2026 SMASH Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Northeastern)
SMASH, Boston, MA, United States
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.
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. Design Thinking Workshop Facilitators will co‑facilitate with two other facilitators, guiding a group of around 35‑45 scholars through project‑based learning. The Design Thinking Workshop is a scholar‑centered course that allows scholars to use technology to address a social issue of their choice. Scholars will work in various configurations including whole‑group, small group, and individual. Facilitators will support scholars with project management, collaboration, and other workforce readiness traits while empowering scholars to take ownership of their learning and facilitate through inquiry rather than providing answers.
The role is a 3‑week assignment with additional training prior to launch and a virtual close out after SMASH Academy. Facilitators will work with scholars both in person and virtually. As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide their own personal computer with webcam, speaker, microphone, reliable internet, and quiet workspace.
Key Responsibilities Attend Training (see dates above)
Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH
Facilitate Design Thinking Workshop Sessions 2.5‑hour sessions 5 days per week
Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation
Facilitate learning through inquiry Adequately prep for sessions by reviewing material
Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or Program Coordinator
Ensure technical logistics are in order in virtual sessions during last week of program
Communicate with co‑facilitators to ensure smooth lesson delivery
Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
Manage the space to ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group is on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
Communicate and reflect with co‑facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and outcomes are met
Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
Attend Weekly Staff Meetings (1 hour per week)
Attend Staff Closeout
Ensure Completion of Deliverables (e.g., log pre‑ and post‑assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.)
Required Attributes Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organizational skills; 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 relationship building and conflict resolution.
Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unanticipated events; make data‑based decisions.
Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcomes are met.
What You Bring Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals and values is essential.
Demonstrated experience and success co‑facilitating workshops with 40‑45 participants (preferably at high school level).
A belief that all scholars are capable of growing and achieving as learners.
Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self‑guidance and video tutorials.
Results‑driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program.
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 and reflexive about your individual teaching philosophy and practice.
Excellent management skills; openness to various and/or new pedagogical and facilitation approaches.
Flexibility in your availability for training dates 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. The application includes a resume and cover letter upload and written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled. If you have been selected for this position 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, and SMASH will send you your updated offer letter.
Compensation This is a non‑exempt position. The hourly compensation for this position is estimated to be $30.00. If your assignment ends earlier than anticipated, compensation may be reduced accordingly. Pay will be variable per pay period based on part‑time and full‑time phases of the program. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.
Statement Of Non‑Discrimination In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. SMASH also strives to prevent other subtle forms of inappropriate behavior. We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
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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. Design Thinking Workshop Facilitators will co‑facilitate with two other facilitators, guiding a group of around 35‑45 scholars through project‑based learning. The Design Thinking Workshop is a scholar‑centered course that allows scholars to use technology to address a social issue of their choice. Scholars will work in various configurations including whole‑group, small group, and individual. Facilitators will support scholars with project management, collaboration, and other workforce readiness traits while empowering scholars to take ownership of their learning and facilitate through inquiry rather than providing answers.
The role is a 3‑week assignment with additional training prior to launch and a virtual close out after SMASH Academy. Facilitators will work with scholars both in person and virtually. As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide their own personal computer with webcam, speaker, microphone, reliable internet, and quiet workspace.
Key Responsibilities Attend Training (see dates above)
Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH
Facilitate Design Thinking Workshop Sessions 2.5‑hour sessions 5 days per week
Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation
Facilitate learning through inquiry Adequately prep for sessions by reviewing material
Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or Program Coordinator
Ensure technical logistics are in order in virtual sessions during last week of program
Communicate with co‑facilitators to ensure smooth lesson delivery
Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
Manage the space to ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group is on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
Communicate and reflect with co‑facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and outcomes are met
Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
Attend Weekly Staff Meetings (1 hour per week)
Attend Staff Closeout
Ensure Completion of Deliverables (e.g., log pre‑ and post‑assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.)
Required Attributes Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organizational skills; 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 relationship building and conflict resolution.
Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unanticipated events; make data‑based decisions.
Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcomes are met.
What You Bring Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals and values is essential.
Demonstrated experience and success co‑facilitating workshops with 40‑45 participants (preferably at high school level).
A belief that all scholars are capable of growing and achieving as learners.
Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self‑guidance and video tutorials.
Results‑driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program.
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 and reflexive about your individual teaching philosophy and practice.
Excellent management skills; openness to various and/or new pedagogical and facilitation approaches.
Flexibility in your availability for training dates 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. The application includes a resume and cover letter upload and written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled. If you have been selected for this position 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, and SMASH will send you your updated offer letter.
Compensation This is a non‑exempt position. The hourly compensation for this position is estimated to be $30.00. If your assignment ends earlier than anticipated, compensation may be reduced accordingly. Pay will be variable per pay period based on part‑time and full‑time phases of the program. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.
Statement Of Non‑Discrimination In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. SMASH also strives to prevent other subtle forms of inappropriate behavior. We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr