Director of TechWorks at CCA
Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), Pennsylvania’s largest public cyber charter school serving students in grades K through 12 across the commonwealth, has created a state-of-the-art Technology/STEM focused program to inspire the next generation of innovators in the workforce.
TechWorks, located in Pittsburgh, is a 6,600 square- foot exploration and discovery lab at our Pittsburgh Family Service Center in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
Hands-on and remote learning opportunities are available for students at all grade levels with cutting edge robotics, drones, coding, cyber security and manufacturing anchoring the program.
Through our vast network of business partnerships and community outreach programs, TechWorks at CCA will further enhance student learning with real-world skills and experience through projects, internships, apprenticeships and job shadowing.
Position Summary:
Working from within the Homestead Family Services Center, located at the Waterfront in Pittsburgh, the Director of TechWorks at CCA is responsible for ensuring the planning, organizing, implementation, and management of the day-to-day operations of the TechWorks at CCA Program.
This position is responsible for ensuring a smooth and efficient operation of the facilities, the quality of the student and community programming developed and performed within the facility, and the highest level of professionalism in delivering instruction and family/staff/community outreach.
This position must demonstrate excellent presentation skills, verbal and written communication, professionalism, and ease in public speaking as an ambassador of CCA. The position will be tasked with directing, controlling, and coordinating the activities and tasks of students, workers, and community (both business and education) partners. The position works collaboratively and in cooperation with all members of the CCA community as well as area businesses and schools to provide a best-in-class experience for our students.
This position reports to the Vice President CCA Works and is a 12-month salaried position.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as an effective coordinator, liaison, spokesperson, communicator/presenter, and ambassador for the facility and all programs falling within TechWorks at CCA.
- Work collaboratively with leadership team at ensuring that the TechWorks at CCA Program is meeting the strategic vision of the program in congruence with CCA’s overall mission.
- Ensure that all aspects of the TechWorks at CCA Program is operational, clean, maintains a level of innovation, that tools meet all quality standards and are operational. Responsible for communicating when tools/equipment are in need of updating or service/repair. Developing operational manuals and procedures to ensure quality and compliance. Work with staff at ensuring that supply inventory levels are maintained for full facility up-time.
- Supervise and oversee facility/lab staff by providing leadership, task delegation, overall supervision, the monitoring of workload, including peak and slower periods, and making
- recommendations regarding staffing needs to ensure the quality performance as well as safety of the facility and its visitors.
- Develop operational procedures to ensure that the facility/lab is working at full efficiency and productivity while maintaining state-of-the-art resources as well as safety and security. Use reports, data, and system information to identify needs and for problem resolution. Provide recommendations regarding improvements or gaps in providing the best programs for learners.
- Develop and implement new programs to enhance and foster learning opportunities at CCA.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and trainings, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies where appropriate.
- Interact and cooperate with lab coordinators and administrative teams to offer student learning, tours, and other activities.
- Construct and implement curriculum to teach lab/program skills.
- Oversee collaborations such as dual enrollment or certifications between educational partners, and students, when related to TechWorks offerings.
Competencies:
- Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products)
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain good rapport with students, families, and colleagues
- Self-motivated
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- High degree of flexibility
- Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment
- Family focused approach
Work Environment:
This job operates primarily in a professional office environment using standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This job also operates in an indoor lab facility. The employee will be working directly TechWorks staff and often with students/staff/community members in the field. They will be working with equipment, machines, technology, robotics equipment, etc.
Other Working Conditions:
· Climate-controlled environments depending upon the program designation (i.e. high humidity and steady air flow in AgWorks)
· Potentially working with lab chemicals and equipment
Physical Demands:
Requires the ability to lift, squat, sit, bend or stand as necessary. Ability to travel to other sites/locations as needed.
Position Type:
- Full-time (12 month)
- Exempt
- Salary
Travel:
Travel is required for this position
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s or comparable degree/certifications in STEM field(s)/or pertaining to TechWorks at CCA program specialization
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree and prior teaching experience preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to develop integrated content/curriculum across K-12 grade levels
- Has or willing to obtain recognized technology industry certifications
- Previous experience as a supervisor/project/program manager
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
- Valid PA Driver’s License
- Appropriate Automobile Insurance Coverage
- Must be able to obtain federal and state criminal clearances
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Commonwealth Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employer, educational and service organization.