Director of Program

Since 2014, Community Guilds has focused on delivering an innovative, gap-closing approach to education through its mobile makerspace, STE(A)M Truck (Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts), and Math) targeting elementary and middle school students. The STE(A)M Truck experience is anchored by a rigorous, experiential learning-based curriculum, which is brought to life in a mobile maker-space with the support and collective expertise of the local community. STE(A)M Truck creates a community of adult STE(A)M role models – “maker-mentors,” STE(A)M designers, and local artists, along with “traditional” educators – and connects them closely with youth; together, they tackle real problems, design solutions, and build things. Over the course of our  day award winning program, students learn the design process and develop a sense of self-efficacy as they create their own solutions. Community Guilds also strikes a chord with educators, who become inspired themselves by the experience and the impact on students, and leave better-equipped to bring similar instructional concepts and methodologies into the classroom.

Position Description: Reporting to the executive director, the Director of Program is a passionate educator and tinkerer who serves as supervisor for all STE(A)M Truck programs. The ideal candidate is a rockstar manager of people with a superhero ability to manage complex projects. Specifically, the Director oversees the coordination and administration of all aspects of ongoing programs including planning, organizing, staffing, supervising staff; leading and controlling program activities including site coordination and communication and data collection. The Director oversees and coordinates our team of Residents as well as volunteers and interns. S/he ensures integrity to budget through planning and tracking and supports finance officer with payroll as appropriate. As a member of the senior management team, the director will be involved in strategic planning, curriculum development, evaluation, and professional development initiatives. 

Desired Skills, Experience and Mindset: The Director of Program wears multiple hats, and must be willing to roll up their sleeves and work hard to ensure that the organization closes an opportunity and achievement gap, both in public education and in the broader community. This person must also understand the importance and connections between teaching practices using a maker mindset and building the capacity of our partners to do this work on their own. The Director must be able to work collaboratively in a fast- paced, entrepreneurial environment; anticipate problems and come up with creative methods of solving them; develop strong, positive, constructive relationships with senior-level clients and multiple stakeholders. S/he must be able to work in an environment where requirements often change and evolve, and must be comfortable seeking out information and counsel, when necessary. S/he must be comfortable in an outside environment in all weather and able to perform physically strenuous work. 

The Director of Program will contribute to a proactive culture in which the efficient creation of high quality, student-centric programs is second nature. A successful Director must have a commitment to the philosophy, mission and vision of Community Guilds and a passion and knowledge about the use of the maker movement and technologies to disrupt the status quo. 

Qualifications

• BA (required), MA a plus
• Minimum of 3 years of classroom based experience working in a Title I public school
• Familiarity and comfort with project based learning, design thinking, and the Maker Movement
• Transparent and high integrity leadership and a style that motivates people to work hard while having fun
• Previous leadership experience
• Experience managing a team of up to 12-15 staff.
• Strong organizational abilities including collaborating, planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including effective use of social media 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with an entrepreneurial minded staff with a “hands-on” orientation with a proactive approach.
• Skilled in at least two of the following skills: digital fabrication, product design, basic electronics, woodworking, manufacturing technology, physical computing/coding, and sewing, CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, woodworking, CNC and other rapid prototyping tools and kid-friendly tech - ie. MaKey MaKey, LEGO Mindstorms, Cool Circuits, raspberry pi etc.
• Ability to drive large trucks with a trailer is desired but not required! 

Responsibilities: The Director will have multiple responsibilities but primary are: 

● Iterate and deliver innovative STE(A)M Truck curricula and ensure our work is aligned to state and national standards as well as internal vision. 

● Ensure programs align to partner’s goals and needs. 

● Coach client teachers, volunteers, contractors and internal staff so outcome measures are achieved. 

● Support STE(A)M Truck strategy and operations, including constituent management, team project management, internal communications, budget management, and strategic planning. 

● Ensure data collection, analysis, and dissemination in line with protocols 

● Represent STE(A)M Truck at community and professional events (conferences, symposia, etc.) 

● Manage internal and external project deadlines 

● Manage scheduling of all program staff 

● Manage and support Lead of Day’s so they successfully accomplish stated goals. 

● Ensure programming logistics through the creating and managing our “run of shows” 

● Evaluate staff performance for steam truck program staff 

● Manage interns + AmeriCorps (if program focused) 

● Assist CFO with payroll by providing accurate reports 

● Drive vehicles as needed 

● Teach youth and create Builds as needed. 

● Ensure that social media presence is impactful. 

● Execute other duties as assigned by the Executive Director 

Measures of Success

A successful candidate will be able to meet the following Key Performance Indicators (KPI): 

• The number of students served and program delivery hours will meet or exceed annual goals as set forth in our strategic plan. 
• Increase client/partnership net promoter score by 15%
• Reduce per diem staffing costs by 15% while ensuring all programs maintain a minimum 1:6 staff/student ratio 
• Increase staff retention and satisfaction while increasing overall staff diversity.

A successful employee at our organization should exemplify all our core values and be a role model on how to: 

• Innovate Courageously
• Lead as a Team 
• Practice Good Stewardship

Position Type: Full time 

Compensation: Competitive, range from $65,000-$75,000 Community Guilds is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V 

Individuals from groups most underrepresented in STEM are highly encouraged to apply. 

If interested, please send a resume or CV to jobs@steamtruck.org and explain how you fulfill the above requirements and could immediately make an impact.