CircEsteem staff members at a gala

Careers & Volunteering

Our CircEsteem family wants to grow!

We’re determined to continue building a community where you, our future team member, can explore new ways of thinking and learning, strengthen your skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment! Our team members are creative leaders that train students in the circus arts all while empowering and uplifting them so they can gain the courage and self-esteem needed to succeed.

At CircEsteem we are a community that celebrates belonging, teamwork, creativity, and inclusion! You belong. Come join our team today!

Our Mission & Values

CircEsteem’s mission is to unite youth across all backgrounds and identities by fostering self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice and performance of the circus arts.  CircEsteem promotes the development of self-esteem, personal success and empowerment by (i) promoting the practice of circus arts; (ii) uniting youth from diverse backgrounds; (iii) providing social and emotional skill building; (iv) providing youth opportunities to participate in leadership training which results in paid opportunities throughout their participation with CircEsteem.

CircEsteem values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign born residents, and veterans to apply.  CircEsteem is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal

Open Positions

Part Time - Teaching Artist

Employment Status:
Part-Time
Reports to:
Teaching Artist Manager
Summary:
Part Time Teaching Artists teach circus arts to school age youth. Assignments range from 5 hrs/week upto 20-30 hrs/week depending on program needs. Programs are mostly after school hours (2-7pm) withsome opportunities during the school day during short assignments. Most assignments are team taught,and TA’s will be collaborating with teammates to create circus experiences and bring positive creativeenergy to all teaching assignments
Application Deadline:
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Teaching Artist Manager

Employment Status:
Full-Time
Reports to:
Program Director
Summary:
The Teaching Artist Manager (TAM) is responsible for providing a community of circus Teaching Artists (TAs)(approximately 20 - 40 full and part-time) with support, mentorship, training, and guidance through on andoff-site programming.
Application Deadline:
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CircEsteem Spring Youth Show Co-Director

Employment Status:
Contract
Reports to:
Program Management Team
Summary:
CircEsteem is seeking a Chicago-based director with a dedication and passion for working with youth. The idealcandidate will have previous experience directing large ensembles that include youth voice in the artisticcreation process with preferred background in circus, dance, or physical theatre. The director will work under the supervision of the (program manager? director? Director of Operations?) and in collaboration with theProgram Coordinator and in-house circus teaching artists to create and implement their vision for CircEsteem’sSpring Youth Show.
Application Deadline:
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Light Designer/Technician

Employment Status:
Seasonal Employment - December- May (select dates)
Reports to:
Production’s Director & Program Manager
Summary:
The youth and production team will begin building the show in January and perform six times in the theaterof CircEsteem's brand new, purpose-built Social Circus facility on May 9, 10, 16, and 17!
Application Deadline:
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The continued support of our friends and family make all this possible.  Here are some ways you can help!

A child working on homework with a mentor

Homework & Circus Work

Our free after-school tutoring program is in need of volunteer tutors to help students from 2nd – 10th grade, as they work on their homework or other academic enrichment activities.  This program meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Apply Here

(No end date for apps/rolling consideration)

CircEsteem participants playing with young children at an event

Performances

Performances at CircEsteem happen twice a year (Winter and Spring) and are always in need of help with Costumes, Sets, Lights and Sound. Support our young performers and add some razzle dazzle.

Volunteer
A woman taking a photo

Photo/Video

Anytime is great to help document the kids in action. We have programming 4 days per week as well as two performances each year.

Volunteer