SMASH
2026 SMASH Academy Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Berkeley)
SMASH, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
2026 SMASH Academy Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Berkeley)
Join to apply for the
2026 SMASH Academy Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Berkeley)
role at
SMASH .
About SMASH At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy. By providing opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well‑prepared, competitive leaders.
This is a pivotal time for SMASH as SMASH builds on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you.
SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.
Position Description Reporting to the Program Director, the Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. Game Design Workshop Facilitators will co‑facilitate with one other facilitator, guiding a group of around 25 scholars through project‑based learning.
The Game Design Workshop Facilitator will lead scholars through an engaging, hands‑on exploration of game design and development. Facilitators will guide groups of scholars as they learn key concepts in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and game aesthetics while creating their own playable games.
Facilitators will support scholars in both whole‑group and small‑group settings, fostering a collaborative learning environment centered on the pedagogy of Play, Create, Share, and Reflect. The ideal facilitator will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging discovery and problem‑solving rather than providing direct answers. In addition to supporting technical skill development, facilitators will help scholars build project management abilities, strengthen creative agency, and develop collaborative skills through activities like playtesting and peer feedback.
Strong Game Design Workshop Facilitators Will
Create an inclusive, engaging learning environment where scholars feel comfortable experimenting and taking creative risks.
Balance constructive feedback with positive encouragement.
Guide scholars through the complete game development process, from initial concept to finished product.
Support scholars in developing game design documents and pitch presentations.
Foster discussions about inclusivity and diversity in game design.
Implement effective classroom management strategies while maintaining a fun, collaborative atmosphere.
Facilitators do not need to be game designers to teach the workshop. Training, detailed session guides, and game design resources are available to support facilitators and learners as they navigate through the workshop. The most important qualities are a passion for supporting young learners, curiosity about game design, and willingness to problem‑solve alongside scholars.
Summer learning will culminate in a final project presentation and the chance to win a national competition consisting of competitors from all regions.
This is a 3‑week assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch, and a virtual close‑out after SMASH Academy (see chart below for dates). Facilitators will be working with scholars both in person and virtually and will need to embrace and model flexibility, adaptability, and a solution‑oriented mindset.
As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following—own personal computer (desktop or laptop) with a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video‑conferencing (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet workspace for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director.
All staff and scholars will be required to comply with the SMASH COVID‑19 policy for in‑person programming. Currently, staff working in‑person are expected to test at least once each week they are working in‑person with colleagues. Additionally, we encourage testing before and after in‑person company and non‑company sponsored events and travel. All staff and scholars must also comply with any site specific COVID‑19 requirements. Site specific requirements will be shared as they become available and are subject to change. If a quarantine mandate is enforced by local government, university, or SMASH, all SMASH Academy programming will be held virtually. SMASH reserves the right to revise, delete, and add to its COVID‑19 policy at any time, with or without notice. Nothing in the SMASH COVID‑19 policy creates a contract or changes the nature of the at‑will employment relationship.
Onboarding Dates 6.27.2026 – National, Virtual – Staff Training (6.29.2026‑7.2.2026, Virtual) – 7.10.2026 – Site‑specific, In‑Person – SMASH Academy (7.13.2026‑7.24.2026, Site‑specific, In‑Person) – Virtual Close Out (7.30.2026)
Key Responsibilities
Attend training and program dates.
Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH.
Facilitate Game Design Workshop Sessions: 1.5‑hour sessions, 5 days/week, alternating whole group, small group, and individual facilitation; facilitate learning through inquiry; adequately prep for sessions; take attendance and communicate absences; guide conversation ensuring all voices heard; manage space to meet day and summer goals.
Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed.
Communicate and reflect with co‑facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and outcomes met.
Log student achievement data weekly.
Attend weekly staff meetings (1 hr/week) and staff close‑out.
Ensure completion of deliverables (pre/post assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.).
Required Attributes
Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management; timeliness and dependability; courageously candid when facing difficult conversations.
Relationship Building: Welcome and embrace individual differences; humility; patience; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to conflict resolution.
Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot; keep activities on track; think creatively; act swiftly; make data‑based decisions.
Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset; adapt and reflect to meet desired outcomes.
What You Bring
Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals/values.
Demonstrated experience and success co‑facilitating workshops with 15‑25 participants (preferably high‑school level).
Belief that all scholars can grow and achieve as learners.
Previous experience adopting new technologies through self‑guidance and video tutorials.
Results‑driven; work around obstacles to ensure goals met and deliverables completed.
Knowledge of 21st Century skills.
Demonstrated effectiveness working with low‑income, first‑generation college youth of color in diverse fields.
Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills as needed.
Willingness to be self‑reflective about teaching philosophy and practice.
Excellent management skills; openness to new pedagogical and facilitation approaches.
Flexibility in training and event dates.
Virtual learning experience a plus.
Application Information Apply for this position below and ensure you can make the training and program dates. If applying to multiple sites, please rank your site preference in the application. The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled. If you have been selected by your Program Director, an application is required (you do not need to submit a cover letter) and your Program Director will send you the link to apply. Please also submit the recommitment form provided by your Program Director.
Compensation This is a non‑exempt position. The hourly compensation is estimated at
$30.00 . Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, compensation will be adjusted accordingly. Pay will be variable per pay period based on part‑time and full‑time phases of the program.
