Education + Engagement Assistant

                                                                     STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

For over 40 years, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, stage managers and playwrights. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.

Steppenwolf Education + Engagement Mission:
Steppenwolf Education and Engagement celebrates the learner, maker and appreciator in each of us. Our programs use theatre as a catalyst to spark rebellious imagination, invite creative inquiry, and facilitate collaborative artmaking. We commit to centering youth agency and cultivating intergenerational learning environments that prioritize access and equity for all.

POSITION OVERVIEW: Education + Engagement Programs Assistant (this position is temporary part time role)
The Education + Engagement Assistant is an entry level position with the Steppenwolf Education + Engagement (StepEd) department that will support with programmatic administration of Steppenwolf field trips, teen programming, and in-school residencies. The role will also serve as an assistant teaching artist in the classroom during in-school residencies, as well as an assistant for our Young Adult Council program that meets every Wednesday after-school throughout the CPS school year.

Responsibilities: 

• Field Trips: Field trip booking on tessitura, email communications with teachers, option to support with study guide if hours permit, day of duties during student matinees
• Teen Programs: YAC assistant facilitator, weekly YAC prep (reading scripts, reviewing agenda, event planning, printing weekly materials), minimal YAC email communication, event planning paperwork (event request forms, etc.), day of duties for teen events (teen nights, etc.)
• School Programs: administrative support for in-school residencies + educator trainings (printing materials, creating PowerPoints, ordering catering, preparing TA supply bags, etc.), Teaching Artist assistant in CPS classroom for several residencies
• General: Potential for general department support (printing assets, note taking for specific department meetings, etc.) + community engagement events.

Qualifications: 

• Passionate Youth Agency + Growth Mindset: The ideal candidate will be invested in growing their understanding of how the Education + Engagement department functions, their arts administration skills, and their understanding of the field of arts education. We are looking for candidates that also hold the belief that young people have a right to agency, consent, safety & reciprocity in education spaces and that learning is intergenerational/omnidirectional – that students have just as much to teach us as we have to teach them.
• Arts Education & Facilitation Experience: Any experience working with young people, students, teachers, community members, etc. on artistic and theatrical skills in an educational setting is a benefit. Specific experience working with high school teens is a benefit.
• Strong Communication & Collaboration Skills:  The ability to communicate transparently and effectively within a group. Desire to be part of a highly collaborative team that works hard, takes care of each other well, values joy & community, and always honors the humanity of both the students and the educators they work with. StepEd fosters a conflict affirming environment where generative feedback, good faith critique, and open accountability is welcome and celebrated.
• Cultural Competency: A commitment to principles and practices of anti-racism and anti- oppression and the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and socio- economic backgrounds. Additionally, a desire to continue  to expand  tools for trauma-informed practices in the classroom.
• Experience working with Tessitura or other ticketing and data management software is a plus.

Schedule:
The Education + Engagement Programs assistant will work between 15-25 hours per week. The position will start on or around August 11th, 2025 and the position contract ends on July 15th, 2026

About Steppenwolf:

Now celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, playwrights and stage managers. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.

Steppenwolf’s Mission:
Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world. steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.