FIRST in Texas is currently accepting applications for a Development Director.

Position Summary

The Director of Engagement and Partnerships reports to the Executive Director and works in close collaboration with the other department leaders.  This position is primarily responsible for identification and qualification of prospects, presentations to community groups and prospects, fundraising including campaigns, and stewardship through effective service-based contracting.  This position serves as an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting FIRST in Texas. The Director of Engagement and Partnerships will:

• Design and execute on a comprehensive fundraising development strategy for FIRST in Texas to include mission / programmatic / event support that focuses on new and existing partnerships.
• Prioritize ethical fundraising principles that complies with state and federal law, as well as donor intent.
• Maintain all leads, contacts, accounts, reports, GAUs, payments, and related activities, such as emails, calls, results of meetings and other related content, in ‘Little Green Light’ to enable effective collaboration across FIRST in Texas.
• Will expand and diversify FIRST in Texas’ donor/sponsor base/pipeline and work closely with other departments to secure funding for new initiatives.
• Be expected to development and maintain annual funding to support the organizations projected expenses.
• Support the mission and strategic goals of FIRST in Texas and follow the FIRST Code of Conduct.

Primary Duties

The following responsibilities are required but may not include all required duties of the employer for the employee. This is a guide to generally outline the responsibilities and expectations and may be modified as deemed appropriate by FIRST in Texas.

• Research, develop and conduct customized presentations that exceeds the needs and interests of sponsors to maximize potential for their engagement with FIRST in Texas.
• Develop and evaluate existing engagement of current sponsors with a focus on increasing their level of giving and re-engagement pathways for former sponsors.
• Conduct business intelligence on existing sponsors, prospects, and industries to understand the successes and challenges each business is facing and use the information for business attraction and retention.
• Meet with business, community groups, elected officials, and economic development organizations for brand awareness and to develop support for our organization in consultation with the Communications Department.
• Supervise the day-to-day work of the Grant Writer including reviewing grant opportunities, establishing priorities of grants, dollar amounts, and use of funding; in alignment to guidance provided by other department directors and the Executive Director.
• Collaboration with the finance team to ensure we meet all requirements of sponsors needed for the establishment of their account with us, payment processes, and any other needed administrative records.
• Other related duties as requested.

Abilities Required

• Development/Fundraising: Proven success in development for a large nonprofit. Experience running capital campaigns and success fundraising from multiple donor channels. Proficient in computer skills and familiar with CRMs.
• Project Management: Experience in planning, leading, and managing projects, including coordinating with peers to achieve desired outcomes, and tracking and reporting on progress to senior managers/board of directors
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Takes initiative, actively seeks to deepen current community relationships and to forge new ones. Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will proactively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside FIRST in Texas.
• Leadership and Supervision: Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives. Passion for STEM activities and youth development.
• Communications: Excellent verbal and written communication, in addition to strength in analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Ability to convey complex ideas through brief, simple materials. Experience and credibility when presenting materials to external audiences. Ability to set up and use technology for presentations.
• Collaboration: Effective at working with others to reach common goals and objectives while being free of any perceived conflict of interest.
• Relationship Building: Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships with peers, across different levels of the organization and externally.
• Financial and Legal: Remain fiscally responsible and ability to review and comprehend standard legal documents.
• Travel: Must be able to travel as required to complete tasks, including seasonal weekend availability.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, education, engineering, or a related field required.  Minimum of two years of high-profile nonprofit / educational fundraising experience required. Having FIRST experience not required but preferred.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of:

• Proficient use of SalesForce
• Expert use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams)

Classification

Full-time Employee - Exempt // Salary Range: 80,000 - 100,000

Benefits

Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance provided.  Reimbursable mileage for travel exceeding 50 miles round trip.  Lodging provided, when necessary, for overnight stays.  This position will receive a $200.00 per-month office allowance for home office expenses.  Other expenses are negotiable and may be reimbursed with prior approval.

Disclaimers

FIRST in Texas leadership reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time and this description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. This job description is subject to change at any time. FIRST in Texas is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse team who are committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. 

