About the Mechanics’ Institute
The Mechanics' Institute, a 501(c)(3), was founded in 1854 and is one of San Francisco's enduring arts and culture institutions. Described by the San Francisco Chronicle as a "vibrant cultural oasis," the Mechanics' Institute is a literary and cultural hub for the Bay Area. The Mechanics' Institute has nearly 5,000 members, serving individuals and families throughout the Bay Area, offering a magnificent library, the oldest chess club in the United States, and a full calendar of events.
Current Openings:
Desktop Support Specialist II | Chess Instructor | Lead Chess Instructor | Library Assistant
Desktop Support Specialist II
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Desktop Support Specialist II is responsible for providing customer service, technical assistance, system maintenance, and general support related to computer systems, hardware and software, and peripherals. The End User Support Specialist II will maintain service throughout the Institute by monitoring help-desk requests, providing hands-on assistance and desktop support, and assisting with systems related needs. Reporting to the Operations Director, the Specialist collaborates with a small group that works in providing excellence in operations and end user experience.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Supports use of Windows-based desktop environment and associated networked equipment in-house, on public workstations, and to those in remote offices.
- Provides technical support and training to staff and members who use Institute systems for their day-to-day activities.
- Responsible for the maintenance, configuring, installation, and deployment of desktop and portable workstation infrastructure, hardware, and software.
- Provides helpdesk and communications support. Maintains a high level of customer service with members and staff. Responds to inquiries via phone, email, and in person.
- Troubleshoots and resolves hardware and software related issues, hard disk failures, data recovery, security updates, and other technology related services. Works with IT staff and vendors when escalating.
- Coordinates with IT staff in managing central services, accounts, and permissions (e.g. Active Directory, Windows network, G Suite, Microsoft Azure, etc.).
- Administers local and cloud servers used for file sharing. Performs routine back up of essential systems.
- Assists with Institute programming in-house and online, including audio/visual equipment, streaming services, and special events.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the library director. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The qualifications listed in this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Strong working knowledge of installing, configuring, and troubleshooting computer systems and applications.
- Experience working with different operating systems including Windows and Mac OS.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory and group policy.
- Preferred experience with library management software, computer reservation systems, and print release software.
- Excellent customer service skills – ability to communicate with staff, guests, and members in a friendly and professional manner by phone, email, and in person.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines. High attention to detail.
- Strong organizational, problem solving, and time management skills.
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
- Keeps current with developing technology, best practices, and emerging trends.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree or five (5) years desktop support work experience
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively throughout all levels of the organization.
- Ability to perform effectively within a fast-paced working environment.
- Must be highly organized and detail oriented.
- Proficient in standard business software, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Google
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- This is a full-time, exempt position.
- Salary is commensurate with experience.
- Benefits include generous health-dental-vision insurance, paid vacation, holidays, and a 403b plan. Membership to Mechanics’ Institute is also provided.
TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Desktop Support II” in the subject line. Please include your salary requirements (a range is fine). No phone calls please.
Chess Instructor
JOB DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the General Manager of Youth Outreach and Events, the Chess Instructor will teach regular classes and assist Lead Chess Instructors for large classes for scholastic chess programs. Scholastic chess includes classes held at Mechanics’ Institute, on school campuses during or after school hours, online classes, seasonal camps, and weekend classes. Qualified candidates should have a foundational knowledge of chess and be familiar or be willing to be trained in chess instructional techniques. Candidates should also have a basic foundation in classroom management and conflict resolution strategies, particularly working with children. The Chess Instructor will be part of the Mechanics’ Institute team, working on building a culture of unity and quality that reflects outward to the community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in delivering dynamic lessons for students of varying levels of experience.
- Help manage larger classes and support the Lead Chess Instructor in teaching students.
- Promote of chess tournaments, classes, camps, and other MI chess events to scholastic participants.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with school administrators and parents when needed and as directed by the Lead Chess Instructor.
- Attend professional development and staff meetings when scheduled and as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Basic knowledge of chess principals (pieces, checkmate, basic pins/ forks/ tactics/ strategies).
- Prior experience working with children, with preference to specific experience in teaching or assisting with scholastic chess.
- Familiarity with classroom management strategies.
- Can follow lesson plan supplied by the institute and/or lead coach.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Computer proficient with experience with MS Office.
- Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to communicate with members, donors, staff, and the public in a friendly and professional manner by phone, email, and in person.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to travel from one class location to another and lift up to 20lbs.
Compensation and Benefits
- This is a part-time position. Compensation is based on available and assigned classes, and instructors are paid for classes taught per week. Compensation is $45 per hour for class and preparation time. Classroom preparation allocation time will be determined in collaboration with the supervisor based on the needs of the class. Any travel time between classes, aside from unpaid break times, will be compensated at the San Francisco or local worksite minimum wage, whichever is higher.
- Membership to the Mechanics’ Institute.
To Apply
- Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] and include “Lead Chess Instructor” in the subject line.
- Position will remain open until filled.
- No phone calls please.
