Senior Manager, Robotics Resources

Does the thought of preparing kids to solve the world’s greatest problems excite and empower you? Do you want to be with an organization where your knowledge and skills will help increase school engagement and student success, and extend our global reach? Do you want to be on a team that crafts opportunities and provides life changing experiences for students?

These opportunities are as strong and dynamic as ever, as FIRST^® creates the people who will change the world – today and tomorrow!

What We Offer
We promise a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding environment where you will be part of a team that cares about each other and thrives on each other’s successes. You’ll feel good about the future of the world after doing hard work with the talented people at FIRST^® and will have a front row seat to our life changing programs.

Our extensive benefits package is highly competitive and includes:

• Healthcare Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance 
• Supplemental life insurance
• Voluntary accident and legal plans
• Income Protection Insurances (STD & LTD)
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Hybrid Work Model
• 160 PTO hours for FT employees 
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year (one is a floating holiday)
  • Paid July 4th Week Holiday Closure 
• 40 hours paid sick leave per calendar year
• One paid volunteer day per anniversary year
• Maternity and Parental Leave
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan (with employer match)
• Medical and dependent pre-tax flex plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000 (min - midpoint). New hires typically start between the range minimum and midpoint based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Who You Are

FIRST headquarters is in Manchester, New Hampshire, and we seek candidates based in New England or willing to relocate to New England. Although this role will have the flexibility to work remote, we are looking for candidates who can easily and frequently travel by car to our headquarters during competition season (November – May) or as needed for in-person events.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What You Will Do
In this role you will lead the assessment, acquisition, and distribution of purchased and in-kind materials, software, and game resources crucial for the success of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams. As an experienced manager you will also evaluate the suitability of multi program robotics components, materials, and tools based on their value to the teams, alignment with FIRST values, and adherence to budgetary constraints. With Gracious Professionalism® our ideal candidate will provide an exceptional customer service experience to suppliers, FIRST teams, community members, and key customer contacts.

• Enable team success by delivering high quality robotics kits comprised of build materials, donation vouchers, and software tools.
• Provide technical guidance and support to FIRST sourcing department in selecting and procuring robotic build parts and materials.
• Address customer needs for both FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge by blending common materials and preserving unique attributes as appropriate.
• Own the financial aspects of the program, including budget management, forecasting, tracking expenditures, and auditing revenue streams, to ensure effective allocation of resources and financial sustainability.
• Establish partnerships with targeted companies to secure donations of materials, services, and resources.
• Ensure comprehensive support resources, documentation, and digital content (e.g., web content, videos, blogs, social media posts) are available to enable the use of robot build parts and materials by student robotics teams. 
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among various departments including Development, Sourcing, Marketing, and Operations to streamline efforts and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop and refine the range of available robot materials and distribution methods based on internal and external feedback loops, such as customer interviews and surveys.
• Collaborate in game design efforts to ensure alignment of robot materials with the requirements of each year's and program’s games.
• Support key volunteer groups to enable the delivery of high-quality robotics programs.

What We Expect
We are seeking candidates with the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related discipline. A degree in business administration with a strong technical background and focus on project management could also be suitable.
• Five years of related experience, preferably in a technical or STEM-related environment
• Proven ability to manage, forecast, and track large budgets and financial performance
• Project management experience, preferably with a focus on technical projects or STEM education initiatives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 including SharePoint and Teams
• Familiarity with CAD software (Solidworks, Onshape, Autodesk) desired
• Knowledge of robotics competitions, such as FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition highly desirable
• Flexibility to travel 5 – 10% depending on time of year (including event support which may include nights, weekends, and travel)

Commitment to FIRST® Core Values

Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Thriving on our core values, celebrating the uniqueness of our employees and committed to inclusion. Proud to be an equal opportunity employer.