Manager, 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 sta 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 lead 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, oering 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.

Program Manager Responsibilities

This role will lead 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 sta 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 Manager, STEM Center, Bronx will be responsible for:

• STEM Center Operations. This includes ensuring safe day-to-day operations, supervising sta and interns, setting up and maintaining fabrication equipment, communicating with NYC FIRST sta in other locations, ordering supplies, and, all with a positive youth development focus.
• Community Engagement, Partnership & Outreach. Collaborate closely with MBSCC in particular, plus a range of other partners, to create engaging STEM education and workforce-oriented programs for students, teachers and other adults, building and nurturing partnerships and optimizing STEM Center utilization. Collaborate with NYC FIRST sta to develop a comprehensive schedule of courses, activities and stang.
• STEM Education and Workforce-Oriented Programs. Schedule and lead professional development sessions, workshops, drop-in hours, robotics team builds, career panels field trips and engaging educational and workforce-oriented opportunities across a range of STEM disciplines. Host open drop-in hours and collaborate with NYC FIRST sta to develop high-quality programs.
• Mentoring and Instruction. Teach, guide and mentor participants on group and individual projects, fostering a creative, problem-solving and growth mindset. Lead credit-bearing classes for public high schools.
• Safety and Maintenance. Ensure adherence to and update safety protocols to ensure impeccable safety standards are met at all times. Train students, adults and sta on the safe use of fabrication machines and tools.
• School Partnerships. Work with NYC Public Schools teachers and advise the Pre-K school at AFH on LEGO robotics integration.
• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Applicants for this position should meet the following qualifications:

• Candidates are required to possess foundational skills on digital fabrication machines and CAD (3D design).
• At least three years of project management or instruction experience, preferably in a STEM, workforce training, youth development or K-12 education setting; managing and implementing multiple concurrent projects and staff members.
• At least two years of people management experience, supervising small teams of full-time and part-time staff and interns.
• Demonstrable experience working with young people, using a positive youth development lens; strong desire and ability to create a welcoming, supportive, and safe educational environment for young people of all ages and adults.
• Demonstrated commitment to NYC FIRST’s mission, STEM education, access and equity.
• Desire to train young people to work with adults on STEM skill development.
• 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.

Additional Qualifications

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

• Ability to thrive in collaborative environments and eagerness to learn from experienced NYC FIRST STEM Center leaders.
• Highly motivated to become an expert on all fabrication machines and NYC FIRST robotics curriculum.
• A growth mindset and fosters strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Adapts well to a fast-paced, startup-like environment requiring flexibility, self-motivation, independent work, and sound judgment.
• Knowledge of FIRST robotics.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias.
• Demonstrative experience working with members of the BIPOC community, women and Bronx residents.

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; and paid federal holidays.

Please send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to careers@nycfirst.org with the subject line Manager, 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.