After School Matters

Overview

The Welding Instruction and Trades Outreach Specialist is responsible for expanding welding and trades-based programs at the Lutz Center and in target communities. This full-time position involves planning and teaching various welding programs while establishing partnerships to create career pathways for teens interested in trades-related opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and teach daytime, after-school, and summer welding programs at the Lutz Center.
• Provide support to other after-school and summer trades programs at ASM buildings and partner sites.
• Establish key partnerships to create career pathways for teens interested in welding and other trades.
• Assist with recruitment and outreach efforts.
• Build strong relationships with community schools and partners.
• Ensure effective coordination and execution of program activities.
• Maintain program quality and communicate compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with instructors and program staff.
• Lead planning and instructional facilitation of welding programs.
• Provide coaching and guidance to instructors.
• Serve as the first point of contact for ASM guests regarding welding programs.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of program budgets.
• Foster and maintain relationships with ASM staff and community stakeholders.
• Conduct assessments and site visits to address teen needs.
• Develop partnerships with post-secondary training entities.
• Work with facilities staff to maintain equipment and program space.
• Assist with planning and implementing branch showcases and special events.
• Collaborate with teams for recruitment and application support.
• Attend recruitment events to support welding and trade-based programming.
• Lead planning and execution of targeted recruitment events.

Requirements

• Certified Welder with 2+ years of experience teaching welding.
• Bachelor’s Degree is a plus.
• 2+ years managing staff.
• 2+ years of youth programming experience.
• Valid Driver’s License and insured transportation preferred.
• Cook County residency required.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Expertise in developing collaborative partnerships.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Proven ability to plan and oversee projects.
• Strong multitasking skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates respect for all levels of the organization.
• Collaborative team player with high energy.
• Customer service orientation.

Additional Information

• Full-time position starting in June 2026.
• Work schedule is Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the Summer Session and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. during the school year.