Statement of Non‑Discrimination In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond, SMASH strives to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior. We value a diverse workforce; people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
2026 SMASH Academy Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Berkeley)
role at
SMASH .
About SMASH At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy. By providing opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well‑prepared, competitive leaders.
This is a pivotal time for SMASH as SMASH builds on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you.
SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.
Position Description Reporting to the Program Director, the Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. Game Design Workshop Facilitators will co‑facilitate with one other facilitator, guiding a group of around 25 scholars through project‑based learning.
The Game Design Workshop Facilitator will lead scholars through an engaging, hands‑on exploration of game design and development. Facilitators will guide groups of scholars as they learn key concepts in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and game aesthetics while creating their own playable games.
Facilitators will support scholars in both whole‑group and small‑group settings, fostering a collaborative learning environment centered on the pedagogy of Play, Create, Share, and Reflect. The ideal facilitator will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging discovery and problem‑solving rather than providing direct answers. In addition to supporting technical skill development, facilitators will help scholars build project management abilities, strengthen creative agency, and develop collaborative skills through activities like playtesting and peer feedback.
Strong Game Design Workshop Facilitators Will
Create an inclusive, engaging learning environment where scholars feel comfortable experimenting and taking creative risks.
Balance constructive feedback with positive encouragement.
Guide scholars through the complete game development process, from initial concept to finished product.
Support scholars in developing game design documents and pitch presentations.
Foster discussions about inclusivity and diversity in game design.
Implement effective classroom management strategies while maintaining a fun, collaborative atmosphere.
Facilitators do not need to be game designers to teach the workshop. Training, detailed session guides, and game design resources are available to support facilitators and learners as they navigate through the workshop. The most important qualities are a passion for supporting young learners, curiosity about game design, and willingness to problem‑solve alongside scholars.
Summer learning will culminate in a final project presentation and the chance to win a national competition consisting of competitors from all regions.
This is a 3‑week assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch, and a virtual close‑out after SMASH Academy (see chart below for dates). Facilitators will be working with scholars both in person and virtually and will need to embrace and model flexibility, adaptability, and a solution‑oriented mindset.
As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following—own personal computer (desktop or laptop) with a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video‑conferencing (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet workspace for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director.
All staff and scholars will be required to comply with the SMASH COVID‑19 policy for in‑person programming. Currently, staff working in‑person are expected to test at least once each week they are working in‑person with colleagues. Additionally, we encourage testing before and after in‑person company and non‑company sponsored events and travel. All staff and scholars must also comply with any site specific COVID‑19 requirements. Site specific requirements will be shared as they become available and are subject to change. If a quarantine mandate is enforced by local government, university, or SMASH, all SMASH Academy programming will be held virtually. SMASH reserves the right to revise, delete, and add to its COVID‑19 policy at any time, with or without notice. Nothing in the SMASH COVID‑19 policy creates a contract or changes the nature of the at‑will employment relationship.
Onboarding Dates 6.27.2026 – National, Virtual – Staff Training (6.29.2026‑7.2.2026, Virtual) – 7.10.2026 – Site‑specific, In‑Person – SMASH Academy (7.13.2026‑7.24.2026, Site‑specific, In‑Person) – Virtual Close Out (7.30.2026)
Key Responsibilities
Attend training and program dates.
Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH.
Facilitate Game Design Workshop Sessions: 1.5‑hour sessions, 5 days/week, alternating whole group, small group, and individual facilitation; facilitate learning through inquiry; adequately prep for sessions; take attendance and communicate absences; guide conversation ensuring all voices heard; manage space to meet day and summer goals.
Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed.
Communicate and reflect with co‑facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and outcomes met.
Log student achievement data weekly.
Attend weekly staff meetings (1 hr/week) and staff close‑out.
Ensure completion of deliverables (pre/post assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.).
Required Attributes
Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management; timeliness and dependability; courageously candid when facing difficult conversations.
Relationship Building: Welcome and embrace individual differences; humility; patience; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to conflict resolution.
Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot; keep activities on track; think creatively; act swiftly; make data‑based decisions.
Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset; adapt and reflect to meet desired outcomes.
What You Bring
Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals/values.
Demonstrated experience and success co‑facilitating workshops with 15‑25 participants (preferably high‑school level).
Belief that all scholars can grow and achieve as learners.
Previous experience adopting new technologies through self‑guidance and video tutorials.
Results‑driven; work around obstacles to ensure goals met and deliverables completed.
Knowledge of 21st Century skills.
Demonstrated effectiveness working with low‑income, first‑generation college youth of color in diverse fields.
Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills as needed.
Willingness to be self‑reflective about teaching philosophy and practice.
Excellent management skills; openness to new pedagogical and facilitation approaches.
Flexibility in training and event dates.
Virtual learning experience a plus.
Application Information Apply for this position below and ensure you can make the training and program dates. If applying to multiple sites, please rank your site preference in the application. The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled. If you have been selected by your Program Director, an application is required (you do not need to submit a cover letter) and your Program Director will send you the link to apply. Please also submit the recommitment form provided by your Program Director.
Compensation This is a non‑exempt position. The hourly compensation is estimated at
$30.00 . Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, compensation will be adjusted accordingly. Pay will be variable per pay period based on part‑time and full‑time phases of the program.
Statement of Non‑Discrimination In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond, SMASH strives to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior. We value a diverse workforce; people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr