Upper School Asst. Robotics Coach

UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY•Seattle, WA

1d•$6,000 - $6,000•Onsite

About The Position

University Prep is seeking a dynamic, creative and compassionate Robotics Coach to help advance our vision of an inclusive, forward-thinking community. In this role, you will lead and mentor upper school students through hands-on robotics, fostering technical skills, engineering design, and collaborative problem-solving. Prior experience with robotics is not required for this Assistant Coaching role, but you must be willing and able to learn throughout the season. We are looking for an educator who deeply understands the social-emotional growth of young learners, balances independent leadership with team collaboration, and champions inclusive practices. If you are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators within a culturally rich, diverse school environment, we would love to hear from you. The Upper School VEX V5 Assistant Coach supports the team's day-to-day training and competition program, serving as an instructor, supervisor, and mentor for student participants. Coaches are expected to be fully present and undivided in their attention during all scheduled practice and competition times. The regular season runs from the start of school in September through February.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
2+ years of experience in school or youth environment
Be an employee of University Prep, or an approved contracted coach, in good standing
Have working knowledge of VEX robotics build and coding systems, or a demonstrated ability to learn quickly
Be able to work effectively with upper-school-aged students in a hands-on setting
Be able to maintain organized systems for a shared physical space and its materials
Be available for the full practice and competition schedule outlined above, without conflicting commitments
Complete any required background check and school onboarding requirements
Ability to review and understand VEX challenges and explain them to students
Ability to work with beginner and expert students alike
Skills of sustaining student motivation and engagement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with students, staff, faculty, coaches, and parents
Understanding of and commitment to the school mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging
Strong attention to detail and follow-through
Ability to maintain confidential information
Flexibility, maturity and a sense of humor
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to travel locally

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with robotics is not required for this Assistant Coaching role, but you must be willing and able to learn throughout the season.

Responsibilities

Lead practice three days per week, after school from 3:00–5:30 PM.
Be present and actively engaged for the full duration of practice sessions.
Maintain discipline and respect for all members.
Actively build your own skills in the fundamentals of VEX V5 through reading, research, and learning from the students and the Academic Technology Program Manager.
Actively guide students in building and coding their VEX V5 robots as you gain experience.
Guide the team in maintaining their engineering notebook throughout the season.
Ensure coaching accommodates the full range of student experience levels, so newer or less experienced students stay actively included in build, code, and notebook work rather than sidelined by more experienced teammates.
Maintain order in the shared team space — both by guiding students to keep it organized, and by organizing it directly when students do not.
Build positive, supportive relationships with student team members.
Attend and lead the team through 3-4 all-day weekend competitions per season.
Be present and actively engaged for the full duration of every competition day.
Manage student check-in and check-out at each competition.
Coordinate lunch and snacks for students throughout the competition day.
Keep students on task and on schedule throughout the day's events.
Dedicate practice and competition time to Robot Skills and Programming Skills runs, which are scored separately from teamwork matches and can count toward qualification for higher-level events.
Manage and transport extra parts and supplies needed for competition.
Build relationships with students and their parents at competitions.
Take photos for use in UPrep marketing and celebration of team achievements, respecting any student with a “do not photograph” note on file with the school.
For planned absences, coordinate coverage with the Academic Technology Program Manager at least two weeks in advance.
For emergencies, notify the Academic Technology Program Manager as soon as possible.
Maintain thorough, current knowledge of this year's VEX V5 Game Manual.
Develop personal capability in building and coding for VEX robotics with the help of the Academic Technology Program Manager.
Maintain and organize the shared team space outside of scheduled practice and competition time as needed.
Attend a season debrief meeting with the Academic Technology Program Manager.
Inventory, label, and store parts and supplies for the off-season.
Return any loaned equipment.