Center for Leadership & Innovation Lab Coordinator

St. Thomas School (STS) seeks a full-time Learning Lab Coordinator for their Center for Leadership & Innovation (CLI). This is a new role in an emerging department and requires leaning in with the team to further explore roles, responsibilities, and programming, with the understanding that all are dynamic to reflect the innovative nature of the Center. The position requires a flexible mindset, and the ability to embrace change and manage ambiguity. The ideal candidate is drawn to leadership opportunities, values purpose-based learning, and dreams of working in a start-up.

The CLI designs programs that serve its mission to “activate curiosity and give learners the space to try, fail and succeed” by using problem-solving frameworks to solve real-world issues. The new facility, opening by January 2022, will host a learning laboratory for “making” and “creating.” The intention of the space is to allow learners to turn their ideas and thoughts into reality, and the CLI Lab Coordinator facilitates the journey. A typical week might include:

• Co-designing lessons with PS – 8th Grade teachers, which take place in the lab.

• Conducting a professional development course for STS and/or external teachers.

• Honing personal maker skills, including research, practice, and exploration of ways to use the maker tools in the lab.

• Co-teaching the 8th Grade Social Innovation course.

• Posting exemplars to social media, to share our learnings with other educators.

• Monitoring a drop-in lab for students after school.

The CLI prides itself on delivering support to a diverse set of users with unique needs and learning styles. Being a part of the St. Thomas School family means being open to every member's contributions and recognizing that a sense of belonging stimulates our institution's growth and strengthens our community.

Who We Are

• Non-Sectarian

• Independent

• Preschool – Eighth Grade

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• Robust benefits package

• Professional development opportunities

• Extraordinary work environment

• Access to the latest education technology and maker equipment

• A new facility that supports the CLI mission

St. Thomas School, one of the oldest independent schools on the east side of Lake Washington, is defined by a cognitively rigorous program with an emphasis on developing character, leadership, and a passion for learning and achievement. Our mission is to develop responsible citizens of a global society. STS is a recognized leader in developing the whole student. Our core values include gratitude, responsibility, respect, courage, integrity, tolerance, compassion, perseverance, and generosity. STS serves over 370 students and boasts a 70,000 sq. ft. LEED Gold certified campus.

Job Summary:

Under minimal supervision, the CLI Learning Lab Coordinator will thrive in a highly collaborative environment to cultivate and live the mission to “activate curiosity and give learners the space to try, fail and succeed.” The position is a combination of teacher, curriculum designer, coach, researcher, trainer, and thought leader. This is a ten-month a year position with a flexible schedule when not working directly with students and teachers.

Specific Responsibilities:

Designs and delivers the following:

• Social innovation curriculum to students 2 ½ years old through 8th Grade

• Workshops and conferences for internal and external educators

• Thought leadership content for white papers, social media, and conferences

• Special events centered on leadership and innovation

• Speaker series highlighting social innovators, leadership practitioners, and innovation experts

• Collaborates with faculty or staff to curate resources and incorporate leadership, innovation, and problem-solving frameworks, into new and existing curriculum, or business processes and programs

Maker Lab Responsibilities

• Expert user of all maker equipment

• Attends workshops, conducts independent research, and stays abreast of current maker trends in education – be the trendsetter!

• Evaluates, recommends, and orders maker equipment and supplies for the CLI

Other Responsibilities

• Vigorously engages in own professional development

• Observes laws and the school’s policies, procedures and regulations which have application to and implications for the professional’s responsibilities

• Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities

• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required

• Experience designing curriculum and special programming, with knowledge of current trends in social innovation, making/creating, and problem-solving frameworks

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Capacity to learn a variety of maker tools, including, but not limited to laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing machine, and vinyl cutter

• Exceptional written and oral communication and presentation skills

• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the students and program

• Strong analytical skills

• Ability to maintain confidential information

• Ability to work efficiently in a Microsoft Windows environment using Microsoft Office, master common automated systems for record keeping, and learn new technology