Job Description

THE COMPANY

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (IHMEC) honors Survivors and victims of the Holocaust by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference. The Museum activates this mission through world-class exhibitions, public programming, and educational initiatives to equip audiences with knowledge, skills, and courage to take a stand for humanity. Today, IHMEC is the third largest Holocaust museum in the world and second largest in the country, impacting hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, law enforcement and community members annually. As a world leader in connecting the history and lessons of the Holocaust, we inspire visitors to become Upstanders, who speak out for what’s right – turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions today.

Revenues are derived from major special events, corporate and individual giving, visitor receipts, gift shop revenues, and major grant fundraising – foundation, family, and government.\\

THE POSITION

Position Title: Education Associate

Location: 360 N. State St. Chicago, IL (through fall 2026); Skokie, IL (fall 2026 onward)

Schedule: Onsite M-F, 9-5; including early morning, evening, and weekend availability as needed

Reports To: Volunteer Manager

The Education Associate will provide critical support to the Volunteer Manager in all facets of the Museum’s volunteer program, including the recruitment, training, onboarding, scheduling, and recognition of volunteers. The Education Associate position will also provide assistance as needed for ensuring the successful operation and success of the Museum's student field trip program, which includes collaborating with volunteers, school teachers, and students to provide a thorough and meaningful tour of the Museum. This position requires a flexible schedule, including early morning, evening, and weekend availability.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The Education Associate’s key responsibilities include:

• Schedule, coordinate, and assign Visitor Services Volunteers to appropriate roles, ensuring critical areas have coverage. This includes maintaining open communication to ensure placements align with individual volunteers’ skills and goals.
• Assist with the volunteer recruitment process, including screening applicants and conducting interviews.
• Support the Volunteer Manager by coordinating the orientation, training, and ongoing activities for all new and returning volunteers.
• Serve as a primary contact for all volunteers, responding promptly to inquiries related to shifts, scheduling, logistics, and general program information.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of all volunteer recognition and appreciation events, managing the full cycle from site selection and logistical arrangements to promotion of events, scheduling, and serving as the primary on-site contact.
• Update and maintain the volunteer and docent websites to ensure all online content is current and accurate.
• Cover Visitor Services shifts as needed to ensure the smooth daily operation of all public areas of the Museum.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels and supplies within the Volunteer Lounge to ensure volunteers have the necessary resources for their shifts.
• Perform on-the-floor support for student field trips as needed, managing essential logistics such as group arrival/departure, lunch coordination, and providing direct support to docent volunteers.
• Schedule, coordinate, and assign members of the Speakers’ Bureau, Survivors and their descendants who share their story, for field trips and external engagements, including arranging necessary transportation and logistical support for their presentations.

• Provide general administrative support to the Education Team and take on other responsibilities as assigned by management.

THE PERSON

Education | Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Degree in social science or humanities field a plus.
• 3 years of experience working with volunteers a plus.

Knowledge | Skills | Abilities

• Ability to manage complex schedules and maintain accurate records across multiple systems using exceptional organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Strong communication skills with ability to clearly convey policies, schedules, logistical instructions, and recognition in person, via phone, and through written communications (emails, website updates).
• Ability to handle volunteer inquiries, schedule conflicts, or operational issues with patience, tact, and a solution-oriented approach.
• Comfort in supporting or leading orientation sessions and trainings for volunteers.
• A consistently helpful and positive demeanor, particularly when covering Visitor Services shifts or interacting with students, guests, speakers, and others from the public.
• Ability to anticipate needs, troubleshoot issues independently, and take initiative to improve processes
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with the Volunteer Manager, the Education Team, and other Museum staff.
• Strong command of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets) for scheduling, documentation, and reporting.

OTHER INFORMATION

Salary and Benefits

Salary range is $50,000 to $55,000. Salary for the position will be based on qualifications and experience. 

Generous benefits, including medical/vision/dental coverage, paid time off, and retirement plan contributions, among other industry-leading benefits. 

Committed to Diversity

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

May need to climb up and down stairs; to bend, stoop, and lift or move materials and retrieve files; to pull/push, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds; spend considerable time on feet; and to reach both above and below shoulder height.

Learn More

Visit our website, engage in virtual experiences, and learn more at ilholocaustmuseum.org.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. 

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