Coordinator or Associate, NYC FIRST STEM Center in Queens Public Library's Cambria Heights Branch

About NYC FIRST

NYC FIRST is building out a new STEM-based civic infrastructure that broadens resources, delivers opportunity and sets young people on pathways to success academically and professionally. This vision is centered on a network of STEM Centers, which centralize valuable resources, including computing and software, fabrication equipment, and expert and experienced staff and mentors. For 25 years, NYC FIRST has inspired and empowered K-12 students from diverse communities across New York City each year to engage with STEM and robotics in meaningful and joyful ways. We create learning experiences that encourage young people to think critically and creatively and to persevere.

STEM Center Details

The newly established NYC FIRST STEM Center in Cambria Heights, located within the Teen Tech Center at the Cambria Heights Branch of Queens Public Library, will provide immersive and sustained STEM education focused on robotics, technology and engineering. Through a variety of programs, including workshops, robotics teams and drop-in programs, teens get access to expert teaching, state-of-the-art digital fabrication equipment, computing and software, and internships. By empowering individuals and communities, the STEM Center will bridge the gap between education and real-world applications, preparing students for success in STEM fields.

Role and Responsibilities

This role reports to the Associate who is based at the STEM Center in the Central Branch of Queens Public Library. Responsibilities include:

• Lead community-focused, STEM-centric activities and workshops for teens, with a focus on robotics.
• Ensure that safety, program quality and cleanliness are maintained responsibly.
• Manage and help maintain equipment, robotics kits, consumable materials and other learning materials.
• Lead and support professional development for QPL staff, as requested.
• Administer field trips and drop-ins focused on STEM learning and robotics in particular
• Work with the NYC FIRST staff at other STEM Centers, particularly the ones in partnership with QPL.
• Create a strong learning environment for high school and college interns at the STEM Center.
• Foster a positive youth development environment where young people feel welcome and comfortable, ensuring the highest youth protection standards.
• Participate in evaluation and research activities as needed.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• High School degree or higher.
• A minimum of three years of full-time work experience required for the associate role, preferably in the fields of education, youth development, STEM and/or robotics; no minimum work experience required for the coordinator role.
• Proficiency or mastery in the Adobe Suite, including Illustrator & Photoshop, preferred.
• Experience using or strong willingness and desire to learn Autodesk Fusion
• Experience in and enthusiasm for STEM education.
• Strong customer service orientation with a problem-solving approach.
• Ability and desire to learn quickly and continuously.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to create rapport with youth, teachers and other community members.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias.
• Experience teaching with LEGO robotics or FIRST LEGO League a plus
• The position requires full-time, in-person work at the STEM Center, during hours of operations (generally Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM)
• Legal authorization to work in the United States
• Candidates who can start immediately or with minimal notice will be given preference.
• Employment dependent on successful fingerprinting by NYC Public Schools and background check.

Additionally, NYC FIRST provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; four weeks of paid vacation time per year; paid federal holidays.