Summer Day Camp STEAM Coordinator

Mittleman Jewish Community Center; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,307 - 33,062; Part time

Job summary

A vibrant community center in Portland is seeking a creative and organized STEAM Coordinator for its Summer Day Camp. The role involves designing engaging STEAM programming and leading activities for children ages 3-11. Responsibilities include curriculum development, hands-on facilitation, and supporting counselors throughout the camp season. Ideal candidates will have experience with children, strong leadership skills, and a passion for education. The position offers a flexible part-time schedule during the pre-camp phase and full-time hours during camp sessions.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing and leading STEAM, art, or maker-based programming for children.
• Ability to pass fingerprint background check prior to the first day of camp.
• First Aid and CPR certifications are a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate STEAM curriculum.
• Facilitate engaging hands-on STEAM experiences.
• Support counselors and ensure high-quality programming.

Skills

Experience designing and leading STEAM programming

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work with children and parents

Strong communication and collaboration skills

Leadership experience

Flexibility and creativity

Education

Background in education, camp programming, or related field

Job description

SCHEDULE

Curriculum planning hours March - June (flexible, part-time). Orientation from June 15th - 18th. Camp runs June 22nd - August 13th. 35 - 40 hours/week during camp; varying shifts between 7:30 am - 5:45 pm.

PAY RATE

$22/hour - $24/hour (commensurate with experience)

The MJCC is open to everyone of all backgrounds!

Make the most out of your summer at the MJCC! The MJCC Summer Day Camp is seeking a creative, organized, and enthusiastic STEAM Coordinator to design and lead engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, + Math (STEAM) programming for campers ages 3 - 11. This role blends curriculum design with hands‑on facilitation and leadership, supporting a dynamic and enriching camp experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The STEAM Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing age‑appropriate STEAM curriculum for all camp units. Prior to the summer, this role will focus on curriculum planning and material preparation. During the camp season, the STEAM Coordinator functions as a Unit Head‑level position, traveling classroom to classroom to lead STEAM and art activities, support counselors, and ensure high‑quality, engaging programming across camp.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

(These examples represent the essential functions of the position. They are not, however, inclusive of all the duties the position may be assigned to perform.)

Pre‑Camp (Spring)

• Design comprehensive, age‑appropriate STEAM curriculum for campers ages 3 - 11, aligned with weekly camp themes.
• Develop lesson plans, material lists, and activity guides that can be implemented consistently across units.
• Collaborate with the Day Camp Director, Unit Heads, and program specialists to align STEAM programming with overall camp goals.
• Prepare and organize materials, supplies, and activity kits prior to the start of camp.

During Camp

• Rotate room to room to introduce the planned maker‑based activity for the day, support counselors in getting activities started, model facilitation strategies during the opening minutes, and then transition to the next group.
• Facilitate engaging, hands‑on STEAM experiences that encourage creativity, problem‑solving, and collaboration.
• Model positive behavior management strategies and support counselors during activities.
• Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs and abilities of different age groups and learning styles.
• Ensure the safety of campers during all activities; respond appropriately to injuries and complete required documentation.
• Maintain activity spaces, including setup, cleanup, and organization of materials.
• Serve as a Unit Head‑level staff member, supporting camp operations and stepping in as needed.
• Be “in position” to address staff questions, troubleshoot challenges, and assist with transitions.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and all‑staff events.
• Oversee pre‑care (7:30 - 9 am) or after‑care (4 - 5:45 pm) as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

(Any combination of experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.) This would typically include:

• Experience designing and leading STEAM, art, or maker‑based programming for children.
• Background in education, camp programming, child development, engineering, art, science, or a related field preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work comfortably, tactfully, and courteously with children, parents, and staff.
• High levels of enthusiasm, creativity, energy, and flexibility.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Leadership experience in a camp, classroom, or youth program setting preferred.
• Ability to pass fingerprint background check prior to the first day of camp.
• First Aid and CPR certifications (adult and child) are a condition of employment and preferably obtained by the first day of camp.
• Ability to lift, bend, squat, and engage in active programming throughout the day.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS + WORKING CONDITIONS

Work involves both indoor and outdoor environments that are busy and sometimes noisy. Physical exertion is required, including lifting, bending, climbing, and extended periods of standing and movement. Manual dexterity and coordination is required for hands‑on activities.

ABOUT US

The Mittleman Jewish Community Center is a vital institution for Jewish culture and identification, proud to offer its programs and services to everyone. For more than 100 years, the MJCC has offered educational, social, cultural and recreational programs.

The MJCC and all its affiliated programs welcome all children, families and staff regardless of their religious affiliation. The MJCC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.