Employment Opportunities – National High School Institute

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.

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 BELOW.

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.

Temporary – NHSI Theatre Arts Core Faculty

Hours: approximately 30 hours per week – full time position

Pay: $3,700 for contract

Campus: Evanston

Start Date: June 23, 2026

End Date: August 1, 2026

National High School Institute: This is a 5-week summer position, full-time day and evening commitment, June 23rd–August 1st, 2026. Salary is $3,700 for the 5-week program.

This position is for the National High School Institute (colloquially known as The Cherub program) located at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. 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.

Job Summary: Day-to-day responsibilities include teaching and supervising students, implementing academic program activities, mentoring undergraduate Faculty Associates, attending staff meetings and helping to address staff and student questions and concerns. The Faculty maintains and fosters high standards of professional conduct, managing the safety and supervision of students through enforcement of NHSI policies and procedures. All candidates must possess and demonstrate an interest in the artistic, academic, social and emotional growth of high school students, serve as mature and positive role models for students, and exhibit a strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork.

Schedule for Core teachers is approximately as follows:

Morning Core Classes occur Monday – Friday 8:30am – 11:10am; afternoon Electives occur 1pm – 5pm Monday – Friday (each faculty member teaches two hours during the elective block).

Responsibilities:

Teaching classes in Acting or Voice and Movement
Electives based on teacher qualifications and interest
Possibly teaching Performance Theory, or Text Analysis
Attend program orientation (June 23 through June 27, 2026)
Attend Weekly Faculty Meetings during 5-week program
Follow all NHSI rules and regulations concerning staff conduct, appropriate dress, program procedures, and other responsibilities as set forth in the staff handbook
Be knowledgeable of administrative policies and University procedures
Please note that this is not a typical “summer camp” job or teaching artist position but a 24/7 commitment where Faculty members are expected to be available when classes are in session, for field trips, for performances, and for special events, such as a faculty recital, end of summer banquet and student assessments.

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://careers.northwestern.edu

Go to Job Opening: ID 53157
Job Posting Title: Temporary NHSI Theatre Arts – Core Faculty
Please include in your application a cover letter and resume
Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2026

Temporary – NHSI Theatre Arts Directing Faculty

Hours: approximately 30 hours – full time

Pay: $5,000 for 5 week contract

Campus: Evanston

Start Date: June 23, 2026

End Date: August 1, 2026

National High School Institute: This is a 5-week summer position, full-time day and evening commitment, June 23 –August 1, 2026. Salary is $5,000 for 5-week position.

A Director’s schedule will include:

teaching two hours in the afternoon Elective block between 1pm-5pm Monday – Friday.
Rehearsing cast typically in the evenings from 6:30pm-10pm. Additional rehearsals over weekends. Please note, faculty are also required at field trips, student performances, and other special events.

Responsibilities:

Teaching Electives based on teacher qualifications and interest
Directing one of eight productions (productions are one hour, ensemble-based plays)
Attend program orientation (June 23 – June 27, 2026)
Attend design meetings prior to beginning of program and during Orientation week
Attend Weekly Faculty Meetings during the 5-week program
Follow all NHSI rules and regulations concerning staff conduct, appropriate dress, program procedures, and other responsibilities as set forth in the staff handbook
Be knowledgeable of administrative policies and University procedures
Please note that this is not a typical “summer camp” job or teaching artist position -but a 24/7 commitment where Faculty members are expected to be available when classes are in session, for field trips, for performances, and for special events, such as a faculty recital, end of summer banquet and student assessments.

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Theatre, or Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre with equivalent professional work
At least two years of experience in professional theatre environment
Experience teaching high school students
Self-motivated, strong work ethic and commitment to collaborative work

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://careers.northwestern.edu

Go to Job Opening: ID 53158
Job Posting Title: Temporary NHSI Theatre Arts – Directing Faculty
Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2026

Temporary – NHSI Film- Faculty

National High School Institute: This is a 5-week summer position, full-time (day and evening commitment), starting June 24th through August 1st. Salary is $4,000. Room and board is available. 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.

Job Summary: Day-to-day responsibilities include teaching and supervising students, implementing academic program activities, communicating with instructors and support staff, assisting with staff meetings, and helping to address staff and student questions and concerns. The Faculty maintains and fosters high standards of professional conduct, managing the safety and supervision of students through enforcement of NHSI policies and procedures. Must possess and demonstrate an interest in the academic, social, and emotional growth of high school students, serve as mature and positive role models for students, and exhibit a strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork.

