Innovation Lab Specialist

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School•Milwaukee, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position offers an opportunity to empower students to think critically, create boldly, and design solutions to real-world problems in Cristo Rey Jesuit's Innovation Lab. The Innovation Lab Specialist will manage and steward the lab environment, ensuring safe, supervised access to tools and equipment for students and teachers. In collaboration with faculty, you will facilitate hands-on learning experiences grounded in design thinking and the Ignatian Innovation Framework, helping students build the mindsets and skills needed to innovate with purpose. You will also maintain lab equipment and support a space where students can develop ideas, create value, 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
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
Flexibility and adaptability in a developing program environment

Responsibilities

Maintain in working order the makerspaces (Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab) and their machines and equipment.
Develop and manage a system of safety training and certification to ensure the safe and prepared use of equipment in the Innovation lab.
Manage an equipment checkout process and project purchasing process, as well as 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 for how to integrate 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 to provide specific opportunities for students, teachers, and families to learn how to use particular equipment and create specific items.
Support the Director of Innovation with guest speaker coordination, extra-curricular coordination, school assembly presentation, field trip planning, and partnership development.
Other duties as assigned