Teen Tech & Career Coordinator

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION (7/23)

POSITION TITLE: Teen Tech & Career Coordinator

PROFILE SOURCE: Professional

REPORTS TO: Director of Education & Program Development

STATUS: Full Time

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Teen Tech Coordinator offers young people the opportunity to work on projects they find meaningful to their lives, using computers and technology. The program provides support and resources for young people to pursue their interests and build upon their talents. At the Club, youth can create their own music, podcasts, videos, apps, merchandise, newsletters, robots, science simulations, digital art, computer games, and animation. The Teen Tech Coordinator oversees an interactive, drop-in space designed for teens to collaborate and experiment with technology, and provides support and resources for young people to pursue their interests and build upon their talents. 

Working in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa team of professional staff and volunteer mentors, the Coordinator will be a primary contact for youth after school and during summer hours. An ideal candidate would be high energy, enthusiastic, organized, dedicated to the academic and social enrichment of youth and familiar with technology, video and music production. This position works closely with other BGCCI staff, parents, volunteers, interns and other community partners.

Requirements

MAJOR DUTIES AND SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (Inclusive, but not limited to):

· Manage an informal, drop-in learning environment; support youth working on projects, mentor and build relationships with youth, troubleshoot professional-level technology, and ensure youth are career ready

· Track data related to grant requirements and work in partnership with members of the development team to ensure compliance

· Proactively maintain a welcoming and safe environment by managing youth behavior and working with colleagues as necessary to address challenges

· Collaborate with colleagues and community partners to connect youth with resources, including social services, jobs, creative opportunities, and educational resources

· Promote team building and cultivate leadership skills among youth employees and volunteers to support programming and service needs

· Continue to learn about and demonstrate skills in the use of evolving and emerging technology used by youth. The Club will provide youth access to cutting-edge technologies, including:

o Adobe Creative Suite

o Recording studio, MIDI keyboard, and traditional instruments

o Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and other recording software using audio interfaces

o Digital cameras, videography, and professional photo printers

o 3D Printer, Glowforge, Cricut Machines

o Scratch and coding languages

· Maintain supplies and equipment, and keep the space organized, safe, and clean.

· Help Teen Tech Center members develop projects (e.g., help them come up with ideas, gather materials, get started, locate mentors to work with them, and support their ongoing work).

· Recruit, train, and support staff, volunteer mentors, and partners ensuring they work effectively with youth.

· Work closely with the Director of Education and Site Coordinator to develop programs

· Attend club staff meetings, trainings, and 21st Century meetings and trainings

· Support youth in planning for the future, including pursuing academic and job opportunities that leverage their Teen Tech Center skills and experience (including internships, job shadowing, and obtaining certifications).

· Provide basic computer maintenance, including file management, trouble-shooting, and technical support to youth

· Practice and constantly be aware of safety protocols like Crisis Management, Emergency Preparedness, CPR, etc.

· Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor's degree or higher in youth development, or another field related to the position

· Experience mentoring or leading youth in an urban setting, particularly young people from underserved communities

· Experience with technology, video and audio recording, and music

· Experience creating a welcoming and safe environment

· Interest in technology as a creative and empowering tool for youth development

· Knowledge of field concepts, practices and principles related to program planning and implementation

· Excellent student interaction skills in individual and small group settings

· Demonstrated ability building equitable partnerships and reaching out to youth, parents, educators, businesses, and community leaders

· Working knowledge of the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development needs children.

· Ability to use basic electronic tools to design and implement reporting programs as well as the utilization of BGCA approved methods.

· Ability to be flexible and to adapt to changing priorities

· Self-starter with a high degree of initiative

· Valid Iowa State Driver’s License and a clean driving record

· Ability to:

o Pass a background check

o Work with youth from a wide range of backgrounds and socio-economic statuses

o Organize, plan, implement, and manage several projects simultaneously

o Handle the demands of a constantly changing work environment and workload

o Problem solve

RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal: Maintains close, daily contact with BGCCI members, staff and volunteers to interpret and explain program objectives and standards, discuss issues, and provide/receive information. Maintains regular contact with BGCCI administration with particular emphasis on Unit Director. Has ongoing contact with members as needed to discipline, advise, and counsel.

External: Maintain contact with other Clubs, vendors, consultants, organizations, parents and general public to achieve program goals and objectives, manage costs, share information and resolve problems. Able to recognize and assist families with needs as they arise.

Benefits:

· 401(k)

· Health, Vision, Dental Insurance

Flexible Time Of