FIRST in Texas is accepting applications for a contractor position that works regionally with the Program Delivery Coordinators across the state to spotlight the great work being done.

Communications Assistant - Contractor

Position Summary

Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the Communications Manager, the Communications Assistant serves as a support team member and an active member in representing FIRST in Texas in their assigned areas. The Communications Assistant will:

• Compose and publish social media posts that spotlight the successes of our events and impact.
• Respond to customer feedback and maintaining active communications online for their assigned area.
• Coordinate their activities with the Program Delivery Coordinators in their assigned area.
• Creating social media campaigns to increase engagement and target new audiences that are aligned to the standards and styling of FIRST in Texas.
• Create digital content to be placed on the FIRST in Texas website that spotlights local volunteers, teams, sponsors, and partnerships.
• Create email campaigns for participants, volunteers, and sponsors in their assigned area to help with the flow of information for all parties.
• Attend official FIRST in Texas events in your assigned area and capture pictures and impact stories from our participants, volunteers, and sponsors for publishing on social media and the FIRST in Texas website in a timely manner.
• Generate media releases regarding upcoming events to the local media outlets to help promote the event and create additional awareness of our programs.
• Coordinate sponsor recognition deliverables in your assigned area
• Support the mission and strategic goals of FIRST in Texas and follow the FIRST Code of Conduct.

Abilities Required

• Belief in the mission and values of FIRST and FIRST in Texas
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of and facility with social media platforms
• Ability to capture photographs in real time
• Efficient use of photograph editing software such as Adobe Photoshop
• Efficient creation of logos, digital media graphics and other supporting materials for marketing campaigns.
• Knowledge of basic press and media relations practices, including creation, proofreading and delivery of press / media releases
• Experience in promotion of science, technology and engineering educational programs.
• Ability and desire to stay plugged into what’s happening in the mass media and popular culture.
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers and volunteers.
• Professional, well organized, and strong attention to detail
• Committed to excellence, and eager to constantly learn and grow.
• Highly motivated, and results oriented, able to complete tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible and able to work cooperatively under pressure

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Experience in Journalism or digital marketing techniques is required.
• Experience in FIRST is preferred but not required.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to think ahead and deliver effective communication plans
• Ability to convey credibility in messaging to staff, participants, sponsors and volunteers.

Compensation:

• Contractor – Annual Contract: June through April // $5,000
• Refer to the contract for more specific information regarding equipment, reimbursement of expenses, etc..

Disclaimers:

FIRST in Texas leadership reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this contractor at any time and this description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. FIRST in Texas is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse team who are committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.

FIRST in Texas is currently accepting applications for Program Delivery Coordinator for both the FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge programs.

Position Summary

Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the Operations Manager assigned to your program, the Program Delivery Coordinator (PDC) serves as the key leadership contact for their assigned program within their assigned area and is an active participant in contributing to the strategic planning and decisions affecting their assigned FIRST program in their area and the state. The Program Delivery Coordinator will:

• Work within their Service Area to recruit, support, expand and meet the most critical needs of their assigned program that promotes sustainability and growth while working collaboratively with and supporting other continuum Program Delivery Coordinators and Texas Mentors in the same Area.
• Work with key staff and volunteers to plan and support programmatic events within their Service Area as well as support up-steam programmatic events.
• Report directly to the Operations Manager assigned to manage your program.
• Work with many key contacts in the Area, including peer and other Program Delivery Coordinators, FIRST Senior Mentors, Texas Mentors, Key Volunteers, Funding Partners and may directly supervise a small staff of dedicated hourly employees and/or key volunteers.
• Support the mission and strategic goals of FIRST in Texas and follow the FIRST Code of Conduct.

