Job Description:

The Director of FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) at FIRST Chesapeake will play a critical role in supporting FRC teams, mentors, and volunteers to plan and execute FIRST Chesapeake FRC competitions. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of FRC will prioritize providing excellent and gracious customer service to all stakeholders, including FIRST staff, volunteers, teams, sponsors, and the public. The successful candidate will oversee the management of FRC programs and volunteers, collaborating with local FIRST and other partners to ensure the success and growth of FIRST Chesapeake programs.

Duties:

FIRST Robotics Team Stewardship:

• Operate with a team consisting of the Director of FTC, Manager of Logistics, Team Liaisons, and liaise with FIRST Senior Mentors.
• Provide direct mentor and team support.
• Serve as the main Point of Contact for FRC teams, select local committees, and venues, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
• Work closely with other FIRST Chesapeake staff and local committees to ensure high-quality and consistent events, as well as timely and accurate communications.
• Assist with tracking team event registration, grants disbursements, and provide timely feedback on all relevant areas of responsibility.
• Ensure sponsor benefits are appropriately applied to all on-site programs and events.
• Collaborate with volunteers and the IT Manager to plan and produce in person and hybrid programs, awards ceremonies, and competitions.
• Participate in all-hands-on-deck staffing at the FIRST Chesapeake FRC & FTC Championship.
• Represent FIRST Chesapeake on site during FRC Qualifiers.
• Assist Director of FTC during FTC competition season.
• Serve as a role model of Gracious Professionalism to teams, mentors, and coaches.
• Collect data and metrics on team participation and program effectiveness for evaluation and improvement purposes.
• Support the sustainability and delivery of high-quality programs as part of the FIRST Chesapeake mission through relationship development.
• Perform other duties as agreed upon in negotiation with the Executive Director.

FRC Volunteer Stewardship:

• Assist with community engagement and volunteer outreach efforts to sponsors, corporations, civic organizations, and tech councils to expand and strengthen the volunteer pool through well-planned and executed programs and events.
• Support collaborative events and outreach initiatives with local FIRST partners and STEM-based organizations, including off-season events in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
• Coordinate and facilitate FRC volunteer communication and training, collaborating with key staff to identify potential sources for volunteers and funding.
• Assist with community engagement and volunteer outreach efforts to sponsors, corporations, civic organizations, and tech councils to expand and strengthen the volunteer pool through well planned and excited programs and events.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive volunteer management strategy to recruit, train, recognize, and retain volunteers for FIRST Chesapeake programs and events.
• Develop materials, including playbooks, starter-kits, website content, and other supplemental material, to enhance the sustainability of core FIRST Chesapeake programs.

Specific Outcomes:

1. Foster the growth of FIRST programs throughout the District by engaging in outreach at educational conferences/workshops and initiating conversations with individual schools districts, local businesses, and potential sponsors as directed by the Executive Director.
2. Act as the on-site FIRST Chesapeake event Point of Contact (POC) for specific FRC and FTC events, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of events throughout the current season.
3. Ensure the timely submission of event reports to the FIRST Chesapeake Executive Director within 30 days of each event.
4. Create and analyze data to improve programs and offerings based on feedback from District stakeholders.
5. Work with the FRC Team Advisory Committee to explore ways to support mentors of teams as well as teams who are in their 3rd to 5th season. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in volunteer management and community engagement.
• Knowledge and understanding of FIRST programs, specifically FRC.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with event planning and execution.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of FIRST, including Gracious Professionalism.

Salary Requirements

$55,000 – $65,000 depending on experience. 

Note: This job description is intended to convey essential information about the scope and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the role.

To Apply: Email resume, salary requirements, and cover letter to [email protected]. Subject Line: FIRST Chesapeake Director of FRC. Positions will be filled as soon as ideal candidates are identified.