Youth Programs Coordinator, Department of Making + Doing

Posted by Department of Making + Doing on May 4, 2015

Youth Programs Coordinator – Department of Making + Doing

Department of Making + Doing

The Department of Making + Doing is a partnership of four Philadelphia-based organizations: STEAM Initiatives, The Hacktory, Public Workshop and NextFab. The partners all believe in actively engaging citizens in hands-on learning and civic problem-solving. DM+D is an intergenerational, multidisciplinary civic innovation lab and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) workspace that provides the tools, creativity and knowledge to inspire people to do great things.

DM+D is seeking a Youth Program Coordinator to develop, assist with and facilitate engaging and innovative programming for youth across multiple age ranges from Kindergarten through 12th grade. This position will work directly with the DM+D Program Manager and DM+D Program partners to facilitate and expand current programming, develop new offerings, and increase attendance. Programs typically involve instructing youth and families in hands-on use of digital and traditional tools to explore, learn, and make. Projects may include software programs, sewing, crafts, woodworking, laser cutting, 3D printing, electronics, microcontrollers, and robotics (see http://dmdphilly.org/events for current examples).

Essential Functions

• Assist Program Partners to develop existing family programming into a sustainable offering through promotion, facilitation, organization, and expanding the range of content.
• Organize and facilitate youth tours and workshops at DM+D.
• Work with DM+D Partners and Program Manager to develop after school programs (1 – 2 times per week) for Middle
• School (age 11-14) students starting in September.
• Implement, organize and facilitate Girl Scouts Programming, starting in October.
• Work with Nextfab, DM+D partners and Program Manager explore family membership at DM+D.
• Develop community, media and professional contacts.
• Keep up with emergent trends in education, art, design, social practice and technology
• Participate in reporting and evaluation activities to assist with accurate project and program budgets, ensure grant compliance, and program improvement.
• Maintain a safe, friendly and exciting environment that encourages youth empowerment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of emerging trends in out-of-school time education, especially related to experiential, inquiry-based and hands-on learning.
• Technologically savvy with knowledge of social media tools and design software, e.g. Adobe Suite.
• Knowledge of and/or demonstrated interest in digital and traditional fabrication tools and techniques, e.g. woodwork,
• CAD, CNC, 3D printing, Arduino / microcontrollers, electronics, etc.
• Ability to work effectively in independent and collaborative settings.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks in an efficient manner and follow-up and follow-through with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience, Education and Licensure

Minimum Experience – 2-3 years of experience working direct service or education of elementary and/or middle school youth, ideally in an out-of-school time environment. Experience teaching art, design, science, engineering, and/or fabrication is preferred.

Minimum Education – BFA/BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in education, art, design, engineering, or related field of study.

Schedule – This is a part-time (20hrs/week) non-employee contractor position. Execution of the contract is contingent on the candidate passing the PA Criminal Background Check and the Child Abuse History Clearance.

Compensation – $20/hr-$40/hr based on skills and experience.

To Apply

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resumé, and references no later than May 15th to [email protected] with the subject “DMD Youth Programs Coordinator”

Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher.