Program Associate, STEM Centers - Flexible Locations

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 Centers Overview

NYC FIRST operates four STEM Centers: in midtown and upper Manhattan, in the South Bronx and in Downtown Brooklyn. STEM Centers typically operate Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM. Each of these centers offers a diverse range of programs, including credit-bearing high school classes, open design and fabrication hours, support for our robotics leagues and district-wide programs, technical workshops, and teacher professional development

Responsibilities

This role will contribute to fostering a vibrant community of STEM experts, novices, and enthusiasts. The primary function of the Program Associate is to provide coverage for STEM Center instructors who are on PTO or absent for other reasons and to offer additional instruction capacity at specific STEM Centers during peak demand periods. The Program Associate will responsible for:

• Leading a range of community-focused STEM-centric activities and workshops for young people ages 8-18.
• Assisting STEM Center Managers in teaching high school credit-bearing classes focused on participating in the FIRST Tech Challenge.
• Assisting in running programs for upper elementary and middle school field trips.
• 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.

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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 our STEM Centers in Manhattan, Bronx and Brooklyn, during typical hours of operations (Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM).
• A flexible approach to the role, with the ability and willingness to move between STEM Center assignments on a weekly, or sometimes daily, basis, as needed based on specific site requirements.
• 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 New York City Department of Education

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. 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.

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