Youth Design/Build Program Coordinator

About the Organization

Sawhorse Revolution cultivates confident, community-oriented youth through the power of carpentry and craft. Sawhorse Revolution engages youth in collective design and construction to nourish their ability to critique and create new spaces that celebrate diverse identities and ways of being. Students receive professional mentorship, stipends or community service hours, and experience their own power as shapers of the world around them, in community with peers and mentors. Since inception in 2010, Sawhorse has served over 1700 youth, built 81 projects, and partnered with over 200 community organizations. Sawhorse is based in South and Southeast Seattle with our headquarters in Georgetown.

Job Description

Sawhorse Revolution’s Program Coordinator actualizes design-build programs that teach youth carpentry and architecture through community projects. Program staff at Sawhorse are the forces who assemble all the pieces needed for our youth-centered design/build programs. Working with and empowering a diverse and brilliant group of youth is the core motivator of our work, but direct youth time is only about 10-15% of time at most, due to the demands of construction project-based learning.

Most of the job is a varied and dynamic set of tasks needed to put these programs together. Coordinators get their hands dirty literally on job sites and metaphorically completing the significant background administrative work that it takes to put together a Sawhorse Program.

Ideally you have some knowledge of education, design, or tool use / residential construction, but we are primarily looking for a mindset of caring and can-do attitude. For example, someone who would be a good candidate for Sawhorse would enjoy loading up a truck of tools and materials alone. They would love the idea of cold-calling builders and volunteers in the community to work with. They are organizers, skilled at both leadership and collaboration, able to work with and empower a wide variety of youth, community members, and professionals.

Our youth and our communities are diverse, and all of our projects relate to social justice. We expect that any individual coming into the Sawhorse fold has their own study of and commitment to building a better world, as well as understanding the current one.

Youth building and designing for their communities is the hearth that warms and moves our work; Program Coordinators do the work to keep that hearth lit and make the programs happen.

It is not all solitary work, however. The Sawhorse Revolution team works collaboratively; while many tasks must be tackled solo, a warm, experienced, and incredible staff is also here to work collectively to make the projects happen. We build on our strengths and lend a hand when needed. We plan together; we problem solve together; we celebrate together.

Plus, each program itself becomes a mini community, a temporary collective of designers, builders, youth, and community volunteers who have come together to learn and to create beautiful projects that make their world a better place. Collaboration is everywhere throughout Sawhorse Revolution; we are looking for the person who wants to stitch it together and helps the saws hum.

Job breakdown*:

Program Coordination – 50%

General Program – 40%

Other – 10%

• Based on Sawhorse Revolution's annual rhythm, these percentages fluctuate seasonally

Job Requirements

+ Practical Qualifications:

• Availability to work after-school hours (12pm – 8pm) during programs (12 weeks spring and fall, and summer camps)
• Be on your feet and active for 8+ hours
• Be able to lift 50# consistently
• Driver’s License and clean background check (will assess with interviewee, if not clean)
• Computer literacy – emailing, Word, etc.
• Strong experience in education and/or construction, *Both Preferred*
  • 3+ years of teaching youth in an academic, non-proft, etc…forum
  • Understanding of curriculum and implementation

OR:

• 3+ years working in residential construction
• Degree in Wood Construction counts toward “Strong” experience but not necessary

+ Core Skills Required:

• Can work independently and ask for help when needed
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Self-awareness
• Willingness to listen and learn
• Willingness to lead when applicable
• Respect and practice inclusive language
• Responsible and caring
• Adaptable
• Commitment to intersectional social justice

+ Skills Preferred:

• Graphic Design/ InDesign Skills
• Experience working with a small non-profit
• Marketing
• Ability to safely drive a truck and trailer
• Knowledge of construction: materials handling, ordering, tool safety, etc.
• Experience working with people in crisis
• Knowledge of the design process

+ Non-Discrimination Statement

Sawhorse Revolution does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.

All personnel who are responsible for hiring and promoting employees and for the development and implementation of educational programs or activities are charged to support this effort and to respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns that are brought to their attention.

Sawhorse Revolution does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct including acts of sexual violence such as rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and coercion), gender identity and/or expression (including a transgender identity), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Retaliation is also prohibited. Sawhorse Revolution will comply with state and federal laws such as M.G.L. c. 151B, Title IX, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment and Rights Act, Executive Order 11246 and other similar laws that prohibit discrimination, all as amended. Sawhorse Revolution is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Health Insurance, Retirement Match, HSA Match, Tech, Clothing, and Wellness Stipends, Generous PTO Package