Best Buy Teen Tech Center Coordinator: McCrorey YMCA

Under the direction of the Sr. Program Director and consistent with the Christian Mission of the YMCA, the McCrorey YMCA seeks an individual to run an innovative program called The Best Buy Teen Tech Center.  The Best Buy Tech Center, established with the support of The Clubhouse Network and Best Buy, offers young people the opportunity to work on projects they find meaningful to their lives, using computers and technology.  The program provides support and resources for young people to pursue their interests and build upon their talents.  In the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, youth can design their own music, art, newsletters, robots, science simulations, computer games, and animation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide community outreach to involve a diverse group of young people, parents, teachers, and community leaders in the program.
• Help Best Buy Teen Tech Center members develop projects (e.g., help them come up with ideas, gather materials, get started, locate mentors to work with them, and support their ongoing work).
• Recruit, train, and support volunteer mentors, ensuring they work effectively with youth.
• Work closely with the local Best Buy store to recruit Geek Squad Agents and Blue Shirt volunteers.
• Support youth in planning for the future, including pursuing academic and job opportunities that leverage their Best Buy Teen Tech Center skills and experience.
• Provide basic computer maintenance, including file management, trouble-shooting, and technical support to Best Buy Teen Tech Center youth and mentors.
• Provide administrative support for the Clubhouse program, including keeping records of participants and keeping the Best Buy Tech Center space organized and clean.
• Assist "parent" organization in fund-raising and publicity for the Best Buy Tech Center, communicating the Clubhouse learning philosophy, goals, and results to external sources.
• Participate in The Clubhouse Network, attending Network meetings, sharing ideas and issues, and supporting collaborative projects across sites.
• Support other programs and activities of the "parent" organization with the Best Buy Teen Tech Center expertise and resources, as time permits.
• Leverage Best Buy National Partner relationships to expose members to skill development and media training.
• Support with the development of the annual budget for the Best Buy Teen Programming.
• Collaborate with YMCA of Greater Charlotte Youth Development Team to support association teen events, community development efforts and growth strategies.
• Maintain a positive and supportive relationship with all Middle and High School in the McCrorey service area.
• Coordinate with the Facilities Manager concerning all housekeeping services, equipment/facility repair and grounds upkeep related to areas of responsibility.
• Understand and consistently deliver Association and Branch policies and procedures.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and
perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to
another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an
openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Enthusiastic personality who can develop harmonious relationships with staff, members, volunteers and most importantly, Teens.
• Four-year college degree or a minimum of five years successful management experience with high level of customer relationship knowledge;
• 1-3 years proven track record working with youth, in particular young people from underserved neighborhoods;
• Work experience in an informal learning environment;
• Proven ability to demonstrate initiative, sound judgement, and independent decision-making.
• Professional oral and written communication skills.
• Possess supervisor supervisory and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience with computers and interest in technology as a creative and empowering tool;
• Demonstrated ability to reach out to youth, parents, educators, and community leaders;
• Interpersonal skills, including an ability to get along with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities and a talent for making people feel welcome and included;
• A passion for learning and helping others to learn;
• Excellent organizational skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Ability to work irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends on occasion.
• Fluent in English, written and verbal communication.