Position Announcement
FIRST FLL Affiliate Partner Representative
Southeastern Pennsylvania Region
Announcement
FIRST Mid-Atlantic (FMA) is seeking an energetic individual capable of leading the FIRST Lego League and FIRST Lego League Jr. programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The selected individual will be responsible for strategic planning and operational leadership for the FIRST Lego League program in the region. The operating territory includes approximately 250 FLL and FLL Jr. teams in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburban areas. The incumbent will plan and coordinate workshops, 10 qualifier events, and one championship event annually.
Background
The current FIRST Lego League Affiliate Partner for Southeastern Pennsylvania is the University of Pennsylvania GRASP Labs. The University has informed FIRST that they will step aside from their role as Affiliate Partner for FIRST Lego League after completion of the 2018-2019 season.
FIRST Mid-Atlantic (FMA) is currently discussing with FIRST the opportunity for FMA to serve as the successor Affiliate Partner beginning with the 2019-2020 season. As part of this effort, the FMA Board of Directors has authorized the formation of a committee to study the feasibility of the opportunity. A portion of that effort involves identifying the individual who will serve as the executive leader of this program (FIRST uses the term Affiliate Partner Representative to describe this position).
While FMA is an organization that relies heavily on volunteers to operate its programs, the Affiliate Partner Representative for FLL will be a paid, full time, year-round position. This position reports to the FMA Board of Directors and requires an individual who is a highly organized self-starter.
Interested individuals must be available to start work in January 2019 and be prepared to create a business plan, organize a transition from the University of Pennsylvania, and stand up an organization ready to register FLL teams in May 2019.
Position Description
The overarching requirement of the FLL Affiliate Partner Representative position is to provide senior leadership for the operation of the FLL program in Southeastern PA. The position is responsible for the planning and execution of the FLL program in strict compliance with FIRST requirements. The duties and responsibilities of the FLL Affiliate Partner Representative are summarized as follows:
- Design and oversee an appropriate tournament system for the region
- Deliver a Championship Tournament
- Recruit appropriate leadership to run tournaments
- Provide training for tournament leadership
- Ensure that event leadership and volunteers provide a safe experience that fully embraces the Youth Protection Program guidelines
- Support efforts related to volunteer recruitment, management, training and recognition
- Serve as the primary point of contact for teams in the region, responding to team questions and needs
- Arrange tournament registration for teams
- Form and lead a Regional Planning Team involving key volunteers who provide support, communication, training, mentorship, and coordination
- Conduct annual planning
- Support fundraising efforts as needed
- Handle financial transactions and processes
- Build community partnerships that help meet regional goals
- Promote the FIRST LEGO League program and regional team growth
- Build a communications infrastructure and web presence for teams, volunteers and sponsors
- Engage with other FIRST community leaders in the region
In general, the FIRST Lego League and FIRST Lego League Jr. programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania will operate under FMA as a stand-alone business, separate from FMA’s FRC programs and operations. However, the FIRST Lego League Affiliate Partner will receive support from FMA corporate functions such as Finance, Development, and Logistics to avoid inefficient duplication of effort.
Candidate Skills
- The candidate must have leadership experience with the operation of non-profit organizations
- Must be skilled in directing and motivating a volunteer centric organization
- Knowledgeable in fundraising and donor development
- Able to work effectively with student and adult volunteers, local school leaders, and related public entities
- Preference will be given to candidates with a history of participation and leadership in FIRST programs
- Must be willing and able to travel extensively within the FLL operating region. Occasional out of area travel is required to attend FIRST sponsored conferences and attend national level Championship events
About FIRST
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
FIRST is More Than Robots. FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills.
FIRST operates four, age tiered programs, designed to inspire students to become interested in STEM careers and develop key life skills.
About FIRST Mid-Atlantic
FIRST Mid-Atlantic is a New Jersey non-profit organization authorized to conduct FIRST Robotics Competition events in New Jersey, Delaware, and portions of East Pennsylvania. Formed in 2010, FMA promotes and operates high school level FRC competition events, including eight qualifier events, that lead to a Championship. Currently, there are over 200 FRC teams participating with FIRST in the FMA operating territory.
Traditionally, FMA has only operated FRC programs involving high school aged teams. Many team mentors, volunteers, and event managers who participate in the FMA FRC program are also active with the existing FLL Southeast PA program. The Board of Directors of FMA believes there is a strong synergy with our common volunteer and leadership communities. The integration of FLL and FLL Jr. into FMA’s operations will provide an efficient and seamless experience for students progressing through FIRST programs.
Expressions of Interest
Interested candidates are invited to submit an indication of interest to FIRST Mid-Atlantic. Indications of interest should be accompanied by a resume that addresses the candidate’s leadership experience with non-profit organizations and FIRST programs, if applicable.
Interested individuals should submit an indication interest by email to Thom Galie at [email protected] not later than December 1, 2018.