Laboratory Schools: Project Assistant II, Middle School

Department

Lab School Middle School

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity.

No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The Laboratory Schools Project Assistant II reports to the Principal of the Middle School. Performs administrative, communications, and other program support as assigned by the Principal. Serves as a primary point of contact for the Middle School Office communicating with parents and guardians, teachers, staff, and students on a daily basis with particular attention to daily attendance procedures and communication. Provides administrative support including, but not limited to, answering phone calls, emailing, managing student's academic files, and copying. Provides clerical support for Dean of Students, including filing, scheduling student activities and scheduling conference room reservations.

May assist with receiving, processing and filing staff reimbursements along with other university paperwork while maintaining all necessary files for proper documentation of Program activities. Develops and maintains an understanding of the organization and culture of the Laboratory Schools and the Middle School Program.

Responsibilities:

• 40% Coordinate attendance process for Middle School. Correspond and communicate with parents and guardians, staff, teachers, and students in person, via email and phone about the Middle School in relation to attendance related issues. Produce weekly and semester attendance tracking reports for the Dean of Students. 

• 30% Assist the Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean of Students as requested.

• 10% Answer general questions via phone, email, and in person, and forward and direct people to the  appropriate departments and individuals.

• 10% Solicit, draft, and post daily bulletin to Middle School faculty, students and families.

• 10% Manage the distribution of daily loaner laptops to students.

Competencies:

• Coordinate with MS office project assistant I around break times to ensure someone is always available for student/faculty/parent support during the school day.

• Candidates must demonstrate the following competencies: manage interpersonal relationships and interact/communicate with clarity, tact and courtesy with patrons, patients, staff, faculty, students and others.

• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing; identify priorities.

• Recognize and resolve or refer problems; work effectively with supervision and as a part of a team.

• Use or learn a range of position-related software applications.

• Significant reception and clerical experience required, preferably in an academic environment.

• Knowledge of various computer operating systems (MAC), Google Drive suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, required; Canva preferred.

• Experience with database systems required, preferably with Powerschool and Schoology.

• Ability to organize work, compose correspondence, and maintain records required.

• Attention to detail and follow-through required.

• Excellent organizational skills and a high degree of flexibility and initiative required.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• College degree preferred.

Experience:

• Experience working in a school setting is strongly preferred.

Pay Range:

• $20.69 - $31.84

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Professional References

Yes

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$20.69 - $30.29

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

024- Local 743, I.B.T. Clerical

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Date

2026-03-13

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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