Education Manager

Description Foundation Summary The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is a leading philanthropic institution investing more than $75 million annually in Chicagoland, with a focus on improving economic opportunities on Chicago’s South and West Sides. The Foundation is named for its donor, Colonel Robert R. McCormick. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick’s estate, which today provides educational and recreational opportunities in Chicago’s western suburbs.

Position Summary

The Education Manager leads Cantigny’s development and delivery of educational programs that interpret military history for students, families, and educators. This role is responsible for creating engaging learning experiences that use historical content to advance social science, civic, and STEM education, promote critical thinking, and advance Cantigny’s mission to support an informed and engaged population. The Education Manager oversees school programs, out-of-school youth learning initiatives, family programs and activities, teaches professional development, and supervises full-time, part-time, and volunteer education team members.

The position requires a creative and collaborative team member, with ambitious vision, organized execution, and diligent evaluation and learning skills to connect youth, families, educators, and peer institutions to advance learning. This role collaborates extensively with other departments, especially the First Division Museum and the Guest Services, McCormick House, Horticulture, and Forestry teams. The role will work closely with these teams to set and integrate educational goals into exhibitions, displays, and other installations and collaborate with the Marketing team on outreach and promotion.

Essential Functions

Youth and Student Programs Design, implement, and evaluate curriculum-aligned initiatives, such as field trips, virtual programs, history trucks, primarily for middle school (grades 5–8) and high school audiences (grades 9–12). Design, implement, and evaluate programs for Scouts and Girl Scouts. Create age-appropriate, inquiry-based interpretive experiences that support critical thinking, historical knowledge, and civic engagement Ensure educational content is historically accurate, and programs are aligned with state and national standards. Ensure programs are accessible to schools and students that may face challenges engaging with educational offerings.

Oversee transportation scholarship program to help reduce local barriers to participation. Educator Programs Design, implement, and evaluate professional development workshops, institutes, and in-service training for teachers. Develop educator resources including lesson plans, primary source sets, pre- and post-visit materials, and digital learning tools. Provide ongoing support for teachers and educators, including curriculum consultation, classroom visits (as appropriate), and instructional coaching related to military history and civic…

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