High School Academic Specialist

Join to apply for the High School Academic Specialist role at By The Hand Club For Kids

By The Hand Club For Kids is a Christian after‑school program that emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing the whole child—mind, body and soul. Located in Chicago’s most under‑resourced neighborhoods, By The Hand helps children have abundant life. The culture is Christ‑centered, people‑focused and results oriented.

Rate of Pay: $45,000 - $50,000 per year.

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Learning, the Academic Specialist is responsible for identifying and addressing academic deficiencies for high school students of NXT. This position requires a self‑motivated leader with a background teaching adolescents and locating materials to meet individual student needs, fostering growth in all subject areas and ensuring students maintain a high GPA and meet graduation requirements.

• Has a personal and saving relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced by a lifestyle that demonstrates the Word of God, and is in regular fellowship with other members in a Bible‑believing church.
• Agrees with the By The Hand Club Doctrinal Statement and adheres to the Employee Biblical Standards of Living.
• Shows by example the importance of Scripture memorization, Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and Christian fellowship.
• Leads a team devotional on a regular basis and participates in weekly team prayer.
• Has completed an evangelism course and is trained to share the gospel with anyone who inquires.
• Works with staff and members of the EOS Leadership Team to monitor and enforce policies to further By The Hand’s religious purpose and freedom.

• Perform in a way that is consistent with the vision, mission, and culture of By The Hand and commit to excellence in every aspect of the overall operation.
• Model cultural values of By The Hand Club For Kids in day‑to‑day behavior.
• Follow all policies, including brand standards and the Child Protection Policy.
• Participate in employee growth plans, including quarterly conversations and annual reviews.
• Identify high school students—especially freshmen and seniors—who are not on track or at risk of failing academically based on grades and GPA.
• Determine the types of tutoring needed at each site based on student needs.
• Access and use the student portal to provide academic support and help students monitor graduation requirements and work completion.
• Support NXT coaches to design purposeful homework time and maintain awareness of their students’ academic progress.
• Build a culture of academics, support and academic responsibility in students through interactions and academic chats.
• Plan and lead monthly whole‑group academic chats with students.
• Design short trainings or informational sessions for coaches during monthly meetings (PLCs).
• Tutor students during programming and coordinate virtual tutoring sessions as needed.
• Compile data in coherent and organized reports.
• Research strategies or materials to use during tutoring.
• Support the NXT design team and their special events.

• Christ‑like servant leader who models Biblical principles.
• Passion and commitment to urban student transformation and confidence to lead in a challenging situation.
• Outstanding problem‑solving skills with an orientation toward results, action, impact and influence.
• Ability to work both as a team player and independently.
• Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and multitask well.
• Outstanding time‑management and communication skills.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with children and adults.
• Desire to stay informed about trends and issues in education research.
• Willingness to promote and encourage student growth and progress.
• Proficient with Google Suite, Google Drive and communication apps.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or certification in education.
• Experience in tutoring or teaching high‑school‑aged students.
• Knowledge of the components and techniques for academic tutoring for high‑school‑aged students.
• Ability to assess students’ academic progress.
• Valid driver’s license, with available transportation and auto insurance or willingness to…