Manager, NYC FIRST STEM Centers, Queens

About NYC FIRST

For 25 years, NYC FIRST has inspired and empowered tens of thousands of young New Yorkers as they have engaged in meaningful and joyful STEM learning, while preparing them for both academic pursuits and careers in STEM. NYC FIRST is building out a network of STEM Centers that broadens resources, delivers opportunity and sets young people on pathways to success academically and professionally. These STEM Centers centralize valuable resources, including computing and software, fabrication equipment, and expert and experienced staff and mentors. They support students, educators and mentors through FIRST robotics leagues, district-wide programs, credit-bearing classes, pathways support, professional development, curriculum design, hands-on workshops, and more.

Manager, NYC FIRST STEM Centers, Queens

NYC FIRST is partnering with Queens Public Library (QPL), one of New York City’s great civic institutions, to bring joyful, meaningful STEM education, particularly around robotics, to the rich and diverse offerings that QPL already provides. This role will help expand a vibrant community of STEM experts, novices and enthusiasts in Queens, centered around three QPL branches – specifically the Teen Tech Centers at each of them – and their communities. These branches are Central (Jamaica), Cambria Heights and Far Rockaway. The Manager will be located at the Cambria Heights Branch and be responsible for leading NYC FIRST’s STEM-based efforts at that branch, and this role will also manage the two NYC FIRST staff at the two other branches, requiring spending time at those other branches. The Manager is expected to be on-site, Monday to Friday, to lead classes and workshops, and provide training and expertise to young people and library staff. They will also help broaden pathways to success for students and teachers with opportunities to engage with STEM broadly and robotics specifically. The Manager will also provide opportunities for Queens-based robotics teams – and anyone interested in robotics – to learn and engage within a community of STEM enthusiasts. This role will report to Vice President of Programs.

Specifically, the Manager will be responsible for:

• Queens Public Library Partnership. Help manage the partnership with QPL, meeting regularly (possibly bi-weekly) with QPL staff and NYC FIRST leadership to ensure the smooth and effective execution of this important partnership.

• STEM Centers Launch and Operations. While NYC FIRST has already developed a partnership with QPL, the Manager will steward and oversee the development of the three STEM Centers in partnership with QPL, working closely with and supervising two additional NYC FIRST staff at the other two QPL branches. This work includes any equipment purchases and set-up, establishing on-site partnerships, supporting and mentoring staff at each location, ongoing purchasing of consumable materials, developing and implementing programing across the STEM Center network, and creating systems to efficiently supervise the programming and functioning at each location.

• STEM Center Safety. Ensuring that the STEM Centers prioritize the physical safety of participants, focusing on adherence to safety protocols and standards, which must be met at all times, particularly focused on usage of tools and equipment. Ensure that each location is a welcoming environment, with a focus on positive youth development.

• Community Engagement, Partnership & Outreach. Collaborate closely with QPL staff to reach out to and engage local public middle and high schools. Work with various NYC FIRST staff to bring engaging STEM education and workforce-oriented programs to students, building and nurturing partnerships and optimizing STEM Center utilization.

• STEM Education Programs. At the Cambria Heights Branch, schedule and lead workshops, drop-in hours, robotics team builds, field trips and engaging educational opportunities. Host open drop-in hours and collaborate with NYC FIRST staff to develop high-quality programs. Collaborate with NYC FIRST staff to develop a comprehensive schedule of courses, activities and staffing. Work with NYC FIRST staff at the two other STEM Centers with QPL to ensure that these responsibilities are being executed on by staff at those locations.

• Mentoring and Instruction. Teach, guide and mentor participants on group and individual projects, fostering a creative, problem-solving and growth mindset. If a high school credit-bearing class is scheduled for this upcoming school year, help lead that class at whatever branch it will be held, with a focus on Far Rockaway, once a week.

• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Applicants for this position should meet the following qualifications:

• At least five years of project management experience, preferably in a STEM, youth development or K-12 education setting; managing and implementing multiple concurrent projects and staff members.

• At least three years of people management experience, supervising small teams of full-time and part-time staff and interns. In-person people management experience required.

• Candidates are required to possess foundational skills on digital fabrication machines and CAD (3D design).

• Demonstrable experience instructing and 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, with a focus on teenagers.

• Demonstrated commitment to NYC FIRST’s mission, STEM education, access and equity.

• The position requires full-time, in-person work across the STEM Center network in Queens, with the majority of time spent at the Cambria Heights Branch, during hours of operations from Monday-Friday.

• Proven experience establishing and successfully maintaining new projects highly desirable.

• 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 self-motivated to become an expert on all fabrication machines and NYC FIRST robotics curricula.

• 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 NYC FIRST’s mission and serving all New Yorkers.