Academy Specialist

Academy Specialist

Part-time (8–18 hrs/week)  ·  The Launchpad at E90, Tukwila, WA  ·  Reports to the Academy Manager

About Space United

Space United is the world's first space-driven soccer club, founded by the Tobacia Brothers — Latino athletes turned space engineers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. Our mission is to connect billions of global sports fans to the future of space exploration and make it feel relevant, exciting, and within reach. Space United Academy is our youth program, blending competitive soccer training with hands-on space and STEM missions. Our first flagship Academy location — the Launchpad at E90 in Tukwila, WA — opens this fall.

The Role

Academy Specialists are the friendly, energetic facilitators who guide kids (ages 6–14) through their Space United missions — hands-on workshops in rocketry, engineering, coding, and the science of sport. You don't lecture from the front of the room; you move through it. You ask the question that unsticks a build, celebrate the launch that finally flies, and make every kid feel like part of the crew. If kids light up around you and space makes you a little giddy, this is your job.

What You'll Do

•    Facilitate missions — Guide cadets through self-paced missions and group workshops — coaching, questioning, and encouraging rather than instructing. We train you on all curriculum; you bring the energy.

•    Create the vibe — Greet every kid by name, keep the room's energy high and its atmosphere safe and inclusive.

•    Track progress — Log each cadet's advancement through our Flight Ranks badge system and share wins with parents at pickup — a 30-second story about their kid's build is the best retention tool we have.

•    Run the room — Set up stations before sessions, reset after, care for materials and equipment, and uphold safety standards.

•    Support events — Help staff birthday parties, school-break camps, field trips, and showcase nights — our most fun shifts, with extra hours available.

Schedule & Time Commitment

Part-time, 8–18 hours per week, built from shifts during Launchpad operating hours:

•    Weekday shifts: Monday–Friday, 4:30 – 8:15 PM (programs run 5:00 – 8:00 PM; shifts include setup and reset time).

•    Saturday shifts: 9:30 AM – 3:15 PM, full or half day (Launchpad hours 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM).

•    A typical week is 2–4 weekday afternoons plus a Saturday. Additional paid hours are available during school-break camp weeks and special events.

We build schedules around school and life commitments — this role fits great alongside college coursework, coaching, or teaching.

What You Bring

•    Experience working with kids ages 6–14: camp counselor, youth coach, tutor, teacher's aide, after-school program, or similar.

•    Genuine curiosity about space, science, or making things — no engineering degree required; we provide full training.

•    Reliability, patience, and big positive energy — you're the reason kids beg their parents to come back.

•    Soccer background welcome; Spanish or other languages spoken in the Tukwila community are a strong plus.

•    Must be 18+ and available at least three shifts per week including some Saturdays.

Compensation

$20–$24 per hour depending on experience, with paid training, growth path toward Lead Specialist and Academy Manager roles as we expand, and free Launchpad access for siblings' trial sessions.

How to Apply

Send a short note about why this role is for you (no formal cover letter needed) and your resume to [email protected]. We review applications on a rolling basis and would love to have you on the crew before opening day.

Space United is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the community we serve. All offers are contingent on a Washington State background check; CPR/First Aid certification is provided if you don't already hold it.