Coordinator, STEM Center, Bronx

Overview

NYC FIRST envisions and 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 over 20 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, driving towards excellence and equity.

STEM Center Details 

This role will support a highly visible STEM Center, located at the Andrew Freedman Home (AFH).  AFH is a beautiful, historic, NYC-designated landmark building on the Grand Concourse at 166th St., which has been renovated into an artist's hub, offering interdisciplinary residencies, incubator space, workforce development and community services.  The NYC FIRST STEM Center at AFH is scheduled to open on August 1, 2024 and will be the first of its kind in the borough.

The STEM Center is in close partnership with the Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens Council (MBSCC), a non-profit focused on enhancing the quality of life for families/residents of the South Bronx through human services to housing development, from economic revitalization to community empowerment.  The STEM Center will serve young people and adults of the community by providing a range of existing and newly created hands-on STEM education and workforce-oriented programming.  The STEM Center in the Bronx is part of a growing network of NYC FIRST STEM Centers that provide schools and communities with access to high quality facilities and equipment for educational purposes and as an on-ramp to STEM-based jobs.  In addition, these facilities also provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, leadership development, and positive youth development. 

Coordinator Responsibilities

This role will support the creation of a vibrant community of STEM experts, novices and enthusiasts in the Bronx in order to advance educational pursuits, economic opportunity and civic engagement.  It will help broaden pathways to success for students and teachers at Bronx-based schools (PK-12) with opportunities to engage with STEM broadly and robotics specifically.  Some of the skills-based programming run by our staff will engage adults in STEM-based education, applicable to a range of industries.  The STEM Center will also provide opportunities for Bronx-based robotics teams – and anyone interested in robotics – to learn and engage within a community of STEM enthusiasts.

Specifically, the Coordinator, STEM Center, Bronx will be responsible for:

• Teach, guide and mentor participants as they work on their own projects; foster a creative, problem-solving mindset in students.
• Teach students how to use design software and safely use fabrication equipment.
• Support FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition teams throughout the season (September through April).
• Work to develop and enhance the curriculum of the program.
• Communicate with staff on site needs, inter-departmental support, etc.
• Collaborate and communicate with partners, including schools, districts and other community-based organizations.
• Facilitate professional development for teachers.
• Lead ongoing purchasing of required equipment and materials for the STEM Center.
• Assist with routine maintenance of equipment.
• Contribute to NYC FIRST social media, including the creation of digital content.
• Help recruit and oversee volunteers.
• Manage participant and group registrations.

Required Qualifications 

Applicants for this position should meet the following qualifications:

• High School degree or higher.
• At least one year of education or youth development experience is required.
• Experience and enthusiasm in STEM and/or robotics education.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to create rapport with children, families, teachers and other community members.
• Ability to maintain safety and youth protection standards of NYC FIRST.
• The position requires full-time, in-person work at the STEM Center, during hours of operations (Monday-Friday, 11AM-7PM), with some program activities occurring on weekends, as needed.  
• This position requires legal authorization to work in the United States.

Strong skills in at least one of the following:

• Computer Programming, specifically Java Blocks.
• Physical computing, specifically Makey Makey, Arduino.
• 2D and 3D Design, including: Adobe Illustrator, Tinkercad, Autodesk.
• Fabrication, including: Laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC routing.

Additional Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Natural collaborator, eager to learn from experienced STEM Center leaders. 
• Comfortable working in a startup-like environment that requires a high level of self-motivation, independence, and judgment in decision-making.
• Use of the Google Suite including: Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Calendar
• Use of the Adobe Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop
• Experience with FIRST Robotic Leagues, mainly FLL and FTC is a plus
• Commitment to NYC FIRST’s mission, STEM education, and to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias.
• Experience working with members of the BIPOC community, women and Bronx residents.
• Spanish language fluency strongly recommended
• Knowledge of Canva/basic graphic design skills a plus

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.

Please send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to careers@nycfirst.org with the subject line Coordinator, STEM Center, Bronx.  No phone calls, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NYC FIRST is an equal opportunity employer.  We invite people of all backgrounds to apply.  We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status.