Teen Tech Coordinator

Overview

The Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center provides a range of community services addressing youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. After school programs, a food pantry, swim lessons, strength and cardio, a teen tech center and more help people of all ages reach their potential.

Do you love technology AND making a difference in young people's lives?

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City is looking for a Teen Tech Coordinator to lead our Teen Tech Center at the Linwood location — a dynamic, youth-driven space where young people explore technology, build real skills, and imagine their futures.

This isn't a desk job. You'll be in the room where it happens — mentoring teens through robotics builds, digital art projects, coding challenges, drone piloting, game design, and more. If you're passionate about tech as a tool for empowerment and you know how to connect with young people, we want to hear from you.

The Teen Tech Coordinator provides young people access to youth-led, project-based safe places where youth can experience technology, work with peers and mentors, and develop the skills needed for future career or college pursuits. 

Hiring Range: $17.00-$19.00 per hour

The Teen Tech Coordinator is a grant funded position.

OUR CULTURE:  The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the Teen Tech Center, including supporting youth in project creation, maintaining the technology in the space, and managing relationships with Teen Tech Center stakeholders.
• Help Teen Tech Center participants develop projects (e.g., help members with ideas, gather materials, get started, locate mentors to work with them, and support ongoing work) and teach them a basic understanding of the different types of technology available in the space.
• Support youth in planning for the future, including pursuing academic and job opportunities that leverage their Teen Tech Center skills and experience.
• Connect participants to wraparound services, support from the host organization and other local resources as needed. 
• Provide community outreach to recruit a diverse group of young people, and partner with parents, teachers, and community leaders in the program. 
• Recruit, train, and support volunteer mentors, ensuring they work effectively with youth.  
• Provide basic technology and space maintenance, including file management, technology trouble-shooting, and technical support to Teen Tech Center youth and mentors. 
• Provide administrative support for the Teen Tech Center program, including tracking membership, demographic information, and youth attendance.
• Assist in fundraising and publicity for the Teen Tech Center, communicating the goals, and results to external sources. 
• Partner with other associates to enrich lives through technology in an open and safe environment, with youth-based learning as the cornerstone

Qualifications

• Proven track record working with youth, in particular young people from under-resourced communities 
• Experience facilitating formal and informal learning environments. 
• Experience with computers and interest in technology as a creative and empowering tool.
• Potential areas of expertise including: 3D printing, Adobe Creative Cloud, digital art design, robotics (LEGO, VEX, FIRST, or similar platforms), drone piloting and safety, coding, game design and esports fundamentals, digital media, and STEM challenges.
• Interest in learning about new technologies regularly. 
• Demonstrated ability to reach out to youth, parents, educators, and community leaders. 
• Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
• A passion for learning and helping others to learn. 
• Excellent organizational skills, including but not limited to inventory management, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with strong attention to detail.
• Able to make independent and sound decisions in a fast paced environment.
• Able to exercise high levels of discretion and confidentiality.