About NYC FIRST
For 25 years, NYC FIRST has inspired and empowered tens of thousands of young New Yorkers as they become the next generation of problem solvers and critical thinkers, engaging in meaningful and joyful STEM learning, anchored in robotics, while preparing them for both academic pursuits and careers in STEM. We do this on top of our city-wide network of STEM Center, which serve as a high-impact programmatic platform that supports a range of offerings, including district-wide school-day programs, after-school robotics leagues, credit-bearing classes, pathways support, professional development for teachers, hands-on workshops, and open design and fabrication hours.
Role and Responsibilities
NYC FIRST seeks a Curriculum Writer, for approximately ten months in a half-time, contracted position. This person will have deep robotics education experience to support the development of a four-year high school robotics curriculum. This curriculum will serve as the foundation of a New York State CTE Pathway, aligned to Computer Science, Engineering, and CDOS standards, Portrait of a Graduate, and partially aligned with the FIRST Tech Challenge program.
This is a remote position running through June 2027 and available between the hours of 9:00-6:00 EST for meetings. The Curriculum Writer will join an advisory board responsible for shaping the full four-year scope and sequence (grades 9-12), with the first year already developed as a foundation. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Curriculum Project Manager at NYC FIRST, this person will collaborate closely with internal staff, advisors, educators, and community partners. The primary deliverable will be the writing and scripting of complete lesson plans and project materials for three years of the curriculum.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Scope & Sequence Development: Participate as a member of the advisory board to develop the full four-year robotics scope and sequence, drawing on the existing first-year curriculum as a model and foundation.
- Curriculum Writing: Write and script comprehensive, classroom-ready lesson plans and project materials for three years of the scope and sequence, designed for grades 10-12.
- Standards Alignment: Ensure all curriculum materials are aligned to New York State CS, Engineering, and CDOS standards and fulfill the requirements of a NYS CTE Pathway, Portrait of a Graduate, and alignment to the FIRST Tech Challenge program.
- Iterative Development: Incorporate feedback from internal reviewers, educators, and advisors through an iterative writing and revision process; approach all feedback with openness and a growth mindset.
- Collaboration: Engage actively and constructively with the advisory board, curriculum team, and other stakeholders in a remote environment, contributing ideas while remaining flexible and responsive to the direction of the group.
- Support Material Development: Contribute to the creation of supplementary materials that support educators and students in engaging with the curriculum.
Required Qualifications
We are seeking a candidate whose experience speaks for itself. No specific degree is required. We value the following experiences:
- FIRST Robotics Coaching Experience
- Experience coaching a FIRST robotics team, preferably at the FIRST Tech Challenge level
- Deep familiarity with the FIRST ecosystem, competition structure, and the skills and mindsets it develops in students
- Demonstrated ability to guide students through iterative, team-based technical challenges
- Technical Robotics Skills
- Hands-on experience with robotics hardware and software, including components and tools commonly used in competitive robotics
- Proficiency with CAD software, including Fusion
- Strong proficiency with maker tools and fabrication equipment used in robotics contexts (e.g., laser cutters, 3D printers, metal-cutting machines and tools)
- Preference will be given to those who have experience using these skills and teaching these skills to others
- Curriculum & Lesson Plan Writing Experience
- Experience writing structured, standards-aligned lesson plans and instructional materials
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into engaging, accessible learning experiences for high school students
- Familiarity with CTE, CS, or engineering curriculum frameworks is a plus
Additional Qualifications
- Comfort working in a remote, collaborative environment with responsiveness and professionalism
- Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive)
- Openness to new and innovative ideas in robotics education and instructional design
- Experience with NotebookLM or similar AI-assisted research and writing tools is a nice-to-have, but not required
- Eagerness to learn, receive feedback, and grow as a curriculum developer
Additional Information
- This is a remote, full-time contract position running through June 2027
- Availability for scheduled remote collaboration with the team and advisory board is required
- Legal authorization to work in the United States is required
Compensation
The compensation for this role is $30,000 for the duration of the contract through June 2027.
How to Apply
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume using our application form. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We value diversity at NYC FIRST and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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.
