2026 SMASH Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Michigan)

SMASH•Ann Arbor, MI

3d•$30 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Program Director, the Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. Design Thinking Workshop Facilitators will co-facilitate with two other facilitators, guiding a group of around 35-45 scholars through project-based learning. The Design Thinking Workshop is a scholar-centered course that allows scholars to use technology to address a social issue of their choice. Scholars will work in various configurations including whole- group, small group, and individually. In addition to facilitating scholars’ exploration of technical skills, facilitators will support scholars with project management, collaboration and other workforce readiness traits. Strong Design Thinking Workshop Facilitators will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning and facilitate through inquiry rather than providing answers for scholars. This is a shift from the traditional model of education and requires giving scholars space to lead, and stepping in to guide in the right direction when necessary. Summer learning will culminate in a final project presentation and the chance to win a national competition consisting of competitors from all regions. This is a 3-week assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch, and a virtual close out after SMASH Academy (see chart below for dates). Facilitators will be working with scholars both in person and virtually and will need to embrace and model flexibility, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset. As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following -- their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet work space for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director. You must be available for all training and program dates.

Requirements

Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organizational skills; timeliness and dependability; courageously candid when facing difficult conversations
Relationship Building: Welcome and embrace individual differences of everyone in the room; humility; patience when navigating situations; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to relationship building and conflict resolution
Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unanticipated events; make data-based decisions
Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcome(s) are met
Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals/values is essential
Demonstrated experience and success co-facilitating workshops with 40-45 participants (preferably at high school level)
A belief that ALL scholars are capable of growing and achieving as learners
Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self-guidance and video tutorials
Results-driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program
Knowledge of 21st Century skills
Demonstrated effectiveness working with low-income, first generation college youth of color in diverse fields
Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills as needed
Willingness to be self-reflective and reflexive about your individual teaching philosophy and practice
Excellent management skills; openness to various and/or new pedagogical and facilitation approaches
Flexibility in your availability for training dates and event dates

Nice To Haves

Virtual learning experience a plus

Responsibilities

Attend Training (see dates above)
Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH
Facilitate Design Thinking Workshop Sessions
2.5 hrs sessions 5 days/week
Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation
Facilitate learning through inquiry
Adequately prep for sessions by reviewing material
Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or Program Coordinator
Ensure technical logistics are in order in virtual sessions during last week of program
Communicate with co-facilitators to ensure smooth lesson delivery
Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
Manage the space to ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group is on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
Communicate and reflect with co-facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and ensure outcomes are met
Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
Attend Weekly Staff Meetings (1hr/week)
Attend Staff Closeout
Ensure Completion of Deliverables (e.g. log pre + post assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.)