Coordinator, STEM Center (Far Rockaway)

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.  NYC FIRST is building out a new STEM-based civic infrastructure, based on our STEM Centers, which broaden resources, deliver opportunity and set young people on academic and professional pathways.  They level the playing field by centralizing valuable resources, including computing, software, fabrication equipment and expert NYC FIRST staff and mentors.

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STEM Center in Far Rockaway Details

The NYC FIRST STEM Center in Far Rockaway, located within the Teen Library of the Far Rockaway Branch of Queens Public Library, provides immersive and sustained STEM education focused on robotics, technology and engineering.  Through a variety of programs, including workshops, robotics teams, drop-in programs, and high school credit-bearing classes, teens access expert teaching, state-of-the-art digital fabrication equipment, computing and software, and internships.  By empowering individuals and communities, the STEM Center bridges the gap between education and real-world applications, preparing students for success in STEM fields.

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Role and Responsibilities

This role reports to the STEM Center Associate based at the STEM Center in the Central Branch of Queens Public Library.  Responsibilities include:

• Lead community-focused, STEM-centric activities and workshops for teens, with a focus on robotics.
• Co-lead a weekly three-hour, robotics-focused high school credit-bearing class for a local high school.
• Ensure that safety, program quality and cleanliness are maintained responsibly.
• Manage and help maintain equipment, robotics kits, consumable materials and other learning materials.
• Support professional development for QPL staff, as requested.  
• Administer field trips and drop-ins focused on STEM learning and robotics in particular.
• Work with the NYC FIRST staff at other STEM Centers, particularly the ones in partnership with QPL.
• Create a strong learning environment for high school and college interns at the STEM Center.
• Foster a positive youth development environment where young people feel welcome and comfortable, ensuring the highest youth protection standards.
• Participate in evaluation and research activities as needed.
• Perform additional duties as required.

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Required Qualifications

• High school degree or higher.
• One year of work experience is required for the coordinator role.
• Proficiency or mastery in fabrication equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters.
• Proficiency or mastery in the Adobe Suite, including Illustrator & Photoshop, preferred.
• Experience using or strong willingness and desire to learn Autodesk Fusion.
• Experience in and enthusiasm for STEM 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 youth, teachers and other community members.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias.
• The position requires full-time, in-person work at the STEM Center, during hours of operations (Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM)
• Employment dependent on successful fingerprinting by NYC Public Schools and background check.

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Compensation

We offer an annual salary range of $52,000 for a coordinator.  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 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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