Robotics Coach at Notre Dame High School in Main Campus - Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Job description

• The Robotics Outreach Coach is a part-time position supporting the success of Notre Dame’s FIRST Technology Challenge (FTC) programs. This role coordinates community outreach, maintains clear and consistent communication with the coaching staff and STEAM Director, and supports students with the Engineering Notebook and Engineering Portfolio. The coach ensures that the program’s non-technical responsibilities, such as outreach, documentation, and communications, are carried out as reliably and thoroughly as the technical build process, and that students are appropriately supervised and supported at all times.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and Supervision
• Assist the team with outreach activities regularly from Monday through Thursday, 3:15 pm to 5:45 p.m.
• Attend and support league meets and tournaments, including extended evening hours (3:15 PM to 8:30 PM) and weekend commitments during peak competition season.
• Help ensure at least two coaches are present during each practice to maintain appropriate student supervision and safety.
• Enforce all shop/lab safety protocols, including proper PPE use, supervision procedures, and safe machining practices.
• Outreach Coordination
• Helps students identify and schedule outreach opportunities.
• Coordinate transportation and adult supervision in accordance with school policy.
• Document completed outreach activities, including organization contacts, scheduled or attended events, participating students, and outcomes.
• Student Support and Documentation
• Guide students in weekly goal setting, project planning, and time management, while encouraging a student-led problem-solving environment.
• Support the team(s) in developing and completing their Engineering Portfolio, ensuring documentation aligns with FTC guidelines and reflects the full design process.
• Meet with students weekly to establish clear goals, track progress, and provide guidance throughout the project timeline.
• Follow up with students and coaches to gather all requested sponsorship information.
• Document sponsorship tasks, responsible parties, and deadlines clearly, and communicate updates through work email.
• Assist the STEAM Director and the coaching staff in identifying and ordering necessary materials in alignment with Notre Dame High School's purchasing procedures.
• Collaborate with other coaches and coordinate volunteer mentors, aligning their expertise with student development goals.
• Meet with the STEAM Director twice a month to review team progress, set goals, and align with program objectives.
• Maintain open, ongoing communication with the coaching team and the STEAM Director regarding updates, needs, and student progress.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and student leadership among the robotics team and mentor community.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is preferred
• College students with strong FTC or FRC experience are preferred.
• Prior coaching, teaching, or youth mentoring experience.
• Experience with robotics outreach activities
• Willingness to learn FTC rules and protocols
• Available during after-school hours and weekends during the competition season.
• Candidates must demonstrate technical competency, maturity, and a passion for student mentorship.
• Ability to supervise students in a lab or workshop environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to relate to high school students and build positive relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Willingness to collaborate, problem-solve, and share best practices with colleagues.
• Cultural competency and the ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds
• Proficiency with technology platforms, especially Canvas and Zoom
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in educational practices aligned with Notre Dame's Holy Cross Catholic mission.

Skills

Required

• Robotics outreach activities