General Responsibilities:

Teach classes and/or assist final productions in one of the following disciplines (teaching in multiple disciplines preferred):
- Editing
- Cinematography
- Directing
- Animation
- Acting on Camera
Attend program orientation
Follow all NHSI rules and regulations concerning staff conduct, appropriate dress, program procedures, and other responsibilities as set forth in the staff handbook
Be knowledgeable of administrative policies and University procedures

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferably in Film and/or Theatre
At least two years of experience in professional Film environment
Self-motivated, strong work ethic, and commitment to collaborative work
Effective interpersonal and organizational skills
Supervisory experience, preferably in a fast-paced academic environment

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.

To apply: go to https://careers.northwestern.edu/

Look for Job#53248
Send a cover letter and resume to Jennifer.avery@northwestern.edu

Temporary – NHSI Theatre Arts Faculty Associate

Hours: approximately 40 hours – full time

Pay: $2,600 plus room and board for 5 week contract

Campus: Evanston

Start Date: June 22, 2026

End Date: August 1, 2026

National High School Institute: This is a 5 ½ week summer position, full-time day and evening commitment, June 22nd- August 1st, 2026. Salary is $2,600 for 5-week program. This position is for the National High School Institute (colloquially known as The Cherub Program) located at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

General Responsibilities:

Serve as a teaching assistant in Acting and Voice and Movement classes
Teach a mini-master class
Serve as a Resident Assistant in the Residence Halls
- Ensure students’ safety
- Nightly check-in with assigned students
- Accompany ill or injured students to health center
Assistant Direct one of the eight theatre productions
Please note that this is not a typical “summer camp” job—but a 24/7 commitment where Faculty Associates are expected to be available when classes are in session, for field trips, for performances, etc.

Qualifications:

Current undergraduate students, preferably completing their junior or senior years of college, preferably seeking a degree in Theatre
Skilled in multiple theatre disciplines (i.e. Acting, Voice and Movement, Directing, Design/Tech work, etc.)
Self-motivated, strong work ethic and commitment to collaborative work
Supervisory/leadership experience, preferably in a fast-paced academic environment

To apply: go to https://careers.northwestern.edu/ and search for Job #53251

Please include in your application:

a cover letter and resume (submit with your application)
recommendation from teacher or employer (emailed directly to jennifer.avery@northwestern.edu)
Please create a short video (maximum 2 minutes) that introduces you. Please tell us about a job experience you have had outside of theatre (For example: a summer restaurant job, office job or babysitting, etc.) where you were asked to do a task you did not want to do, and what you experienced/learned from doing it. Please email this video to jennifer.avery@northwestern.edu

Deadline for applying: March 30, 2026

Temporary – NHSI Film Institute – Resident Assistant/Faculty Assistant

Hours: approximately 40 hours – full time

Pay: $2,600 plus room and board for 5 week contract

Campus: Evanston

Start Date: June 22, 2026

End Date: August 1, 2026

National High School Institute: This is a 5 ½ week summer position, full-time (day and evening commitment), starting June 22nd through August 1st. Position includes room and board. Salary is $2,600 for the summer. This position is for the National High School Institute (The Cherub Program) located in Evanston at Northwestern University.

The Faculty Associates (FAs) must possess and demonstrate an interest in the academic, social and emotional growth of high school students, serve as mature and positive role models for students, and exhibit a strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork. The FAs primary responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of students of the Film Institute program. FAs will also work with Film Faculty and Staff, assisting with academically challenging instruction to NHSI students and carrying out administrative tasks as assigned by the Film Faculty.

General Responsibilities:

Serve as a Resident Assistant in the Residence Halls
- Ensure students’ safety
- Nightly check-in with assigned students
- Accompany ill or injured students to health center
Attend program orientation
Chaperone students on field trips
Assist final film productions
Assist with end of program banquet
Assist with administrative responsibilities
Follow all NHSI rules and regulations concerning staff conduct, appropriate dress, program procedures, and other responsibilities as set forth in the staff handbook
Be knowledgeable of administrative policies and University procedures
Based on experience, there may be opportunities to:
- Assistant teach in film classes
- Create and teach a workshop
- Organize and lead community building extracurricular events

Qualifications:

Current undergraduate students, preferably completing their junior or senior years of college. Candidate seeking a degree in Film and/or Theatre a plus.
Skilled in one of the following Film disciplines: Directing, Editing, Cinematography, Screenwriting, or Acting for the Camera a plus.
Self-motivated, strong work ethic, and commitment to collaborative work
Strong interpersonal and organization skills
Supervisory/leadership experience with students, preferably in a fast-paced academic environment.

To apply: go to https://careers.northwestern.edu/ and look for Job#53249. Send a cover letter and resume to Jennifer.avery@northwestern.edu