Innovation Lab Specialist - Makerspace & Innovation

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School•Milwaukee, WI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

In the Innovation Lab Specialist role, you will support Cristo Rey Jesuit's Innovation Lab and Makerspace by providing safe, supervised access to tools, equipment, and creative technologies while guiding students and teachers through hands-on, design-thinking-based learning experiences. You will help develop the mindsets and skills outlined in the Ignatian Innovation Framework and maintain a collaborative space where students can explore ideas, build solutions, solve problems, and grow as future leaders. The Innovation Lab Specialist will manage and steward Cristo Rey Jesuit's makerspaces, including the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab, ensuring that tools, machines, and equipment are maintained in safe and working condition. The Specialist will support students and teachers in using these spaces for hands-on learning, design thinking, prototyping, and creative problem-solving. Working in collaboration with faculty, the Innovation Lab Specialist will facilitate experiences grounded in design thinking and the Ignatian Innovation Framework, helping students develop the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to innovate with purpose. The Specialist will oversee makerspace activities, maintain tools and equipment, support safe lab practices, and cultivate a welcoming environment where students can create, collaborate, and grow as leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher required
Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, making, and sharing knowledge
Hands-on problem-solving mindset with interest in project-based learning and design work
Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a dynamic school environment
Interest in developing and growing a high school makerspace or innovation program
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including documenting processes and presenting information
Flexibility and adaptability in a developing program environment
Commitment to the mission and values of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Strong commitment to working with high school students and supporting their growth and success
Cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds

Nice To Haves

Experience in a makerspace preferred; strong familiarity with digital tools, software, and hardware also valued
Basic programming experience preferred
Experience with fabrication tools, robotics, or engineering programs (e.g., FIRST Robotics) is a plus
Teaching, coaching, or facilitation experience is a plus
Spanish proficiency is an asset

Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain Cristo Rey Jesuit's makerspaces, including the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab, ensuring tools, machines, and equipment are safe, functional, organized, and available for student and faculty learning.
Develop and manage a safety training and certification system to ensure the safe, prepared use of equipment in the Innovation lab.
Manage the equipment checkout and project purchasing processes, as well as the inventory of gear and consumables.
Engage in training and professional development, and then arrange for or provide training for staff to expand access to the machines and equipment of the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab.
Coordinate access to the lab and equipment for teachers through a shared calendar and reservation system to support class projects.
Engage with teachers to provide advice and ideas on integrating Innovation Lab machines or equipment into existing or proposed class projects.
Promote the use of the Innovation Lab and equipment in the school to expand curricular integration and extracurricular participation.
Supervise lab access for students during a midday "Flex" period and/or after school.
Develop and deliver programming that provides targeted opportunities for students, teachers, and families to learn to use specific equipment and create specific items.
Support the Director of Innovation with guest speaker coordination, extracurricular coordination, school assembly presentation, field trip planning, and partnership development.
Other duties as assigned