METAMedia Mentor

McGaw YMCA; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

McGaw YMCA seeks a part-time digital media mentor to implement STEAM curricula for middle school youth in a drop-in setting. You will build positive relationships, guide projects, and help students showcase their work using Mac/PC tech, 3D printers, VR gear, and other equipment.

Strong candidates will have multi-disciplinary digital skills, ability to engage diverse learners, and a commitment to ongoing skill development. Hours are 2:30–6:00 p.m.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 2 years’ experience in digital media instruction with 6–12th grade students
• Proficiencies in more than one digital or artistic discipline
• Familiar with Mac and PC operating system
• Must be able to support middle-school youth with different learning styles

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate STEAM programs for middle-school youth in a drop-in learning environment
• Maintain positive relationships with makers to support learning
• Collaborate with MetaMedia team and community partners
• Communicate with program manager about curriculum development
• Communicate with operations coordinator about supply needs
• Attend professional development and showcase planning meetings
• Ensure safety and inclusivity during activities
• Organize and showcase youth work online and in-person

Skills

Curriculum adaptation

Digital literacy

Communication

Team collaboration

Youth engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 2 years’ experience in digital media instruction

Tools

Mac OS

Windows PC

Job description

MetaMedia is a digital media STEAM focused after-school and hangout space open exclusively to middle school youth. Our mentors support ‘makers’ (youth) in exploring passions and projects, building community, and showcasing their work. The mentor will implement STEAM curriculum daily and enhance the mindset and skillsets of makers while preparing them for high school. Our mentors support ‘makers’ (youth) in exploring passions and projects, building community, and showcasing their work. The mentor’s primary responsibility is to build positive relationships with makers and use the relationship as a tool to support their learning. The mentor will use equipment including but not limited to MacBook air laptops, video game consuls, virtual reality headsets, and 3D printers.

Stronger applicants have experience in photography, DIY projects, stop motion animation, cardboard design, fashion, circuits, woodcarving, fabrication, and/or 3D design.

Salary Range: $15.50 – $16.00 per hour

Department: METAMedia

Employment Type: Part Time Hourly – Non-Exempt

Days/Hours: 2:30 – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday; some evenings and Saturdays

Essential Functions:

• Ability to innovate and adapt to change quickly
• Ability to follow and adapt STEAM curriculum
• Ability to be flexible and a change agent in the moment
• Ability to connect with diverse backgrounds of youth
• Manage paperwork and warrantees for all digital equipment
• Collaborate with MetaMedia team and community partners
• Communicate with program manager about curriculum development
• Communicate with operations coordinator about supply needs
• Design and facilitate STEAM programs for middle-school youth in a drop-in learning environment
• Ability to hold students accountable to behavior policies and help create a safe and fun learning environment for youth
• Organize and showcase youth work both on-line and inside MetaMedia
• Attends and actively participates in professional development meetings
• Attends and actively participates in showcase planning meetings
• Attends all staff trainings (Mandatory two-week summer training in June and one week in training in August)
• Attends all program showcases and community events
• Keep informed of emerging technologies, current trends, improved programs and processes to better meet the needs of our youth and community
• Other Duties as assigned

Experience/Education/Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or 2 years’ experience working as a digital media instructor with 6-12th grade students
• Proficiencies in more than one digital or artistic discipline
• Familiar with Mac and PC operating system
• Must be able to support middle-school youth with different learning styles
• All applicants must have experience engaging kids and be willing and able to work with a diverse population
• Must be committed to ongoing skill development
• Must be organized, reliable, and adhere to deadlines
• Must be able to adapt to change quickly, and work calmly under pressure
• Must be able to collaborate with other staff members and community partners
• Must model the maker mindset and have strong interest and/or background in maker education
• Must be able to support middle-school youth with different learning styles
• All applicants must have experience engaging kids and be willing and able to work with a diverse population
• Must be committed to ongoing skill development
• Must be organized, reliable, and adhere to deadlines
• Must be able to adapt to change quickly, and work calmly under pressure
• Must be able to collaborate with other staff members and community partners
• Must be able to support all machines and build relationships with tech reps
• Must be able to obtain certifications in CPR/AED and First Aid within 30 days of hire
• Must positively reflect YMCA’s mission, vision, and values to staff and the public

All McGaw YMCA employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention.The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse. In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.