IMPACT Chicago Lead Instructor
Job Description & Preliminary Application

Please read the following prior to accessing the application link at the bottom of the page.

​What Is IMPACT?
IMPACT is a nationally-recognized, trauma-informed self-defense program that empowers people - especially women and other vulnerable groups - to set boundaries and protect themselves physically, emotionally, and verbally. Our unique approach uses full-force, scenario-based training with instructors in padded armor, providing a realistic, safe space to learn and grow.

IMPACT Chicago is seeking a Lead Instructor to teach IMPACT curricula including empowerment self-defense, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, de-escalation, and online safety to youth and adults from many communities.

• Candidates with experience in teaching, training, theater, performance, sex education, public speaking, youth development, or sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy may be especially qualified.
• We are looking for team members who are committed to social, racial, disability, and gender justice. The IMPACT workplace values trauma-informed practices, shared decision making, work/life balance, direct communication, flexibility, creativity, humor, hard work, compassion, and a strong commitment to our mission.
• We value diverse skills and experiences. No candidate is expected to possess ALL the qualifications outlined here, and every member of IMPACT Chicago’s staff receives supportive structures to succeed in their role.

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Position Overview 
 The Lead Instructor plays a central role in delivering IMPACT Chicago’s self-defense programs and advancing our mission. This position combines teaching, mentorship, curriculum leadership, and organizational collaboration. The Lead Instructor models IMPACT values in the classroom and beyond, helping to create learning environments that are empowering, inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in social justice.

Core Programs are offered every other month over an entire weekend (Friday 4-8, Saturday 9-5, and Sunday 9-5). Lead Instructors typically teach 3-4 Core Programs per year, in addition to one workshop per month. Workshops are scheduled based on community demand and instructor availability. Ideal candidates will have some flexibility to accommodate occasional daytime programming. 

Responsibilities

• Teaches the following IMPACT curricula:
  • IMPACT public classes for teens and adults
  • 1, 3, and 5-hour introductory self-defense workshops
  • Bystander intervention workshops
  • Two day long early teen self-defense classes
  • De-escalation workshops
• Coaches students during simulated attack scenarios providing direction and emotional support
• Provides practical assistance and emotional support to students as needed
• Supervises and directs class assistants
• Collaborates on curriculum development, adaptation, and continuous improvement
• Helps maintain a learning environment that is accessible, respectful, and responsive to participants’ diverse identities and experiences 
• Represents IMPACT Chicago professionally in community settings and partnerships
• Participates in ongoing training, reflection, and organizational learning

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: teaching, counseling, theater, martial arts, athletics, youth development, work with trauma survivors, fitness training, or self-defense
• Ability and willingness to teach a physically demanding curriculum
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to provide support to students through a training process that is at times difficult and emotionally charged
• Welcoming and confident presence in front of a group and ability to hold students’ attention
• Ability to travel by car, CTA, or Metra to sites in Chicago and the suburbs to teach classes. Access to a car is required for transporting mats and equipment
• Strong communication skills
• Reliability, punctuality, and professionalism
• Ability to promote IMPACT programs to diverse communities

What We Offer

• Meaningful work directly contributing to violence prevention and social change
• A mission-driven, collaborative, and supportive organizational culture
• Part-time employment on a variable schedule. The schedule is set in collaboration with the instructor and the Instructor Team Leader.
• Ongoing training and opportunities for professional and personal growth
• Instructor pay is $40/hour and up for workshops and courses 

APPLY HERE

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If you have questions or are seeking additional information, please reach out to
Katie Skibbe, Lead Instructor, IMPACT Chicago ([email protected])

We also invite you to attend a "What is IMPACT?" orientation (next one is Sunday, Apr 26, 1:30 pm).