Robotics Lead Mentor

Job description

ROBOTICS LEAD MENTOR About KIPP NorCal We are a thriving nonprofit network of free, public charter schools open to all students. At KIPP, we believe all children should grow up free to create the future they want for themselves and that schools can and should be a critical factor in making that vision a reality. Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our student community consists of over 7,000 elementary, middle, and high school students across East Palo Alto, Oakland, San Francisco, San Lorenzo, San Jose, Redwood City, and Stockton. We strive to cultivate a representative team of educators and leaders that reflects our students' diversity. Role Overview The Robotics Lead Mentor leads KIPP King Collegiate's FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program, creating an engaging, safe, and high-quality engineering experience that develops students' technical knowledge, leadership skills, and passion for STEM. This role partners with the Robotics Club Advisor, volunteer mentors, families, and school staff to deliver a successful year-round robotics program, including preseason activities, competition season, and community outreach. In this role, you own projects end-to-end with real autonomy over how the work gets done. You make day-to-day execution decisions and bring your manager in when something would change the program's direction or require resources beyond your scope. Core Responsibilities Robotics Program Leadership Leads the planning and execution of the FIRST Robotics Competition program, ensuring students participate in a structured, engaging, and high-quality robotics experience throughout the year. Develops seasonal plans, practice schedules, competition preparation, and outreach activities that maximize student learning, teamwork, and competitive readiness. Implements program improvements informed by student outcomes, mentor feedback, and evolving FIRST Robotics best practices. Student Development and Competition Leads technical instruction in engineering design, programming, fabrication, and robotics systems so students build the skills necessary to compete successfully and safely. Coordinates participation in all competitions, preseason events, and outreach opportunities, ensuring students are prepared academically, technically, and behaviorally. Develops a team culture that promotes collaboration, perseverance, inclusion, academic responsibility, and gracious professionalism. Volunteer and Community Partnership Coordinates volunteer mentors by aligning responsibilities with individual expertise and ensuring consistent support for student learning and team operations. Develops strong partnerships with families, school staff, community organizations, and competition partners that strengthen student participation and program sustainability. Implements communication systems that keep families and stakeholders informed about practices, competitions, travel, and program expectations. Program Operations and Compliance Manages robotics facilities, equipment, tools, and materials to ensure safe, organized, and effective program operations. Implements safety procedures, required certifications, and student training so all activities comply with FIRST Robotics, school, and district requirements. Coordinates travel logistics, facility reservations, equipment inventory, and operational planning that support successful competitions and events. Budget and Resource Stewardship Manages the robotics program budget, monitoring expenditures and ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support student learning and competition goals. Coordinates fundraising and grant opportunities with the Robotics Club Advisor and school leadership to sustain and expand program opportunities. Maintains accurate inventories of robotics equipment, tools, and supplies to ensure responsible stewardship of program resources. Other duties as assigned. KIPP Leadership Competencies These competencies describe the core leadership behaviors expected at this level—they guide how we hire, develop, and grow our people at KIPP NorCal. Lead Self: You seek diverse feedback, adjust your approach based on your impact on others, and continuously develop your expertise. You interrupt bias, advocate for equitable practices, and share your knowledge with peers. Lead People: You build authentic relationships across lines of difference and foster inclusion and psychological safety. You communicate the rationale for change, build buy-in, and surface resistance early. You partner across teams, identify coordination gaps, and resolve them proactively. Lead Results: You translate strategy into project plans and manage competing priorities without losing sight of outcomes. You use data to analyze problems and inform decisions, deliver on time and scope, and manage up effectively—flagging risks early and bringing options when facing obstacles. Knowledge & Skills Required Qualifications Experience Minimum two years of experience mentoring, coaching, teaching, or leading a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team or comparable STEM program. Experience leading project-based learning or engineering instruction with high school students. Education Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred. Knowledge & Skills Demonstrated knowledge of FIRST Robotics Competition rules, engineering design processes, and robotics systems. Experience safely operating fabrication equipment, hand tools, and power tools used in robotics. Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities throughout the robotics season. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, volunteers, and school staff. Commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive. Ability to maintain current First Aid/CPR certification and complete all required NFHS coaching certifications. Preferred Qualifications Experience with CAD software, 3D printing, CNC routers, mills, or machining. Experience securing grants or fundraising for STEM programs. Experience working in a K–12 school or youth development environment. Role Details The following details describe how this role is structured and what to expect day-to-day. Work Setting School-facing Travel Expectation Frequent travel to competitions and occasional travel to outreach events Driver’s License Must have a valid CA driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for work-related travel Physical Demands Ability to navigate school campuses, supervise students, use technology, operate robotics equipment, and occasionally lift or carry materials up to 30 lbs. Mental Demands Ability to manage competing priorities, analyze technical problems, supervise students, and make sound decisions in fast-paced environments Environmental Demands Primarily school-based environment, including workshops, classrooms, and competition venues with regular travel between sites. KIPP Northern California is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Compensation KIPP Northern California is dedicated to you and your family's well-being! We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. We benchmark annually against comparably sized nonprofit organizations in the regions where we operate. The hourly rate for this position is $18–$20 per hour , plus eligible medical benefits for employees. How to Apply Please submit your resume by clicking Apply on this page. Questions? Email .