The University of Michigan's Center for Innovation - Michigan Engineering Zone (MEZ) seeks an organized, collaborative, and student-centered professional to serve as the Thinkabit Lab Coordinator. The Coordinator will support the Program Manager in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab at the University of Michigan.

The Thinkabit Lab provides middle school scholars throughout Detroit and Southeast Michigan with hands-on opportunities to explore engineering, technology, innovation, and STEM careers. The Coordinator will play an important role in ensuring that scholars receive engaging, high-quality learning experiences while supporting the operational and instructional needs of the program.

A key responsibility of this position is teaching and facilitating the Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab curriculum, a hands-on STEM field trip experience for middle school students. The coordinator will assist with curriculum implementation, educator and staff communications, program data collection, events, and day-to-day program operations. The coordinator should have some prior experience facilitating hands-on, project-based, or STEM activities with middle school students.

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic STEM educator who enjoys working directly with students, collaborating with educators and partners, and supporting the successful delivery and growth of innovative STEM programming. The instructor will be trained in the current Thinkabit Lab curriculum. College students and/or part-time professionals interested in STEM education, learning technologies, informal learning environments, project-based and interdisciplinary learning are encouraged to apply.
 

STEM Instruction & Curriculum Implementation (30%)

• Lead middle school scholars through engaging, hands-on, project-based STEM learning experiences in accordance with the established Thinkabit curriculum, MEZ instructional expectations and Children on Campus guidelines.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Support scholars as they work through engineering challenges and projects without unnecessarily taking over the design process.
• Help prepare, organize, and maintain curriculum materials, student notebooks, technology, equipment, and supplies.

Communications & Outreach (30%)

• Support the development and distribution of communications and outreach materials for teachers, schools, students, families, and partners, including emails, marketing materials, and program updates.
• Support Thinkabit Lab social media and digital communications by highlighting student accomplishments, program experiences, partnerships, and opportunities while ensuring content is timely, accurate, engaging, and aligned with University of Michigan and Qualcomm expectations.
• Support school visits by providing educators with the information and resources needed for success while collecting the necessary information to effectively plan and implement each visit.

Program Data & Evaluation (30%)

• Assist the Program Manager with collecting, maintaining, and organizing program participation and outcome data, including surveys and participant records.
• Support program reporting and evaluation by compiling data, documenting student experiences and impact, and sharing trends, challenges, and opportunities with the Program Manager.

Other (10%)

• Participate in professional development opportunities as needed to support continued growth and effective implementation of Thinkabit programming.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the successful implementation of Thinkabit programming.

A bachelor's degree or coursework in a STEM or educational field is preferred. Experience with project-based learning, familiarity with electronics and programming, and/or willingness to expand these skills. Experience in managing groups of middle school students.

The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

• This is a hybrid role with in-person work taking place at the Michigan Engineering Zone in Detroit, Michigan. Applicants must be available to work in-person weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 9 AM - 2 PM. 
• Additional work hours may be required on other days of the week.
• The applicant can expect to work 10-20 hours per week (based on availability).
• This position (1 opening) is a part-time, limited position. However, the position may be extended for additional semesters depending on the needs of both the Thinkabit Lab and the hire.

Compensation

Compensation for this position is $18-20/hour, depending on experience. The applicant should expect to work 10-20 hours per week based on their availability.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.