Coordinator: The Cognizant Maker Lab @ NYSCI
The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is nationally recognized as a top science and technology center with a reputation for excellence in visitor experience and innovative hands-on exhibitions and programs. Annually, NYSCI serves an audience of 500,000 visitors that reflect the immense diversity of the greater New York metropolitan region. NYSCI is more than a museum – it is an education organization that is committed to promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and innovation. In September of 2010, the New York Hall of Science, in collaboration with Maker Faire, launched the inaugural east coast World Maker Faire. This two-day annual event brings together more than 25,000 youth, families, schools, community members, inventors, artists and artisans, designers, engineers, technologists, performers and more to explore, play and create. The event is part of the national Maker Movement, which has emerged in the last decade and is defined by a collaborative, open, creative and exploratory approach to Do-It-Yourself projects.
NYSCI is seeking an individual to plan and coordinate a new activity area on the exhibition floor – the Cognizant Maker Lab – dedicated to participatory processes of visitors’ making, tinkering and exploring STEM content through hands-on approaches. This space will also house NYSCI Digital Learning Studio (DLS), serving as a creative laboratory that facilitates youth, educators and families in becoming media producers. The DLS space will be outfitted with a production board, HD digital video cameras, videoconferencing equipment, web cameras, a maneuverable lighting set-up and audio recording equipment. An Apple PowerMac will be installed to serve the media production and storage needs. Software such as Apple iLife, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Creative Sweet, Sound Forge, Logic Studio, Maya and other relevant tools will be installed.
The Maker Lab Coordinator will be responsible for managing the space including programming, materials, staffing as well as partnering with internal colleagues and with makers in the community.
Responsibilities include:
1. Working collaboratively with NYSCI staff and outside makers to create and deliver programming in the new Cognizant Maker Lab for families, students, and teachers.
2. Coordinating all aspects of the maker space including staffing, communication with relevant NYSCI staff, the ordering of materials, maintenance of equipment, and working with external affairs department to build public awareness.
3. Developing digital activities to enhance and document activities taking place within the maker space.
Qualifications:
1. Minimum – Bachelors degree in a science, technology, engineering, math, art or education field.
2. An experienced practitioner in making processes.
3. Active engagement with the use of technology to support creative, engaged learning.
4. An effective collaborator, coordinator, team builder, and mentor and who is skilled at leveraging the talents of others and solving problems.
5. Excellent communication and writing skills.
The New York Hall of Science offers a competitive salary and benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Eric Siegel
Director & Chief Content Officer