ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
The mission of Techbridge, an award-winning nonprofit with a proven, data-driven model, is to empower girls to realize their dreams through science, technology, and engineering. Our innovative after-school and summer programs inspire 4th through 12th grade girls from underserved communities to change the world, providing girls with hands-on projects and career exploration through our curriculum, role models, and field trips. Techbridge girls build confidence, problem-solving skills, perseverance, and public speaking abilities that will serve them well in any career. Building on 15 years of experience, Techbridge’s after-school programs have served over 5,000 girls across seven school districts. Techbridge’s holistic approach gives girls a strong support network that includes their peers, teachers, families, and role models. Through its national professional development efforts and partnerships with the Girls Scouts, YMCA, and others, Techbridge has reached over 15,000 adults through trainings and resources for role models, educators, and families.
Founded in 2000 as a program of Chabot Space & Science Center, Techbridge spun off as an independent 501(c)(3) in 2011. It is at an exciting inflection point in its growth as it embarks on a national expansion of its after-school program with support from the National Science Foundation, beginning with Greater Seattle in fall 2014, Washington DC in fall 2015, and an additional city in 2016. With an annual budget of approximately $3 million and about 25 employees, Techbridge is poised for bold growth to increase its impact. For more information, please visit www.techbridgegirls.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The San Jose Program Coordinator will be an engaging, dedicated, and caring adult responsible for coordinating and implementing after-school programs for underrepresented girls at three school sites (grades 5-8), which each have up to 30 girls. S/he will facilitate science, technology, engineering projects and activities, instill confidence and leadership skills, and build strong relationships with students, teachers, families, role models, and corporate partners.
Reporting to the Bay Area Senior Program Manager, the San Jose Program Coordinator will be essential to the success of Techbridge’s after-school programs. This is a full-time position based in Techbridge’s San Jose office (and the only employee there), with typically one day a week spent at the Oakland headquarters.
KEY RESPONSIBILIITES:
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND ENGINEERING –Program Coordinators help girls develop interest and skills in science, technology, and engineering. They guide girls through curricula designed to spark an interest in STEM fields; activities include electronic toy design, 3D modeling of a “green” home, and forensic science lab tests. The San Jose Program Coordinator co-facilitates three after-school programs a week at different school sites with a classroom teacher, which includes planning the programs, providing feedback on the curriculum, and purchasing and preparing materials.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT – Program Coordinators serve as mentors and role models for Techbridge girls. They impact students’ lives by helping them develop science, technology, and engineering content knowledge and skills. They also empower girls with the leadership skills needed to be successful in life, such as problem-solving, teamwork, public speaking, confidence, and perseverance. Coordinators communicate regularly with teachers, families, and Techbridge staff to provide support and guidance for girls.
CAREER EXPLORATION – Program Coordinators increase girls’ awareness of science, technology, and engineering careers and encourage them to pursue careers in these fields. Each school site schedules two field trips and two role model visits per school year. Coordinators support Techbridge role models (science, technology, and engineering professionals or university students) who share their personal stories and passions with students. Program Coordinators provide training to role models to help them engage girls effectively through hands-on activities, personal anecdotes, and career guidance. They also organize and staff Techbridge field trips to science, technology, and engineering workplaces and colleges or universities.
PARTNERSHIP AND OUTREACH – Program Coordinators cultivate strong relationships with partner schools, including teachers, administration, and families. They help to organize and facilitate teacher meetings as well as train their partner teachers in the Techbridge model, curriculum, and best practices. Program Coordinators also plan and lead family nights twice a year at each program site. They also work closely with outreach partners, including role models, universities, corporate partners, and other girl and youth serving organizations. Coordinators may be asked to help disseminate Techbridge’s model and best practices with local and national partners through presentations, social media outreach, and blogs. The San Jose Program Coordinator represents Techbridge at the Santa Clara Afterschool Collaborative, a quarterly meeting for Santa Clara after-school providers.
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT – Program Coordinators manage individual program budgets including purchasing supplies, tracking expenses, and submitting invoices and receipts. They also ensure that program evaluations are completed by girls, families, and teachers. Coordinators maintain the Salesforce database including, but not limited to, recording student and family information and feedback on field trip and role model visits. In addition to supporting Techbridge overall, s/he also maintains the day-to-day operations of the San Jose office, including purchasing office supplies and maintaining the printer. S/he may support other administrative projects as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Minimum of 2 years of facilitating youth programming, preferably in a role using science, technology, or engineering skills in informal education settings.
• Must be fluent in Spanish.
• Resourceful, self-motivated, flexible, and able to work independently in a remote office.
• Dynamic personality with the ability to co-lead and manage a classroom with up to 30 girls while teaching hands-on activities and building a positive group culture.
• Strong technical skills and the ability to learn quickly; experience with “Making” activities and/or computer programming a plus.
• Experience working with families, schools, and communities from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; strong attention to detail. Proven record of follow-through on assigned tasks to ensure successful outcomes.
• Superior communication skills (both written and verbal) and relationship-building skills with a diverse range of stakeholders, including companies.
• Comfort with proactively seeking and incorporating feedback; positive attitude.
• Passion for Techbridge’s mission; knowledge of and interest in equity issues affecting women of color in science, technology, and engineering.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License with clean DMV record; proof of insurance and reliable transportation.
• Bachelor’s degree required (science, engineering, computer science, social work, and/or education field highly desired).
This is a full-time position; benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Salary is competitive and based on experience. This position will remain open until filled, and is available immediately. Job requires a fingerprint and background check.
How to apply
Please compose a cover letter that describes your commitment to the mission of Techbridge, how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, and how you heard about this opportunity. Submit your cover letter and resume with the subject “San Jose Program Coordinator” to jobs@techbridgegirls.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Techbridge values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Techbridge offers a competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with skills and experience.