Tinkering School Program Manager (PT)

Are you a team player, builder, explorer, listener, or maker? Tinkering School is in need of a dedicated Program Manager for our Summer Camp. The Program Manager's role is crucial in curating and shaping an environment that fosters engagement while allowing children to lead their own exploration.

We are looking for candidates with experience in open-ended learning environments and the challenges they present. Ideally, you can hold space for a 7-year-old's unbelievably fascinating tangential story and talk to an eleven-year-old with the adult tone they crave and deserve. We can teach you how to use tools, and you can learn to build alongside the kids, but it is essential that you firmly believe children are already whole people with important things to say. Are you ready to admit you don't know what to do, then ask questions and do what an 8-year-old suggests? Does the mystery of a project soon-to-be designed by kids excite you!?

At Tinkering School, we offer a unique opportunity to work with a diverse group of children and professionals in a dynamic and creative environment. We are eager to talk to makers, educators, DIYers, and camp leaders with 20 years of experience. We are as keen to meet master storytellers who can handle a crowd as we are to talk to quiet listeners who will take the time to hear the tiniest voice of the shyest camper. We seek to find a well-rounded individual to whom children of all inclinations can relate, build relationships, and trust. What matters most is a focus on the kids and an ability to inspire. 

Who We Are Looking For

Candidates will say "That's me!" to the following skills:

Required Core Skills

• Project Management (scheduling and staff management) 

• Budget Management 

• Ability to Work with Children who have an inquisitive nature: with a lot to share and a deep urge to be heard and seen

• Group Facilitation: Staff Development & Training

• Outstanding Communication Skills with experience in Conflict Resolution

• Storytelling: Develop and manage the marketing and social media pages of Tinkering School to tell the story of campers, the impact of Tinkering School for former and current campers, and inspire new tinkerers to participate.

• A tool master who can handle a drill press and is comfortable guiding a six-year-old through the use of our chop saw.

• CPR/First Aid Certification is required

Soft Skills

• A provocations crafter. The good projects tell us what they look like at the end, but the very best projects simply get us excited to start.

• A listener. Some kids are shy and don’t usually get a lot of attention. You know how to find those kids, figure out what makes them tick, and get them engaged.

• Ring leader, with ideas about games and activities that can engage a wide range of kids side by side on a giant open field

Welcomed Skills

• Bilingual 

• Experience with Robotics and Coding

• Experience with project-based curriculum design, knowledge of inclusive special education theory and practice

• Understanding of SEL / Child Development

• Experience with fine arts, applied arts, or any other personal superpowers

Responsibilities and Duties

• Create an engaging and hands-on Tinkering School experience that honors the curiosity and independence of children

• Manage Staff (group facilitation, scheduling, recruitment, etc)

  • Hiring, training, and managing a team of Tinkering Collaborators, Junior Collaborators, and volunteers

• Manage the successful operation of the Mars Mission 

• Maintain standard Tinkering School documentation practices

• Operational Oversight 

  • Managing all aspects of Tinkering School's daily operations

  • Manage Project Logistics 

  • Purchasing, Inventory management, and space coordination in collaboration with Brightworks (K-12 School) 

  • Follow all standard Tinkering School safety protocols

  • Manage Tinkering School policies regarding enrollment, and communications, and ensure that all policies are followed.

  • Maintain quality and safety standards for Tinkering School programs.

• Manage Family and Camper Experience 

  • Manage Tinkering School program registration and enrollment processes

  • Communicate and support parents as needed with registration and in-camp support

  • Ensure all campers demonstrate safe practices around tools and the building while feeling empowered to pick up tools

  • Ensure Campers have a positive and memorable experience in the Tinkering School program 

• Development and Outreach

  • Contribute to the on-going development and documentation of camps by participation in team meetings, provide content for social media posts, blogs, Plus/Delta and Field Reports

  • Promote and Market Tinkering School and camper’s experiences via Tinkering School social media accounts 

The Tinkering School Program Manager reports to the Head of School and manages a team of Tinkering School Collaborators and Junior Collaborators