Chess Coach | Mechanics' Institute

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Chess Coach

Reporting to the Chess Program Manager, the Chess Coach will teach regular classes and assist Lead Chess Coaches for large classes for scholastic chess programs. Scholastic chess includes classes held at Mechanics' Institute, on school campuses during or after school hours, online classes, seasonal camps, and weekend classes. Qualified candidates should have a foundational knowledge of chess and be familiar or be willing to be trained in chess instructional techniques. Candidates should also have a basic foundation in classroom management and conflict resolution strategies, particularly working with children. The Chess Coach will be part of the Mechanics’ Institute team, working on building a culture of unity and quality that reflects outward to the community.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Plan, prepare, and deliver dynamic lessons for students of varying levels of experience.
  • Successfully manage classrooms including reporting accurate roll and absences, setting learning expectations, adhering to school rules and regulations, and reporting any classroom challenges.
  • Help manage larger classes and support the Lead Chess Coach in teaching students.
  • Support high-level classroom and education initiatives
  • Work with the Chess Program Manager and coach cohort to review and refine curricula, create lesson plans, and draft new exercises and worksheets for classroom and homework usage.
  • Promote chess tournaments, classes, camps, and other chess events to scholastic participants.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with school administrators as requested by Chess Program Manager.
  • Attend professional development and staff meetings when scheduled and as needed.

 

Scheduling and assignments:

  • Scheduling is subject to change in accordance with the needs of schools. This may include size of class increase or decrease, day/time changes, school administrator and instructor requests, student support needs, etc.
  • Schools are assigned based on a number of factors including but not limited to: amount of time at the school, duration of employment and good standing at MI, evaluation, school preference, and the experience level of the instructor.

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Basic knowledge of chess principals (pieces, checkmate, basic pins/ forks/ tactics/ strategies).
  • Prior experience working with children, with preference to specific experience in teaching or assisting with scholastic chess.
  • Familiarity with classroom management strategies.
  • Ability to manage a class of up to 12 students
  • Ability to take direction from Lead Chess Coach for larger, multi-section classes with multiple chess coaches.
  • Can follow lesson plan supplied by the institute and/or lead coach.
  • Communicate with Chess Program Manager about students' progress, which in turn may be shared with school staff or families.
  • Address any classroom issues as needed and in collaborator with school staff and/or Chess Program Manager, and report situations to supervisor about class status: challenges, problems, achievements, and potential leads.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
  • Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to communicate with members, donors, staff, and the public in a friendly and professional manner by phone, email, and in person.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to travel from one class location to another and lift up to 20lbs.

 

Compensation and Benefits

  • This is a part-time position. Compensation is based on available and assigned classes, and coaches are paid for classes taught per week. Compensation is $46.80 per hour for class and preparation time. Travel time between classes on the same day, aside from unpaid break times, will be compensated at the San Francisco or local worksite minimum wage, whichever is higher.
  • Membership to the Mechanics' Institute.
  • Qualify for sick time and commuter benefits as outlined in the employee handbook.

 

To Apply

  • Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] and include "Chess Coach" in the subject line.
  • Position will remain open until filled.
  • No phone calls please.

 

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 is committed to building an equitable and inclusive workplace 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.