Youth Program Coordinator

We are currently seeking a part-time Program Coordinator to support our design studios at the Providence Career and Technical Academy.

The Program Coordinator is part of a community of individuals who are committed to promoting the mission of DownCity Design. Our expectation is that the Program Coordinator will bring to this position deep creativity, a cooperative spirit, fluid communication, flexibility, and a willingness to learn and grow.

The Program Coordinator is responsible for the logistics of our afterschool programs, especially at our partner school, Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA), where we host year-round after school and summer programs. The Program Coordinator will manage communication between DCD and our students and families, support Design Educators by fulfilling supply requests, coordinate student events and recruitment efforts, support studio and supply organization, and manage enrollment and tracking participation for program participants. 

Location:  Providence Career and Technical Academy (41 Fricker Street, Providence, RI) and DownCity Design Studio (370 Cranston Street, Providence, RI)

Hours: Part-time, average 20 hours per week with a set schedule to be determined in advance.

Timeframe: Early September 2025 - June 26, 2026, with the possibility of extension through August 21, 2026.

Specific responsibilities include:

● Communicate regularly with students and families through various formats to provide program updates and support.

● Create and share recruitment content to promote DownCity Design Youth Programs to students and families.

● Prepare, collect, and organize student registration records, required documentation, and signed forms using our data management platforms.

● Collaborate with the Youth Program Manager and PCTA Site Manager to plan youth and family events throughout the year.

● Analyze survey and assessment data and make recommendations for program quality improvement.

● Plan and attend all Student Advisory Board meetings to seek feedback and program input from students.

● Plan and attend field trips for students during April vacation week

● Assist in the development of program alumni engagement strategies.

● Oversee the coordination and fulfillment of program supply requests for programs.

● Support maintenance and organization of the facilities and supplies.

● Document program activities and share updates with DCD Communications Coordinator 

● Daily snack distribution and tracking

● Additional responsibilities consistent with the role.

The Program Coordinator qualifications and experience include:

● Experience teaching or working with youth

● Highly organized, detail-oriented, and professional

● Ability to speak and write in Spanish (not required, but strongly preferred)

● Administrative experience, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Google Suite, and data entry.

● Graphic design experience and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or Canva (not required, but preferred)

● Familiarity with and enthusiasm for the design process and/or positive youth development

● Experience coordinating projects and events

● Willingness to learn new skills

● Openness to creative collaboration and working as a team

● Ability to drive (not required, but preferred)

The Program Coordinator can expect:

● Meaningful work in a supportive, collaborative environment

● A community of colleagues dedicated to designing a just and equitable future

● To gain proficiency with the design thinking process and project-based learning

● Regular engagement with an inspiring generation of high school students

● To become a valued member of the DownCity Design and PCTA communities

● New connections with a team of passionate and innovative design educators

● Access to fabrication tools at the DownCity Design studio, including laser cutter, 3D printer, table saw, miter saw, drill press and hand tools

Scope:

This is a temporary, part-time position with an end date of June 26, 2026, with the possibility to extend through August 21, 2026. The Program Coordinator is expected to work an average of 20 hours per week throughout the year, with occasional evening and weekend hours. This position will commence in September 2025.

Benefits of the Position:

Compensation: $17-$19 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Retirement Plan: DownCity Design matches contributions to a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan for eligible employees, up to 3% of employee’s salary annually.

Paid Time Off: DownCity Design offers 34 vacation hours through June 26 for this position. DCD also offers 15 paid staff holidays throughout the year, including your birthday! If a holiday falls on a part-time employee's regularly scheduled work day, they are paid for their typical hours on that day.

Paid Sick / Personal Leave: DownCity Design offers up to 24 hours of paid time off through June 26 for this position. Personal leave can be used in the event of an illness or for personal appointments. 

Details on how to apply:

Please submit an application by July 21. For more information and information on how to apply, visit www.downcitydesign.org/opportunities. All applications must include a resume and cover letter. For any questions about the position, please reach out to Adrienne Gagnon, Executive Director at adrienne@downcitydesign.org. No phone calls please.