Lead Chess Instructor
JOB DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the General Manager of Youth Outreach and Events, the Lead Chess Instructor will provide regular instruction and leadership in our in-person scholastic chess programs. Scholastic chess includes classes held at Mechanics’ Institute, on school campuses during or after school hours, online classes, seasonal camps, and weekend classes. Qualified candidates should have a foundational knowledge of chess and be familiar or be willing to be trained in chess instructional techniques. Candidates should also have a solid foundation in classroom management and conflict resolution strategies, particularly working with children. The Lead Chess Instructor will be part of the Mechanics’ Institute team, working on building a culture of unity and quality that reflects outward to the community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, prepare, and deliver dynamic lessons for students of varying levels of experience.
- Successfully manages a classroom including reporting accurate roll and absences, setting learning expectations, adhering to school rules and regulations, and reporting any classroom challenges.
- Provides leadership and support to Assistant Coaches.
- Promotion of chess tournaments, classes, camps, and other MI Chess Club events to scholastic participants.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with school administrators and parents when needed.
- Attend professional development and staff meetings when scheduled and as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A minimum of one year of chess instruction in a classroom and/or at three years of teaching elementary or middle school students in academic or general enrichment classes.
- Strong knowledge of chess principals (pieces, checkmate, basic pins/ forks/ tactics/ strategies).
- Prior experience working with children, with preference to specific experience in teaching or assisting with scholastic chess.
- Familiarity with classroom management strategies.
- Ability to manage a class size of 15+ students: assess, group and assign students into different groups, assign coaches to groups, manage rosters, attendance, and performance.
- Communicate with parents about students’ progress
- Report to supervisor about class status: challenges, problems, achievements, and potential leads.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Computer proficient with experience with MS Office.
- Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to communicate with members, donors, staff, and the public in a friendly and professional manner by phone, email, and in person.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to travel from one class location to another and lift up to 20lbs.
- Chess instructor title (USCF or FIDE) is a plus.
- Chess player title (USCF of FIDE) is a plus.
- Preferred Experience: Experience in teaching chess or similar enrichment classes and bachelor’s or higher degree in education or similar area of study.
Compensation and Benefits
- This is a part-time position in local schools and other sites. Compensation is based on available and assigned classes, and instructors are paid for classes taught per week. Compensation is $50 per hour for class and preparation time for in-person classes requiring supervision of other coaches or other higher-level responsibilities and $45 per hour for classes not requiring this additional oversight and/or classes held virtually. Class compensation level will be predetermined and set, and instructor will be informed of level for the class prior to class assignment. In addition, classroom preparation allocation time will be determined in collaboration with the supervisor based on the needs of the class. Any travel time between classes, aside from unpaid break times, will be compensated at the San Francisco or local worksite minimum wage, whichever is higher.
- Membership to the Mechanics’ Institute.
To Apply
- Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] and include “Lead Chess Instructor” in the subject line.
- Position will remain open until filled.
- No phone calls please.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Library Assistant staffs the circulation desk and performs a variety of clerical and technical service duties. Primary responsibilities include providing assistance and articulating policies and procedures to library members, checking out and receiving library materials, keeping accurate circulation records, processing materials, shelving materials, and assisting with basement stack maintenance. The position also assists in registering new members and renewing memberships, helping create displays, and assisting members with public workstation computers.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Mechanics’ Institute seeks a Library Assistant to perform customer service, clerical, and technical tasks typical of a small, busy library. Library Assistants staff the circulation desk, providing courteous and accurate service to Mechanics’ Institute members. Duties include the following:
- Checking out and receiving library materials
- Keeping accurate circulation records
- Registering new members
- Receiving and recording payment of fines
- Processing materials
- Shelving and shelf-reading using alphabetical and Dewey Decimal classification systems
- Utilizing a computer to retrieve information and input data
- Creating library documents such as holds slips, overdue notices, paging lists, and other related documents
- Creating displays and other member involvement activities
- Articulating library policies and procedures to library members
- Providing information and assistance to library members and visitors
- Registering new members and helping renew memberships
- Providing assistance with and troubleshooting of public and workstation computers
- Handling other tasks as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The qualifications listed in this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Enthusiasm for books, reading, and engagement are a foundation.
- Excellent customer service skills – ability to communicate with members, staff, management, and the public in a friendly and professional manner by phone, email, and in person.
- Demonstrated use of computers and technology including phone systems and printers.
- Proficiency with MS Office.
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
- High attention to detail
- Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Work in a library or non-profit environment
- Experience with Sierra ILS or other library system
- Library Technician AA or Bachelor’s Degree
Compensation and Benefits
- This is a part-time, hourly position
- Salary is commensurate with experience
- Membership to the Mechanics’ Institute
To Apply
- Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] and include “Part-time Library Assistant” in the subject line
- Include days/times available to work
- Hourly wage requirement (a range is fine)
- Priority to applications received by 11/15/21
- No phone calls please
Mechanics' Institute promotes a culture of inclusion and seeks talented staff from diverse backgrounds. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex (including the actual gender or perception of sex identity, appearance or behavior), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics legally protected by federal, state, or local laws and regulations.