Upper School Robotics Associate Coach

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 6,400 - 8,600; Part time

Job summary

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, VA seeks an Associate Robotics Coach for the Upper School FIRST Robotics Competition team.

The role guides students in design, construction, and programming of robots for competition, promotes a positive team culture, and emphasizes critical thinking and creativity. Responsibilities include mentoring students, conducting practice sessions, joining weekend events, and assisting with paperwork, safety, and fundraising.

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring and coaching high school robotics teams.
• Familiarity with FIRST Core Values and Gracious Professionalism.
• Understanding of robot design, construction, and programming processes.

Responsibilities

• Guide and mentor the robotics team in design, build, and programming for competitions.
• Lead after-school practices and attend weekend competitions.
• Assist with paperwork, registrations, and safety/compliance tasks.
• Support fundraising and sponsorship efforts for the team.

Job description

Competition Season: January Through April

Practice Schedule: Regular participation in after-school practices, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility based on availability.

Times: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Competitions: 2 - 4 weekend competitions during the competition season

Pre-Season: November - December, 2-3 days per week, with some scheduling flexibility

Stipend: $7,500

The Upper School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Associate Robotics Coach plays a supportive role in guiding and mentoring a robotics team of students in grades 9-12. This position involves supporting team members in the design, construction, and programming of robots for competition in an action-packed game on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance. The coach fosters a positive and inclusive team culture, collaborates with team members to develop and refine strategies, and emphasizes critical thinking and creativity.

Essential duties include:

• Guiding and mentoring the team, promoting Gracious Professionalism and FIRST Core Values.
• Instructing and supporting team members in robot design, construction, and programming.
• Collaborating on competition strategies and emphasizing problem-solving abilities.
• Conducting practice sessions and attending weekend events, providing guidance and technical support.
• Handling administrative tasks such as managing paperwork, permission slips, and student registration.
• Ensuring activities adhere to safety guidelines and competition rules.
• Maintaining records of team activities, designs, and results.
• Assisting in fundraising and seeking sponsorship opportunities.

A good coach brings technical expertise to the team, provides opportunities for students to learn through experience, and helps build their leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as their sense of belonging and self-confidence. Mentors and coaches can come from various backgrounds, including FIRST alumni, community members, parents, teachers, professionals, and college students.