Tynkertopia, a nonprofit STEAM Community Center in Flagstaff, AZ, is seeking an enthusiastic, forward-thinking MakerSpace Educator to lead our new Tynkertopia MakerSpace—a vibrant hub for teens and young adults (ages 14–26) to explore emerging technologies, develop 21st-century skills, and access career readiness pathways.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role ideal for a passionate educator or maker who believes in the power of youth, equity in STEAM access, and learning by doing. They will lead hands-on, creative, and maker-focused programs for teens and young adults, guiding participants in exploring art, design, building, and crafting through experiential learning, and help build an innovative, inclusive MakerSpace culture from the ground up.

The MakerSpace Educator plays a key role in leading the creative, hands-on, and artistic programs at Tynkertopia MakerSpace for teens and young adults (ages 14–26). This position fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and confidence while helping youth develop practical maker skills and a growth-oriented mindset. They will guide participants in the exploration of art, design, crafting, woodworking, textiles, or other areas of participant interest. The MakerSpace Educator helps youth and emerging adults build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of belonging through experiential, problem-based learning.

Working closely with the Digital Innovation Educator, this position ensures that the MakerSpace operates as a unified, interdisciplinary environment where creativity, design, and technology intersect. Together, the educators design programs and experiences that connect artistic expression with innovation—encouraging participants to see how hands-on making and digital tools can come together to solve real-world problems and bring ideas to life.

The MakerSpace Educator leads hands-on programs that help teens and young adults build confidence and STEAM skill through design, crafting, woodworking, textiles, fabrication projects, and more. They develop and facilitate workshops, open studio sessions, and project-based learning opportunities while ensuring the MakerSpace remains safe, organized, and fully equipped. Working with community partners and local makers, the Educator supports participants in developing practical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and pathways toward careers in the trades, design, and innovation fields—documenting outcomes and stories that showcase Tynkertopia’s impact and the power of learning through making.

Key Strategic, Operational, Educational, and Community-facing Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Tynkertopia Executive Director to achieve the mission and vision of Tynkertopia MakerSpace.
• Provide overall leadership and management of Tynkertopia MakerSpace and its team.
• Participate in strategic planning processes to set goals, establish priorities, and develop action plans for improving educational outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Create a learning environment that inspires students to develop confidence as independent, lifelong learners and expand their creativity, inquiry, and STEAM skills.
• Address challenges proactively, making informed decisions and taking action to support smooth operations and continued growth.
• Demonstrate professionalism and a welcoming attitude when interacting with visitors, community members, and other nonprofit organizations.
• Build relationships and engage teens and young adults from Flagstaff and Northern Arizona in meaningful STEAM learning.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and engaging facility conducive to hands-on learning.

Personal Attributes

Highly qualified applicants will exhibit the following personal attributes that reflect the Tynkertopia ethos and the collaborative, youth-centered nature of Tynkertopia MakerSpace:

• Creativity and curiosity: Approaches challenges with imagination, openness, and a maker’s mindset; continually seeks new ways to inspire learning.
• Collaborative spirit: Works seamlessly with the Executive Director, the Digital Innovation Educator, volunteers, and community partners to create interdisciplinary programs.
• Youth-centered and inclusive: Demonstrates empathy, patience, and understanding when working with teens and young adults of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
• Positive energy and enthusiasm: Brings contagious excitement for learning, making, and exploration that motivates participants.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Thrives in a dynamic, ever-changing environment where projects evolve and resources vary.
• Strong communication skills: Listens actively, gives clear instructions, and communicates effectively with participants, colleagues, and the public.
• Organization and reliability: Balances creative spontaneity with responsible planning, safety awareness, and attention to detail.
• Commitment to equity and access: Champions inclusivity, ensuring that all participants feel welcome and empowered to learn and create.
• Mentorship mindset: Guides youth in developing independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in construction, art education, studio arts, community development, design, or a related field.
• Three or more years’ experience teaching, mentoring, or facilitating MakerSpace activities with teens or young adults in informal or experiential learning environments.
• Solid working knowledge of three or more of the following: basic fabrication/hand tools, woodworking and small-scale construction, textiles and sewing, visual arts and design, sustainability and upcycling, or basic design principles etc.
• Passion for maker skills as a tool for creativity, empowerment, and social impact.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple ongoing projects.
• Familiarity with principles of positive youth development, universal design for learning, and a mindset emphasizing creativity, hands-on problem-solving, and a growth-oriented, can-do attitude towards challenges
• Familiarity with basic hand tools, power tools, woodworking, and crafts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in community-based MakerSpaces or creative reuse
• Background in workforce development, career readiness, or certification pathways.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Navajo.

What We Offer

• A creative, collaborative, and mission-driven environment
• Access to cutting-edge tools and professional development
• Opportunities to shape our new, youth-driven Tynkertopia MakerSpace from the ground up
• Room for professional growth
• Deep community engagement and the chance to change lives through innovation
• Some evening and weekend hours
• Paid vacation time
• No medical benefits at this time

How to Apply

Send your résumé, a letter of intent, and (if available) a portfolio or examples of relevant MakerSpace projects or programs to [email protected]. Please include MakerSpace Educator in the subject line.