Barber/Cosmetology Instructor

Summary of Position : After School Matters is seeking licensed barbers or cosmetologists to develop and lead programs beginning Summer 2026 at the Lutz Center. 

After School Matters is looking for committed, part-time instructors to teach programs for 15-30 teen participants (standard instructor: teen ratio 15:1) between the ages of 14 to 19. 

Program content is determined by instructor; program goal is to provide teen participants lens into industry and structured space to learn basic skills and techniques. Examples include but not limited to hair cutting or styling, make up technique and artistry, nail art, or other skills within cosmetology field.  

Program Sessions and Schedules : 

Summer: 7 weeks, 20 hours a week with additional hours allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Programs run Monday-Thursday with the choice of 8:30am-12:30pm or 1pm-5pm. Summer programs begin June 22 and end August 7.

Major Duties and Responsibilities : 

• Prepare, organize, and supervise interactive, teen-led activities on content area while fostering a positive, safe, and collaborative atmosphere for all teen participants. 

• Develop, plan, and implement high-quality related field trips, master classes, events, and guest visits to enhance instruction and training 

• Report all problems or concerns and program updates to After School Matters Program Specialist to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the program session 

• Attend all planning and program dates, including: instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions 

• Lead the recruitment, interview, and selection process of teen program participants 

• Manage and track program activities such as attendance, interview outcomes, enrollment, evaluation surveys, and pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (Cityspan). 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities : 

• Supervise teens at an average of 15:1, instructor: teen ratio 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : 

• Demonstrated practical knowledge of content area 

• Creative problem-solving skills 

• Customer service skills; ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders (teen participants, parents, ASM programs staff, vendors, etc.) 

• Cultural competence 

Qualifications : 

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant content area etc. is preferred; high school diploma or GED required. 

• Experience working in a field relevant to the content area is required. 

• Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required. 

• Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred. 

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required. 

Compensation : $20 - $27 / hour, depending on applicable experience and education 

About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
ASM has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens.
ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including three ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters’ annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.

EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.