Maker Education Coordinator

Providence Public Library•Providence, RI

1d•$50,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an innovative, hands-on, and community-driven professional to serve as Maker Education Coordinator or Maker Education Librarian within our Youth Services Department. Reporting to the Director of Youth Services, this individual will lead the vision, operations, and growth of Providence Public Library’s Workshop, delivering dynamic, high-impact maker and STEAM programming for youth and adults. The ideal candidate is both an educator and a maker—someone who is passionate about experiential learning, comfortable with a range of makerspace technologies, and excited to prototype, experiment, and bring creative ideas to life. This role requires a collaborative leader who can manage staff and interns, build meaningful partnerships, and create inclusive, welcoming spaces that inspire curiosity, skill-building, and innovation. The Maker Education Coordinator or Maker Education Librarian will play a key role in advancing PPL’s mission by connecting community members with tools, resources, and opportunities that support creativity, learning, and future pathways. Key Purpose/Summary: This position is part of PPL’s Youth Services Department that delivers programming to children, teens, and their families. The Maker Education Coordinator contributes to the design, planning, and implementation of the vision for a full range of high impact programs for youth in alignment with the overall strategic plan of PPL. The individual is responsible for the organization and oversight of PPL’s Workshop utilizing the tools, techniques, and methodology of Maker Education. They utilize infrastructure, connections, knowledge, and experience in order to strengthen the impact of the Workshop. This position works with community partners to build a supportive community of makers, artists, entrepreneurs, and activists of both youth and adults.

Requirements

College degree preferred or equivalent experience in a STEM or STEAM-related field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Instructional Technology, Instructional Design, or a related field.
3+ years experience in Makerspace operations, education, safety & training
Strong technical skills in the use and maintenance of Makerspace equipment and associated tools and software: Laser cutter, 3D printer, vinyl cutter, sewing machine, sublimation printer, circuitry & microcontrollers, sound studio equipment Basic computer programming skills, 2D design software, 3D modeling/CAD software, 3D printer slicing software
Experience developing and implementing innovative youth and adult programming
Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
Driving/Travel requirements – 10-20% (includes in-state and out-of-state). Ability to travel to varied locations and sites and attend out-of-state, overnight conferences, and meetings as needed.
Willing to work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.
Position Location – Office in Providence, RI with in-state off-site programming/meetings
Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with an MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) will be given special consideration.
Experience in developing and delivering programs in a variety of Makerspace and STEAM related areas for a variety of ages & skill levels.
Consummate team-player who will help identify, nurture, and achieve shared goals with PPL staff, partners, and youth including proven success in working with community partners, youth education, and/or diverse community outreach efforts.
Comfort with agile program development -- be willing to take risks and pilot projects, evaluate success and failures, and revise.
Lifelong learner with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and supporting an institutional culture of learning. Actively seeks out and participates in yearly professional development opportunities.
Ability to adapt to change and able to handle multiple competing projects, priorities, and tasks. The duties of this position may evolve over time based on varying funding sources, community needs, and other factors.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and comfort working in a multicultural environment.
Working knowledge of the educational/cognitive and social/emotional needs of youth; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services.
Detail-oriented organizer with experience tracking progression of programs and activities that require collaboration and cooperation of others from planning to implementation.
Experience in data collection and reporting, program and budget management, and strong computer and technology skills.
Able to interact professionally with other employees, patrons, vendors, and suppliers.
Bilingual Spanish/English a plus.

Responsibilities

Co-lead in the creation, design, and implementation of programs for children, teens, and adults based on connected learning principles, with special emphasis on 21st Century and social emotional skill development.
Serve as lead instructor and curriculum developer for specialized programs, such as eCommerce and Robotics with Micro:Bit.
Prototype, test, and experiment with new uses of materials, equipment, and software for future lessons and programming.
Assist in identifying and developing funding proposals.
Create an inviting, fun, and safe environment for youth that inspires learning and creativity.
Schedule and staff community makerspace, equipment training workshops, and classes within the Workshop space.
Help facilitate workflow and successful delivery of ongoing, drop-in, and one-time-only programs. This includes daily oversight, training, and supervision of temporary staff (teaching assistants, contractors, and/or volunteers), on-site and off-site logistics, ordering supplies and equipment, and managing inventory.
Serve as the co-lead for grant funded and other credit/stipend bearing Workshop program administration.
Train and manage teen interns and assist with their ongoing development, mentoring, coaching, and participation in running workshops.
Oversee and update the equipment training hierarchy/badging system and deliver classes to users.
Assist with Workshop space data and outcomes collection and contribute to reports and analysis as needed.
Actively and regularly reach out to schools, organizations, and agencies to facilitate relationships with PPL and to keep partners up to date on current PPL services/programs.
Initiate, develop, and grow partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, libraries, employers, families, etc.
Participate in events outside of the library (including conferences), as schedule permits, to promote PPL Youth Services.
Actively recruit children, teens, and adults to participate in programs and assist them with registration as needed.
Oversee Workshop day-to-day operations.
Provide direct assistance to patrons regarding use of Makerspace materials, resources, and services.
Conduct regular maintenance, perform repairs, and oversee replacement of equipment for Makerspace, Sound Studio, and the Workshop.
Participate in all staff and department meetings and committees as required.
Actively staff the Workshop and enforce Library and specific policies within the space as needed.
Communicate and collaborate with library staff on areas related to service to youth and families.
Stay current on developing trends, innovations, and issues in Makerspace services and share with PPL staff.
Schedule and conduct school and organization visits to PPL and coordinate with teachers or organization staff to share library card information and to determine the goals of the visit.
Oversee the scheduling and the use of the spaces within the workshop (Makerspace, partner offices, classroom and sound studio) for internal and external stakeholders.
Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all-inclusive organization.
Collaborate with External Relations as feasible/needed to support outreach, donor stewardship, and other fundraising activities.
Other duties as agreed upon between the employee and their manager.

Benefits

The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible. If you don’t need insurance, you can opt for a monthly stipend instead. The package also includes fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000) and long-term disability coverage, as well as a generous amount of paid time off, starting with 16 days (3 weeks and 2 days) annually. Additionally, the Library provides a retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired.

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