Robotics and Community Programs Lead

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world—a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic, and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business, and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty, and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn, and how we serve. MSOE’s top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.

MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values—collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity, and stewardship—which represent the core of our campus culture. MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward. At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual.

About the Role

MSOE invites applications for a full-time Robotics and Community Programs Lead to join our STEM department. The Robotics and Community Programs Lead oversees the development, delivery, and sustainment of afterschool, evening, and weekend programming at the STEM Center. This includes developing and delivering STEM programming in topics such as robotics, coding, engineering, and/or making. This individual also leads all FIRST Robotics initiatives within the STEM Center, including leadership of the FIRST Ambassadors program, FIRST Wisconsin partner programs, and MSOE’s high school community robotics team. While robotics and STEM outreach experience is highly preferred, candidates with excitement and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Schedule

This role has a variable work schedule to support afterschool and weekend programming, requiring regular evening and weekend work during the academic year. This is an exempt, salaried position operating year-round with a full-time workload and 2 guaranteed days off each week. Hours vary seasonally:

• September–December: At least 2 evening programs per week and 1 weekend day per month.
• January–Mid-April: At least 3 evening programs per week and 2–3 weekend days per month.
• Mid-April–August: Daytime, Monday–Friday working hours (negotiable if candidate wishes to maintain evening hours).

On evenings and weekends without scheduled programs, candidates may shift to a traditional 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule. During the academic year, expect weekday hours of roughly 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. when evening programs are running. Weekend hours vary based on scheduled programs. The individual will work with the Center director to set a flexible schedule meeting these requirements.

Responsibilities

• Function as a lead instructor for afterschool, evening, and summer programming:
  • Provide direct instruction in a classroom format to groups of 8–24 students in partnership with MSOE STEM Center staff, student workers, and/or volunteers.
  • Develop and deliver activities in robotics, coding, engineering, and/or making, adapting existing programming to meet participant needs.
  • Communicate with parents regarding student behavior or learning needs as required.
• Oversee MSOE’s FIRST FRC Community team, Milwaukee Cyber Cheese:
  • Act as a lead mentor for the team.
  • Manage the team budget.
  • Ensure compliance with STEM Center and FIRST youth protection policies.
  • Partner with part-time and volunteer mentors to recruit students and provide seasonal structure.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for FIRST Wisconsin partnership programs:
  • Lead the Milwaukee Metro FTC League.
  • Participate in bi-weekly calls with FIRST Wisconsin leadership.
  • Support FIRST events at MSOE, including professional development, kickoffs, and similar programs.
  • Act as a subject matter expert for city of Milwaukee FIRST teams, particularly those supported through the Ambassador program.
• Manage MSOE’s FIRST Ambassadors program:
  • Recruit, retain, and hire MSOE students as Ambassadors (mentors).
  • Provide support to Ambassadors, including bi-weekly convenings during the academic year.
  • Expand the program into new schools, particularly those serving underrepresented student populations or with barriers to sustainment.
  • Manage student location assignments and hours.
  • Maintain relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for participating schools.
  • Report program metrics and provide feedback to Center leadership through formal (e.g., surveys) and informal (e.g., classroom observations) measures.
• Support other MSOE STEM Center initiatives and programming as required.
• Act as an advisor and resource to MSOE leadership, faculty, and staff on FIRST programs.
• Collaborate with daytime program leads to share ideas, best practices, and ensure consistency and quality across all STEM Center offerings.
• Represent MSOE at FIRST events and local STEM/robotics expos and showcases.

Requirements

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, education, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience motivating, mentoring, teaching, and/or working with K-12 and/or collegiate students.
• Frequent local travel and occasional travel outside Milwaukee.
• Evening and weekend availability per the outlined schedule.
• Enjoyment working with K-12 students and the broader community.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license; must be eligible to drive vehicles per MSOE’s driving policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FIRST robotics programs (FLL, FTC, and/or FRC) or similar programs.
• Experience with event planning.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting information in a group setting.
• Ability to self-manage multiple tasks while maintaining deadlines, organization, and reporting.
• Self-direction to achieve goals, outcomes, and alignment with the STEM Center’s mission.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to engage effectively with students, families, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and function as a team player.
• Self-motivation, initiative, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to use numbers to solve problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to apply common sense to carry out written or oral instructions.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and move within the work area and other areas on campus.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move program supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally more with assistance.

Benefits

• Competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans for full-time employees, including medical, dental, life, disability, and vision insurance.
• 13 paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), and paid parental leave.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting.
• Educational benefits for employees and family members.
• Access to a state-of-the-art fitness center at no charge.

Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is just blocks away from the lakefront, theater district, museums, sports and music venues, parks, and shopping.