
  • Interest in chess streaming, commentary, and content creation for chess events and attraction.
  • At least one year of non-profit and/or membership or customer service experience.
  • Bachelor’s Degree or applicable educational experience.
  • Interest and background in event production, youth/school programming, and/or community engagement.
  • Experience in playing chess and analyzing games, preferably with a US Chess rating of 2200.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Requires the ability to walk, stand, carry materials and equipment, stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, reach overhead, and climb stairs.
  • May require sitting and/or standing for long periods of time.
  • Will be required to lift up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

  • Onsite work is performed within a standard office environment as well as communal chess room.
  • Will be required to operate basic office equipment including but not limited to computer, printers, telephone, etc.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually at low to moderate. 
  • Offsite work at schools will be in classrooms, gyms, or wherever assigned.
  • The noise level in the off-site environment is usually moderate.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • This is a non-exempt position, regular full-time position (30-37.5 hours per week)
  • Salary range of $33.50-$35.00 an hour based on experience
  • Benefits include generous health-dental-vision insurance, paid vacation, holidays and a 403b pension plan, as well as membership to the Mechanics’ Institute

To apply, please send a cover letter and your resume to Alex Robins, at [email protected].

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

 

The Mechanics' Institute promotes a culture of inclusion and seeks talented staff from diverse backgrounds. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex (including the actual gender or perception of sex identity, appearance or behavior), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics legally protected by federal, state, or local laws and regulations.