FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Teams Head Coach
(Part-Time; 12-15 hours per week; September 2022-April 2023)

Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12^th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the school currently enrolls 945 students and employs 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.”

We are currently seeking a dynamic, innovative and experienced Head Coach for our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics teams. Each team is composed of 10-15 student participants. This is a hands-on mentoring opportunity where the Head Coach will work with Upper School students in team building, design, engineering, and construction of a robot for competition. Program initiatives are supported by assistant coaches, faculty, staff and other mentors.

This position averages 12-15 hours per week for approximately 30 weeks during the school year.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee two weekday after school work sessions, Saturday work sessions and competition events (roughly 12 to 15 hours a week). Additional time will be required prior to and during large competitions.
• Mentor and guide students through the process of researching, designing, building, programming, testing and driving robots for use in competitions.
• Foster and manage teamwork skills.
• Act as the primary contact for the FTC robotics teams; maintain registration with the FIRST league, attends kick-offs, award submissions, monitor FIRST communications, budget management, team registration, equipment and supplies management, team and robot travel management/organization, competition chaperoning, maintain FTC team public relations, monitor and enforce safety procedures.
• Meet all FTC deadlines as required by FIRST Robotics.
• Attend mentor meetings, committee meetings, and periodic meetings with school officials to communicate progress, goals and needs.
• Attend anywhere from 4 to 7 robotics competitions.
• Regularly communicate information and progress with the team, mentors, parents, and administration.

Required Qualifications:

• Affinity and enthusiasm to work with adolescents.
• Ability to communicate with Upper School students and adult mentors, as well as parents and administration.
• Substantial experience with FIRST Robotics as either a participant or mentor.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FIRST Tech Challenge culture, rules, and game format.
• Specialized knowledge and experience in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and/or programming.
• Ability to demonstrate, model and guide students through the engineering process.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership skills with student team members and adult mentors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM related field
• FIRST programming experience, preferably Java
• FIRST coaching/mentorship experience
• Classroom teaching experience
• CAD experience

Francis W. Parker School is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community. Accordingly, we require that our employees, including new employees, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination is required upon start of employment with the School. Requests for reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

To Apply:
Please submit cover letter and resume by email or fax to (no telephone inquiries please):
Laureen Sweers, Director of Human Resources
Francis W. Parker School
330 W. Webster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
resumes@fwparker.org
fax: 773.549.4430

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

 Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.