Makerspace Programs Coordinator

The Bakken; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis seeks a Makerspace Programs Coordinator to develop and deliver Field Trip tours and workshops onsite, and to lead outreach education programs.

You will coordinate youth makerspace programs, mentor seasonal staff, ensure safety with tools such as soldering irons, hand tools, drills, and power tools, and collaborate with educators to create engaging STEM experiences for K-12 students.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience teaching, supervising, and/or working with K-12 youth.
• 2+ years of experience supporting programs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Delivers education programs including setup, teaching/performing, cleaning-up, and working with students, parents, teachers, volunteers, and mentors.
• Participate in strategic development of Youth Programs.
• Supports hiring and training of program staff and volunteers.
• Communicates with clients and stakeholders.
• Participates in tracking of Youth Program participation.
• Oversees organization and repair of program tools and materials.
• Development and preparation of Onsite and Outreach education programs.
• Delivery of education programs.
• Evaluation of education programs.
• Assist with Public Programs or events as needed.
• Other duties as needed or required.

Skills

Youth education experience

Program support experience

Teamwork

Communication skills

Evenings/weekends availability

Driver's license

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Education
Reports to: Onsite Education Programs Manager
Compensation: $19-21 / hr
Grade: 2
Educational/Degree Requirement: None
Exempt or Nonexempt: Nonexempt
Hourly or Salaried: Hourly
Hours Per Week: 40
Hybrid or On Site: On Site
Language proficiency: English. Proficiency/familiarity with another language is a plus but not required.
Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday. Occasional Sundays and evenings.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

The Bakken Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum with a focus on innovation and the intersection of STEM and the humanities. The museum encourages curiosity through our exhibitions, events, and on and off-site education programs. Our purpose is to awaken the innovator inside each of us.

OUR VALUES

Curiosity: Wonder by asking bold questions, challenging assumptions, and seeking new perspectives. Center diverse voices to ensure exploration is equitable and relevant.
Creativity: Try and discover by generating, testing, and refining ideas. Take risks, learn from failure, and think outside of the box to create solutions that reveal unique possibilities.
Collaboration: Share by combining strengths, engaging partners, and building toward shared outcomes. Work across teams, communities, and volunteers to co-create adaptable solutions that are stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful together

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Bakken provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Makerspace Programs Coordinator serves as a central member of the Education team, developing and delivering both Field Trip tours and workshops onsite and leading outreach education programs. They are responsible for coordination of youth makerspace programs, including makerspace support, materials wrangling, mentor coordination, and support of seasonal summer staff.

The Makerspace Programs Coordinator is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and inspiring learning environment where students explore creativity, STEM, and problem-solving through hands‑on experiences. Educators co-lead daily activities, guiding youth through engineering design challenges, skill‑building projects, and student designed projects.

Safety is a primary responsibility. The Makerspace Coordinator supervises students at all times during programs—ensuring the proper use of makerspace tools, including soldering irons, hand tools, drills, and select power tools. They foster inclusive spaces where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to take creative risks. They use strong classroom management, thoughtful questioning, and encouragement to help students work through challenges. This role helps students develop confidence and build skills, fostering curiosity, teamwork, resilience, and learning through failure. As an educator, they will coach problem‑solving skills and strategies. They support students in brainstorming, testing, and refining designs with real tools and materials during project time.

Collaboration with fellow educators and seasonal staff is essential to maintaining high-quality programming and a positive culture. During the summer camp season, mentors the camp counselors. They model and enforce clear expectations for safety, respect, and awareness, responding quickly and appropriately to first‑aid situations and behavioral concerns.

The Makerspace Programs Coordinator will be the primary point of contact for parents and guardians for most youth programs. They will also host the celebratory “Big Show” presentation, where students share their projects with friends and family at the end of each session.
This role requires energy, flexibility, strong communication skills, and a commitment to hands‑on STEM learning and youth development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Youth Programs Coordination: (25% Teaching, 25% Other)

• Delivers education programs including setting‑up, teaching/performing, cleaning‑up, and working with students, parents, teachers, volunteers, and mentors
• Participate in strategic development of Youth Programs
• Supports hiring and training of program staff and volunteers
• Communicates with clients and stakeholders
• Participates in tracking of Youth Program participation
• Oversees organization and repair of program tools and materials

Onsite and Outreach Education Program Support: (30% Teaching, 20% Other)

• Development and preparation of Onsite and Outreach education programs
• Delivery of education programs
• Evaluation of education programs
• Assist with Public Programs or events as needed

• Other duties as needed or required

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion

• Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) are core functions of all positions at the Bakken Museum. While some roles may have more specific responsibilities, the items below are a part of everyone’s role at the museum:
• Demonstrate a commitment to DEAI through continuous personal development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias to help cultivate and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff.
• Proactively work on your own and collaboratively with other museum staff to ensure equitable and representative experiences for all museum visitors and program participants.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• 2+ years of experience teaching, supervising, and/or working with K-12 youth in a formal or informal educational setting.
• 2+ years of experience supporting programs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• A valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours per shift.
• Ability to move through and access all areas of the buildings and grounds including stairs, indoor and outdoor areas, and small spaces.
• Ability to manipulate computers, office equipment, folding chairs and tables, and similar items related to an office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

TRAVEL

This position may require some local travel within the Twin Cities Metro.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the staff member assigned to this position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Bakken Museum is committed to pay equity. The Bakken Museum provides pay grade transparency, and benchmarks pay grades and compensation compared to market. In addition to salary, The Bakken Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff and part time staff working over 20 hours including employer matched 403(b), employer sponsored health & dental insurance, paid parental leave, and PTO.