Tech Center Coach

Digital Harbor Foundation • Halethorpe, MD

112d • $18 - $22

About The Position

The Tech Coach is responsible for participant experience and engagement, and contributes most directly to the intellectual growth, emotional health, and overall well-being of the program participants served by Digital Harbor Foundation programs. The position is inclusive of instruction, mentorship, recruitment, community-building, and care for the space (both physical and digital) in which our programs occur. Must be available between the hours of 3pm - 6pm between the dates of September 8th - December 11th. Digital Harbor Foundation is dedicated to fostering learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education with a vision of digital equity for everyone. Driven by our sincere belief that access to opportunity is a basic right, we take bold yet practical actions to support making a better future now. Through a portfolio of projects focused on developing leadership within communities, we support those closest to challenges to take deliberate actions based in design thinking approach, backed by data analysis, grounded in a practice of collective impact, and driven by a commitment to racial equity.

Requirements

• Prior experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring youth (preferably in tech, STEM, or creative media)
• Hands-on experience (or strong interest in learning) with VR platforms, Unity, or graphical programming tools
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience in education, game design, computer science, interactive media, or related fields
• Previous experience in youth programs, makerspaces, esports, or tech camps is a plus
• Bonus: Experience working with Meta Quest headsets, Unity, or VR app design projects (personal or professional)

Nice To Haves

• Strong communicator who can engage youth of all ages (elementary, middle, high school)
• Familiarity with or enthusiasm to learn graphical programming environments such as Hatch Kids VR, as well as introductory 3D and VR concepts
• Interest or experience with Unity (or similar game engines) and ability to guide youth through basic game or app development projects
• Comfort using Meta Quest 3 headsets and assisting youth in safe and productive use of VR equipment
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving and ability to troubleshoot basic technical issues
• Ability to translate complex tech concepts into age-appropriate, engaging activities
• Strong classroom or group management skills; ability to maintain a safe, inclusive, and fun learning environment
• Openness to continuous learning and staying updated on emerging technologies in VR, AR, and game development
• Commitment to modeling positive digital citizenship and responsible tech use

Responsibilities

• Provides clear sequence of experiences on a pathway for personal growth and learning of those we directly serve through a specific program or initiative
• Lead a group of approximately 20 individuals in an instructional setting, maintaining high standards for behavior and safety, through age appropriate activities.
• Navigate online and blended learning tools and techniques, including digital content and collaborative learning networks, to support and extend participant learning as well as expand opportunities for online professional development.
• Prepare documentation (e.g. user guides, sample lesson plans, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written documentation and/or conveying information.
• Engage in continual learning to deepen content and pedagogical knowledge in technology integration and current and emerging technologies, including keeping abreast of digital age learning environment models such as blended learning, digital collaboration, project-based learning instructional strategies, etc.
• Document work being done in youth programs is documented via blog posts and/or shared resources.
• Supports those served through both formal and informal mechanism in a way that increases participant’s sense of self direction and purpose
• Leads and supervises small and large groups by recognizing potential and resolving issues.
• Identifies skills and competencies among participants and provides appropriate coaching, training, and resources to support the professional growth of each individual.
• Searches for those who could benefit from programs and invites them to engage through structured opportunities or offerings.
• Builds relationships that provide reliable and ongoing referrals.
• Builds human connectivity through positive and reinforcing sense of belonging, value-aligned interactions, respect, and responsibility for each other, including through appropriate dress, speech, attitudes, and courtesy.
• Model and promote digital citizenship through facilitating practices and discussions of safe, healthy, and ethical uses of digital information and technologies.
• Ensure that youth are safe and productive while in the space.
• Assists in keeping the learning space clean and organized.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with youth and parents through active communications including emails, text messages, and phone calls.

Benefits

• Compensation for this part-time, temporary position is $18-$22 hourly, commensurate with experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees