Program Associate, STEM Center - Washington Heights

About 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 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 

The NYC FIRST STEM Center in Washington Heights, located within the Washington Heights Branch of the New York Public Library, provides immersive and sustained STEM education focused on robotics, technology, and engineering. Through a variety of programs, including school-day field trips, after-school programs, weekend and summer initiatives, and credit-bearing classes, the STEM Center offers students from elementary to high school access to expert teaching, state-of-the-art fabrication equipment, computing and software, and valuable internship opportunities. By empowering individuals and communities, the STEM Center bridges the gap between education and real-world applications, preparing students for success in STEM fields.

Coordinator Responsibilities

The Associate, STEM Center - Washington Heights, reporting to the STEM Center Manager, will responsible for:

• Leading a range of community-focused STEM-centric activities and workshops for young people ages 8-18.
• Assisting the STEM Center Manager in administering field trips and co-leading high school credit-bearing classes focused on participating in the FIRST Tech Challenge.
• Working with, directing, and creating a strong learning environment for high school and college interns at the STEM Center.
• Fostering a positive youth development environment where young people and their families feel welcome and comfortable.
• Developing and teaching new lessons as needed and sharing these activities, including workshops related to FIRST programs, with others.
• Maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the STEM Center, including managing robotics kits and other learning materials.
• Participating in evaluation and research activities as needed, under the direction of the STEM Center Manager.
• Ensuring the highest safety and youth protection standards.
• Performing additional duties as required.
  

Required Qualifications 

Applicants for this position should meet the following qualifications:

• High School degree or higher.
• A minimum of three years of full-time work experience required, preferably in the fields of education, youth development, STEM, and/or robotics
• Proficiency or mastery in the Adobe Suite, including Illustrator & Photoshop, preferred
• Experience using or strong willingness and desire to learn Autodesk Fusion
• Experience and enthusiasm in STEM and/or robotics education.
• Strong customer service orientation with a problem-solving approach.
• Ability and desire to learn quickly and continuously.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to create rapport with children, families, teachers and other community members.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias.
• Spanish language skills preferred
• Experience teaching with LEGO robotics or FIRST LEGO League a plus
• The position requires full-time, in-person work at the STEM Center, during hours of operations (Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM)
• This position requires legal authorization to work in the United States
• As this position requires immediate hiring, candidates able to start immediately or with minimal notice period will be given preference.
• Employment dependent on successful fingerprinting by NYC Public Schools

Compensation
We offer a competitive salary range of $60,000-$65,000 per year, commensurate with experience.  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.

How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume through this application form. As this position requires immediate hiring, candidates able to start immediately or with minimal notice period will be given preference. The application will remain open until the position is filled. Please refrain from emailing, direct messaging, or calling to inquire about the position.

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.