Job Title: Independent Contractor, Instructional Coach
Reports to: Managing Director, Academics and School Programs
Date: Fall 2026
BIG SHOULDERS FUND
Big Shoulders Fund is an independent tax-exempt charitable organization that provides support to schools with demonstrated need which provides a quality, values-based education for children. We serve 25,000 students and 90 schools in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana regions. Each school is a vital community-based organization and an anchor to its surrounding neighborhoods.
For forty years, Big Shoulders Fund has helped Chicago’s children achieve their dreams through access to high quality education. Of the 25,000 students we serve, 83% identify as people of color and 69% reside in low-income households. We expand access and outcomes by investing more than $40 million annually in scholarship support and enrichment programming for students; operational improvements for schools; cultivation of talent pipelines for school personnel from new teachers through veteran principals; and professional development and support for educators and leaders – all with the goal of not just strengthening schools, but whole communities, while preparing students for life-long success. To that end, 80% of scholars matriculate to college, and students earn a degree at two times the national average. Latino and Black scholars graduate at three-times and four-times their counterparts, respectively, and graduates go on to vote, contribute, and participate at greater rates than local and national outcomes.
In 2019, Big Shoulders Fund began an exciting new chapter in Northwest Indiana by making a long-term commitment to The Region. Since then, we have worked to bring our unique approach to building the capacity of local school communities to best serve students and families of Northwest Indiana, with special focus on areas of greatest need: Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago. The long-term goals of our efforts include elevating the quality of values-based schools in Northwest Indiana through: academic investments, instructional and data coaching; marketing and outreach efforts; and enrichment and summer programs to expand opportunities for students. While some roles on our staff focus exclusively on Northwest Indiana or Chicago, all Big Shoulders Fund team members contribute to the success of our work across both sites.
Big Shoulders Fund has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of nonprofits, for 18 consecutive years, a distinction held by less than one percent of nonprofit organizations nationally.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Independent Contractor, Instructional Coach will support implementation of broad-based professional development, as well as work directly with teachers in coaching cycles to support them in implementing rigorous instruction to meet the needs of their students. Professional development and coaching may fall both within and outside of existing Big Shoulders Fund academic programming, but will primarily focus on our Productive Play Early Childhood and Essentials for Excellent Teaching Programs.
The ideal candidate for this role believes passionately in the importance of play as the primary means to educate young children. In addition, the candidate will be dedicated to supporting the mission of ensuring that all children, regardless of income, deserve access to a quality, values-based education which will prepare them holistically to be contributors to their family, community and nation. The candidate will be skilled at building connections and relationships with educators, administrators, and Big Shoulders Fund staff. They will have proven leadership and communication skills that promote excellence in education and will possess the passion to ensure that educators have the tools, resources and partnership to ensure their students have access to a developmentally appropriate early childhood experience.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (PLEASE NOTE: THIS LIST WILL LIKELY EVOLVE AND CHANGE OVER TIME)
- · Develop a deep understanding of the work of Big Shoulders Fund and the Schools Team
- · Collaborate with the Big Shoulders Fund Schools Team and external partners to design, implement, and evaluate effective educational and assessment practices through:
- o School-based professional development
- o Programmatic professional development sessions
- o Instructional coaching cycles
- o Professional learning communities
- · Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with programming partners and independent contractors
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
- · This role requires availability to work some evenings and weekends for Big Shoulders Fund events.
- · The Independent Contractor, Instructional Coach must work cooperatively with Big Shoulders Fund staff in Chicago and Northwest Indiana, performing other duties as assigned.
- · As a member of the Big Shoulders Fund staff, the Independent Contractor, Instructional Coach will attend and support the facilitation of fundraising events, service days, and other programs that further the mission of Big Shoulders Fund through its outreach to donors, communities, and schools. Additionally, the individual in this role will attend all required team and organization wide meetings.
QUALITIES OF THE CANDIDATE WE SEEK
- · Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree preferred but not required
- · 5+ years of professional experience, with a preference for teaching experience in a PK-K classroom and evidence of improving student achievement through play
- · Instructional leadership and/or adult training experience preferred
- · High degree of responsibility, initiative, and professionalism
- · Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
- · Commitment to excellence with strong organizational ability and exceptional attention to detail
- · Ability to work on several projects concurrently while meeting deadlines
- · Appreciation for the benefits of a Catholic education for students, families and communities
- o Familiarity with Catholic schools in Chicago and/or Northwest Indiana a plus
- o Experience with education in urban environments a plus
- · Strength in establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others
- · Ability and desire to work effectively within a team
- · Highly motivated and adaptable with a strong work ethic; operate with honesty, integrity, and a positive attitude
- · Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- · Cultural sensitivity and ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people
- · Commitment to and passion for improving access to high-quality, values-based education options for all children
- · This position requires local travel in both Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana – candidate must have valid driver’s license or access to reliable transportation
Please note: This role is for an Independent Contractor; No Employee Benefits. In performing services for Big
Shoulders Fund under this Agreement, Contractor shall act as an independent contractor with respect to Big Shoulders Fund and not as its employer.
Pay: $42.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
