Program Coordinator

About the Team

FIRST Chesapeake exists to ensure that all young people-regardless of background-have access to transformative STEM opportunities that prepare them for the future. We believe that building an accessible, innovation-driven workforce starts with investing in hands-on STEM programs that develop technical skills, leadership, and confidence.

Our team collaborates with schools, mentors, volunteers, and industry partners across Virginia, Maryland, and DC to bring the excitement of competitive robotics to thousands of students each year. We listen to the needs of communities, align our programs to support workforce and educational goals, and work to ensure that youth-centered insights and accessibility remain at the heart of everything we do. Through cross-sector collaboration and mission-aligned innovation, we're building a stronger, more connected future-one student at a time.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and organized Program Coordinator to support our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) programs, along with our initiatives focused on Women in STEM and Alumni Ambassadors. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation and growth of our programs, requiring a proactive individual who excels in multitasking and communication.

This role is ideal for someone who excels at time management, juggling multiple priorities, and keeping complex projects moving on schedule. From tracking registration data and coordinating team placements to maintaining clear communication with partners and managing online tools, this position is critical to the smooth operation and growth of our programs.

You'll be working closely with the FIRST Chesapeake Staff to support event logistics, community engagement, and program sustainability-especially during the busy competition season.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Team Management & Communication
• Oversee team registration, qualifier selection, and placement for FTC and/or FRC. Serve as the primary point of contact for coaches, teams, volunteers, and partners-communicating clearly and professionally via email, phone, and in-person. Maintain organized records and ensure timely responses to stakeholder needs.
• Project Coordination
• Coordinate detailed timelines and deliverables across multiple events and initiatives. Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to keep all aspects of program delivery running smoothly and on schedule.
• Digital Systems & Tools
• Manage and maintain digital databases, calendars, spreadsheets, and tracking tools to monitor team progress, logistical needs, and overall program outcomes. Ensure information is up to date, accurate, and accessible to the team.
• Event Support
• Support the planning and execution of events year-round, especially during the competition season. Attend a minimum of six events annually to manage logistics, solve on-site issues, and complete thorough post-event reports and staff debriefs.
• Content & Outreach
• Prepare and update program content on the FIRST Chesapeake website. Collaborate on timely and mission-aligned messaging for social media and public-facing channels.
• Customer Service & Stakeholder Experience
• Model Gracious Professionalism and maintain high standards of responsiveness and service for all stakeholders, ensuring a welcoming and supportive experience across all interactions.
• Mission-Driven Work
• Actively promote and represent FIRST Chesapeake's mission to deliver equitable, high-impact STEM programming. Ensure all responsibilities reflect our values of access, innovation, and community empowerment.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in program coordination, youth development, education, or related fields.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills-you can juggle priorities, keep things on schedule, and sweat the details when it counts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage clearly and professionally across email, phone, and in-person settings.
• Comfortable using tools like Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Slides), Canva (or similar platforms), AI tools, Slack, and project management software.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote/hybrid team environment.
• Passionate about expanding access to STEM education and empowering youth through hands-on learning.
• Flexible and dependable-willing to support occasional evening or weekend events during peak robotics season, with advance notice and schedule coordination.
• Bonus: Familiarity with FIRST programs, STEM competitions, or other youth-serving initiatives is a plus, but not required.
• Eager to learn, adapt, and contribute to a mission-driven team committed to educational equity and innovation.
• We provide training and onboarding to help you grow into the role-even if you're new to robotics or competition-based programs.

Work Conditions

• This is a remote-first role, based in Virginia or Maryland, with travel to in-person events across VA, MD, DC, and occasionally WV.
• While most work happens during standard business hours, you'll need some schedule flexibility-especially during competition season and special events (evenings/weekends may be required).
• Event days can be active-you should be comfortable standing for extended periods and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.

We offer a supportive, mission-driven team environment where learning is encouraged, contributions are valued, and professional growth is built into the journey.

Compensation

At FIRST Chesapeake, we value our people and their well-being. Our benefits are designed to support a healthy, flexible, and purpose-driven work experience.

• Competitive salary range of $45,000-$55,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Universal Time Off (UTO): No accrual caps or limited buckets-take time when you need it for vacation, illness, mental health, caregiving, or personal responsibilities, with supervisor approval.
• Summer and Winter Recess: Paid office closures for rest and recharge.
• Paid Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving & the day after.
• Paid Leave
• Medical insurance for employees working 30+ hours per week.
• Employer-supported 401(k) retirement plan available to eligible employees.
• FIRST Chesapeake contributions begin after one year of service; employees can contribute immediately.
• Bi-annual performance reviews and regular goal check-ins.
• Budget for professional development, including conferences, training, and memberships-co-created with your supervisor.
• Supportive learning culture with opportunities to grow your skill set and responsibilities over time.
• Hybrid schedule with remote work as the default and in-person event support as needed.
• Trust-based work culture grounded in flexibility, balance, and mutual accountability.
• Regular performance evaluations by the Associate Director, focusing on growth, learning outcomes, and overall contributions to the organization.