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Employment Opportunities

All positions listed are for the National High School Institute, colloquially known as The Cherub Program. The NHSI is located in Evanston at Northwestern University. Northwestern University seeks to employ a varied and diverse range of dynamic people who understand the importance of our mission and vision. When you consider a temporary opportunity at Northwestern University, you know that you are joining an institution with a deep history of academic, professional, and personal development.

More open positions will be posted here in winter of 2026 for summer.

 

Theater Institute – Associate Director

National High School Institute: This is an approximately 15 hour per week position beginning in February/March (part time through Mid June) and full-time day and evening commitment from June 15 – August 1, 2026. Salary is $12,000 – $15,000 depending on experience.

This position is for the National High School Institute located in Evanston at Northwestern University.
Northwestern University seeks to employ a varied and diverse range of dynamic people who understand the importance of our mission and vision. When you consider a temporary opportunity at Northwestern University, you know that you are joining an institution with a deep history of academic, professional, and personal development.

Pre-program
Work with Director and Dorm Director to:

  • Become familiar with program guidelines, procedures and general operations
  • Prepare Staff Orientations
  • Prepare Student Orientations
  • Planning and Creation of Program Documents (Calendars, Orientations Materials, Supply List, Contact Sheets)
  • Scheduling Students in Classes, Crews, Field Trips, Special Events
  • Work with NHSI Director and Institute Director to prep budget

Day-to-day running of the program
Work with Director and Dorm Director to:

  • Schedule Students in Classes, Productions, Field Trips, Special Events
  • Prepare agenda and assist in facilitation of daily institute meeting
  • Coordinate and troubleshoot space allocation (this includes coordinating when faculty switch classrooms, assisting with technical and space use questions)
  • Coordinate the daily printing of course paperwork and delivery to faculty
  • Aid Dorm Director with student health appointments as needed
  • Create and distribute regular correspondence with Faculty and Staff
  • Prepare agenda for weekly faculty meetings, take notes, and distribute to Faculty/Staff
  • Maintain Administrative Budget; log and submit receipts to the office

Special Events
Work with Director and Dorm Director to:

  • Plan and execute Orientation Breakfast, Orientation Faculty Dinner
  • Event Planning for a variety of events including the Finale – work with NHSI office and Wirtz Center Staff to:
    • Communicate with venue, faculty/staff
    • Coordinate the setup and decoration of the venue
    • Coordinate strike
    • Supervise purchase of student and faculty gifts

Requirements and Qualifications:
The ideal candidate is an experienced educator/artist with extensive administrative experience and management skills and a passion for working with teenagers. Candidate must have a background in theater production. This position is residential from June 22 – August 1, 2026. Room and board are included in compensation.

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Theater, Arts Education, Education or Arts Administration, preferably Master’s degree, or equivalent professional experience

Experience:

  • 3+ years of experience in teaching youth
  • 3+years in theater production
  • Experience managing and supervising a team.
  • Creating and Managing a Budget
  • Valid Driver’s License

Qualities:

  • Self-Motivated, Creative, Resourceful Educator/Artist
  • Strong Work Ethic and Commitment to Teamwork
  • Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with a variety of personalities.
  • Strong Organizational Skills and Attention to Detail
  • Ability to Delegate and Motivate teams

“As per Northwestern University policy, this position requires a criminal background check. Successful applicants will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment.”

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply: go to https://hr.northwestern.edu/careers/ click on external applicants and go to job #52639

Please do not call the NHSI office in reference to this position. If you have questions, please email Jennifer.avery@northwestern.edu

 

Northwestern University’s Careers Webpage
Under “Search jobs” enter “NHSI”.  You will then be able to scroll through available positions, listed by their Job ID Number and Job title. Click the job in which you are interested. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH NORTHWESTERN’S HIRING WEBSITE, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN THE DESCRIPTION.

As per Northwestern University policy, these positions require a criminal background check. Successful applicants will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.