Head Robotics Coach and Computer Science & Engineering Faculty

Overview of School:

Sonoma Academy is an independent high school located in Santa Rosa, CA on a 34-acre campus, surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected open space, at the base of Taylor Mountain. Founded in 2001, it provides an engaging, challenging, and innovative college preparatory education and a supportive community for motivated learners from Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Lake, and Mendocino counties. The school currently serves 330 students in grades 9 through 12 and is increasing its enrollment each year. Of our 330 students, 31% self-identify as students of color. Our students come from 80+ middle schools, ensuring a broad mixture of students from all over the greater North Bay Area.

Our Mission: Sonoma Academy calls its students to be creative, ethical, and committed to learning. The school nurtures inspiring teachers and engages with the surrounding community, and its students communicate across cultures as they prepare to become leaders in a dynamic world.

Sonoma Academy’s Commitment to Diversity: We believe that learning occurs best in a connected community. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential to an education in which all members of our community thrive. We are committed to cultivating a diverse community that is conscious and welcoming of difference, dedicated to investigating and advancing equity, and engages with our local and global community. If you would like to join us in our work, we would welcome your application. As we are deeply committed to having a staffulty (staff and faculty) and student body which reflects the rich diversity within the North Bay, we strongly encourage candidates from BIPOC and/or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented to apply.

For more information on programs and philosophy, please visit our website: www.sonomaacademy.org.

Sonoma Academy is seeking a passionate and dedicated Head Robotics Coach and Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) Faculty to lead our growing robotics program and inspire students in computer science. This individual will oversee the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, teach robotics, engineering and/or computer science courses, and foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.

We are looking for a visionary educator who is excited to inspire and empower the next generation of computer engineers, scientists and roboticists.

Key Responsibilities:

Robotics Program Leadership

• Lead and mentor the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, guiding students through design, build, testing, and competition preparation.
• Organize and supervise after-school robotics meetings, training sessions, outreach events, and competitions throughout the year.
• Maintain and manage robotics tools, equipment, and spaces to ensure safe and effective use.
• Review and expand program offerings, pursue new initiatives and partnerships, and serve as an ambassador for the program in internal and external venues.
• Collaborate with the Director of Teaching & Learning to evaluate the program and communicate program vision, goals, and progress to the broader community.

Teaching & Curriculum

• Teach a range of computer science, engineering, and robotics courses based on expertise.
• Develop and articulate a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate robotics and engineering curriculum, including clearly defined skills and learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with faculty across departments to integrate interdisciplinary STEM, robotics, and engineering experiences into other subjects and real-world problem solving.
• Educate colleagues about relevant STEM standards, emerging practices, and research-based instructional approaches.

Equity, Access & Community Engagement

• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment in robotics and STEM, with intentional strategies to engage female-identifying students, students of color, and other historically underrepresented groups.
• Build partnerships with industry professionals, local businesses, and universities to create mentorship, experiential learning, and career-exploration opportunities.
• Organize workshops, presentations, and community outreach programs to promote robotics and coding both on campus and in the community.
• Communicate proactively with students and families about program expectations, events, and opportunities.

Administration & Program Operations

• Develop and manage the robotics program budget, ensuring strategic and timely use of resources.
• Identify and address program needs, challenges, and growth opportunities
• Ensure the robotics program aligns with the school’s mission, values, and commitments to equity, diversity, and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience teaching engineering and/or computer science and coaching a robotics team.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, Javascript, or C++.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and organizational skills.
• Experience fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
• Experience with FIRST Robotics or similar competitive robotics programs preferred.
  

Compensation:

• Sonoma Academy has a multi-step salary scale in place for faculty members that includes differentials for advanced degrees and annual guaranteed step increases. The current salary scale ranges from $78,840 to $127,890. The school will evaluate the faculty member's relevant teaching experience, and they will be placed on the scale at the appropriate level upon hiring.

Perks of working at SA:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance for employees with several plan options to meet individuals’ specific needs
• Generous retirement plan contribution of 7% of annual income
• Commitment to professional development, including generously- funded training opportunities and a dedicated “exploratory fund” of $450 annually for learning opportunities unrelated to work
• Healthy and nutritious lunch service offered at no cost to employees during the school year (when on campus and our kitchen operational)
• A professional work environment defined by teamwork, collegiality, trust, agility, and altruism

Work Environment:

• This position operates in a professional office environment at a private, independent high school.
• This is a full-time position with occasional evening and weekend work.

Sonoma Academy is an equal opportunity employer. Sonoma Academy does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.