Coordinators are like supercharged teachers: still teaching and capable of designing and delivering out-of-this-world experiences for students, but also gifted with the precious ability to keep many logistical plates spinning at once. At Assemble, coordinators are full-time staff.
There is a lot going on. There is no way that you can or should do it all yourself. Having coordinators helps to distribute the decisions and leadership.
Also, they model attitudes and mindsets for your teaching staff and the kids you serve. The culture of the organization is as much related to the coordinators as it is the leadership.
Coordinators keep track of multiple programs running on different schedules in different locations, staffed by different teachers, using different materials, and serving different learners. To do this, they need agency within the agreed upon intentions of the programs they lead.
Coordinators are entrusted as keepers of Assemble. They work directly with parents/guardians, artists and partners. They manage space rentals. They are in charge of the materials, equipment, and ensuring processes are happening. As the first face many visitors will see, they also provide "customer service."
<aside> ⚗️ Looking to hire a coordinator? Check out Job Description: Coordinator to see how we describe the position when we're hiring.
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If you're just starting out or operating on (less-than) a shoestring, you are your coordinator. If you have some experienced and capable teachers, running awesome programs at your organization, maybe you've found your coordinator! Give space though as some of our teachers will be the ones to step up into these roles. If you do have contracted teachers, be attentive to employment laws and how an employee might have to be the person that others report to. Take time to think about how you want to design these roles. The jobs might change and undergo mitosis as you are able to support more staff.
Coordinators see things from the teacher perspective and the organizer perspective. Listen to their feedback. Help them to grow and pick up more skills. They can become future trainers and leaders at your organization.
A lot is riding on coordinators, so it's crucial to set clear expectations. Build their enthusiasm and commitment by cultivating their own sense of ownership in the success of the programs they are coordinating.