Program Coordinator, Brooklyn (School District 13)

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 Centers Overview

NYC FIRST operates four STEM Centers: in Downtown Brooklyn, at Cornell Tech, in Washington Heights and in the South Bronx. Our STEM Centers offer a diverse range of programs, including district-wide support and class trips, credit-bearing high school classes, open design and fabrication hours, support for our robotics leagues and district-wide programs, technical workshops, and teacher professional development. The STEM Center in Downtown Brooklyn, which serves the thousands of students of School District 13, currently operates from Monday-Friday, 9:30-6:00.

About the STEM Center in School District 13

This STEM Center, at 1 Clinton St., just off Cadman Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn, is a vibrant hub for hands-on STEM education in close partnership with New York City Public Schools Community School District 13. We offer dynamic programming in robotics, fabrication, design, and coding — during the school day, after school, and over the summer — for students in the district. The content at the STEM Center links to the content students are learning in their schools. Our programs include classroom instruction, after-school activities, summer workshops, and community outreach initiatives designed to foster creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.

STEM Center Coordinator Job Description

NYC FIRST seeks an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with a strong interest in STEM education and youth development to serve as a Coordinator at our STEM Center in District 13. Alongside other staff members, the Coordinator will be responsible for daily program delivery, space management, community engagement and program development tailored to a student population from District 13, ages 5 through 18. Reporting to the Senior Manager, the Coordinator will co-lead hands-on workshops, foster youth mentorship, maintain the space, and support partnerships to deepen engagement within the community.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging STEM lessons and activities, with a focus on robotics, design, fabrication, and coding.
• Teach and mentor students during projects, encouraging problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.
• Maintain and organize the STEM Center space, including setup and routine maintenance of equipment and fabrication tools.
• Develop and implement new programs and workshops that align with the Center’s mission and support student growth.
• Build and program LEGO SPIKE Prime robots using block-based coding, supporting students as they engage in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics challenges.
• Help with inventory management for supplies, tools, and materials, ensuring a well-stocked and organized space.
• Coordinate and facilitate youth programming, community events, and outreach initiatives to expand access and participation.
• Build strong relationships with students, school staff, and community partners, acting as a positive role model and advocate for STEM education.
• Support the training of interns, volunteers, and community partners to ensure safe and effective program delivery.
• Assist with social media, promotional materials, and outreach efforts to promote center activities and opportunities.
• Coordinate registration and scheduling for workshops, field trips, and special events as needed.

Required Qualifications

Applicants for this position should meet the following qualifications:

• High School degree or higher.
• At least one year of experience working with young people; strong desire and ability to create a welcoming, supportive, and safe educational environment for young people of all ages.
• Natural collaborator, eager to learn from and share skills with colleagues.
• Demonstrated commitment to NYC FIRST’s mission as well as STEM education access and equity.
• Comfortable working in a startup-like environment that requires a high level of self-motivation, independence, and judgment in decision-making.
• Growth mindset and an ability to build rapport with colleagues & stakeholders.
• Computer Programming: block coding and python programming.
• Physical computing: MicroBit, Makey Makey, Arduino
• 2D and 3D Design, including:
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Autodesk Tinkercad and Fusion
• Fabrication, including using:
  • Vinyl cutter
  • Laser cutter
  • 3D printer
  • CNC router
• Use of Google Suite, including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Calendar
• Use of Adobe Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop
• Knowledge of Canva / basic graphic design skills a plus