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Chess Program Coordinator

The Chess Program Coordinator helps to facilitate our chess program through teaching, administrative support, and stakeholder engagement. In collaboration with the coaching staff, you will lead the day-to-day operations at some of our most critical school sites multiple times per week. In-office, you will assist with the administration of the chess room by creating a welcoming environment for players, providing customer service, and supporting day-to-day operations. This role combines a passion for chess with strong organizational skills and a genuine enjoyment of working with young people.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 
  • Plan, prepare, and deliver dynamic group lessons for students of varying levels of experience roughly 4 times per week. Most lessons are taught between 1pm and 5pm, Monday through Thursday.
  • Successfully manage classrooms including reporting accurate roll and absences, setting learning expectations, adhering to school rules and regulations, and reporting any classroom challenges.
  • Supervise teaching staff in managing classes of 30 to 40 scholastic students.
  • Support high-level classroom and education initiatives as set by the Chess Director and Program Manager.
  • Able to facilitate Mechanics’ Institute scholastic camps.
  • Work with the Chess Program Manager and coach cohort to develop curricula, create lesson plans, and draft new exercises and worksheets for classroom and homework usage. 
  • Administrative support for the Scholastic Program including but not limited to creating rosters, responding to parent inquiries, and corresponding with school coordinators.
  • Helps with larger events on the weekends and Chess in the Community programs as needed.
  • Provides customer service and community engagement to members and chess club participants when onsite. 
  • Administrative support for tournaments potentially including check reconciliation, checking USCF IDs, and website maintenance.
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. 

  • Bachelor’s degree required, as well as at least two years of (job specific) experience.
  • Chess Master Title is a plus, but not required.
  • Demonstrated experience working with children.
  • Familiarity with Google Documents and Sheets. 
  • Exceptional research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information, as well as maintain consistent accuracy and thoroughness to details.
  • Strong organizational, problem solving, time management, and project management skills. Ability to work well independently and as part of a team. 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
  • Requires the ability to walk, stand, carry materials, 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.
  • 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 school sites is part of the regularly scheduled work for this position.

Department: Chess

Status: Part-Time 20-25 hours weekly

Pay Rate (Multiple Rates):

Administrative Rate: $32 hourly

Instructor Rate: $57.15 hourly

Reports to: Chess Director/Chess Program Manager

Effective Date: 7/14/2026

 

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@milibrary.org. 

 
ABOUT MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE  

Mechanics’ Institute was founded in 1854 and is one of San Francisco’s enduring arts and culture institutions, described by the San Francisco Chronicle as a “vibrant cultural oasis.” Located in a historic building in downtown San Francisco, Mechanics’ Institute offers a vibrant full-service library, a world-renowned chess club providing expert instruction and opportunities for competition for youth and adults, and a robust calendar of cultural events, programs, and classes. Mechanics’ Institute engages local, national, and international audiences with in-person and virtual programs and services.   

POSITION SUMMARY   

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.