Primary Duties

• Facilitate all assigned programmatic activities within the Service Area, including team registration, outreach, and support; volunteer recruitment, placement, and training; and workshops and competition event coordination.
• Develop and lead a local Planning Committee and work with FIRST in Texas staff to ensure consistent event planning and execution within budget to include identification of venues, vendors, equipment, donations, sponsorships, and other necessary resources for a successful event.
• Work in partnership with the FIRST in Texas Development, Grant Writer(s), Executive Director and Board members from the Area to set yearly fundraising goals to align with event budget needs and identify and develop funding opportunities to meet those goals.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and accommodating environment in which volunteers are successfully able to contribute their time and talent toward the mission of FIRST in Texas.
• Work with the Marketing/Communications Manager to develop monthly content for e-news about local Area programs and team highlights.
• Produce regular communications to local teams and teams attending events within the Area.
• Collect and report out on feedback and recommendations to ensure participant, volunteer and spectator experiences are favorable and enjoyable.
• Strictly adhere to established Youth Protection guidelines, data privacy guidelines and standard operating guidelines of the organization.
• Source, maintain, and manage equipment and supply inventory required for events.
• Attend and participate in programmatic up-stream events, and national and state conferences.
• Other related duties as requested.

Abilities Required

• Project Management: Experience in planning, leading, and managing projects, including coordinating with peers to achieve desired outcomes, and tracking and reporting on progress to senior managers/board of directors
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Takes initiative, actively seeks to deepen current community relationships and to forge new ones. Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will proactively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside FIRST in Texas.
• Leadership and Supervision: Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives. Passion for STEM activities and youth development.
• Communications: Excellent verbal and written communication, in addition to strength in analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Ability to convey complex ideas through brief, simple materials. Experience and credibility when presenting materials to external audiences. Ability to set up and use technology for presentations.
• Collaboration: Effective at working with others to reach common goals and objectives.
• Must be able to travel with personal vehicle for day meetings and events, including seasonal weekend availability.

Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma required; degree in business, education, engineering or a related field preferred.  Employee and Volunteer management experience is required.  Event logistic and production experience is helpful, but not required.  Having at least four years of FIRST experience is required.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and Onedrive)
• Web Applications: Eventbrite, WordPress, MailChimp (training provided on additional internal platforms)

Classification

Part-time Employee – Non-Exempt

Benefits

Employees are extended travel and expense reimbursement benefits as pre-authorized by their Operations Manager in advance.

Disclaimers

FIRST in Texas leadership reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time and this description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. This job description is subject to change at any time. FIRST in Texas is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse team who are committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.

FIRST in Texas is currently accepting resumes for those interested in becoming part of the FIRST in Texas - Texas Mentor program. This opportunity is open in all regions of Texas and is an annual contractor opportunity that allows you to have the flexibility to work when you can to meet the responsibilities below. == FIRST in Texas groups services based on priority levels. It is up to the Contractor to ensure that all work is completed and is responsible for their own time / work management.  The Contractor should notify the Client if services are unable to be completed in a timely manner.

Primary Duties

• Provide direct support for the FIRST in Texas teams in an area within 100 miles of primary residence.
• Provide email, phone and in person support for registration / programming / building and other issues related to their team.
• Reinforce communications from local Program Delivery Coordinators
• Assist, as requested, the local Program Delivery Coordinators in your immediate area, in the planning and execution of approved / official FIRST in Texas events.
• Serve as an ambassador for FIRST in Texas and help recruit teams, sponsors, and partners in your area.
• Remain synchronized with local Program Delivery Coordinators in your area on needs and events through email, Microsoft Teams group or FIRST in Texas Discord.

Secondary Duties

• Attend at least one FIRST Robotics Competition event each season and perform duties in an official volunteer role capacity such as referee, robot inspector or field tech advisor.
• Monitor the FIRST in Texas email and respond within 24 hours to emails.
• Monitor the FIRST in Texas Discord server and engage directly with students / coaches in support of teams in your area. Forward any out of area requests to the appropriate Texas Mentor or local program coordinator.
• Attend monthly staff calls with FIRST in Texas management.

As Available Duties

• Help recruit volunteers, mentors, sponsors, and secure venues through effective networking activities as a member of the FIRST in Texas community.