Part-time Hourly Position
Dare to Repair Cafe Program Coordinator
The Tool LIbrary
Organization Description
The Tool Library (TL) is a nonprofit tool-lending library serving Buffalo and all of Western New York. The Tool Library’s mission is to provide communities with the tools they need to create the change they want. We believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to fixing up your home, growing your own food, or improving your community. Through a sharing economy model, members can borrow from an inventory of 5,000+ tools. These same tools also support community-based, issue-focused programming like urban reforestation, food access, waste reduction, greenspace development, lead safe renovations, and commercial corridor revitalization.
Run as an all-volunteer organization for over ten years, The Tool Library has slowly built staff capacity over the past two and half years to include a full-time Executive Director, a full-time Operations Manager, and a part-time Lead Safe Tool Borrowing Program Coordinator.
The Tool Library creates a work culture that values positivity, ingenuity, and personal development. We question traditional structures and hierarchy, promote equity, foster safer space for all people and are an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, queer, trans and nonbinary people, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Details
Dare to Repair Cafe Program Coordinator
The Tool Library is seeking a part-time Program Coordinator to join our growing team. The Program Manager will be primarily responsible for managing The Tool Library’s existing Dare to Repair Cafe programming. Dare to Repair Cafes are free, pop-up community fix-it events where community members can bring in broken household items and learn how to repair them alongside a team of volunteer fixers. Dare to Repair Cafes reduce waste, conserve resources, save money, all while sharing skills and building community.
The part-time Program Coordinator will be responsible for the planning, execution, and reporting of two Repair Café events per month from October 2026 through October 2027 for a total of 24 events across WNY.
The Programs Manager will work closely with an existing network of volunteers and will receive support and oversight from The Tool Library’s Executive Director and Programs Committee.
Responsibilities
Planning and Outreach
- Working with public venues (libraries, community centers, churches, etc) and community partners to secure locations and schedule Repair Cafe events
- Recruiting new volunteers
- Maintaining volunteer contact list
- Maintaining a schedule of all Repair Cafe events
- Confirming volunteer attendance at each event
- Promoting and marketing Dare to Repair Cafes through press releases/media alerts, social media posts, flyers, website updates, email newsletters, and occasional tabling events at partner locations
- Posting lawn signs near venues at least two weeks in advance
Event Facilitation
- Conducting site tour/assessment of each venue
- Ensuring appropriate amounts of repair consumables are available prior to each event
- Delivering event supplies to location
- Setting up location on day of event
- Serving a point person for event host and volunteers
- Securing volunteer refreshments
- Setting up youth-focused teaching table with D2R instructor
- Facilitating matching fixers with community members during event
- Taking photos of volunteers and participants
- Ensuring waiver and consent form are signed and questionnaires are filled out
- Tracking consumable repair parts used
Follow-up and Reporting
- Inputting data from each event into an online database
- Sending out thank you and summary of events to volunteers and partners
- Sending out post-event thank you and follow-up to participants
- Compiling feedback into formal report with recommendations and strategies for program improvement
- Posting photos and statistics from each event on social media
- Drafting quarterly and annual reports as required by project funders
Qualifications
Qualifications required:
- Computer literacy skills (GMail, Google Drive, Canva/Adobe, etc.)
- High level of organization and attention to detail
- Flexible, creative, and a problem solver who is able to learn on the fly
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Reliable and self-motivated, able to work independently without onsite supervision
- Ability to lift, push, pull, carry heavy items (up to 40lbs)
- Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for transporting event materials
Qualifications preferred:
- Experience and a keen interest in event planning, waste reduction, volunteer coordination, and/or repair work
Additional Details
Expected Hire Date
October 1, 2026
Salary
The pay for this position is $25/hour and the position will be 20 hours a week. This is a 1-year grant-funded position with the goal of growing the position as funding becomes available.
Work Week
The Program Coordinator will work out of The Tool Library’s storefront as well as off-site at each Dare to Repair Cafe location. Events typically take place on Saturdays between 9AM-2PM or weeknights from 4-7PM. Hours outside of scheduled events can be flexible based on the candidate’s schedule as well as demands of the job and needs of the organization.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by emailing a short letter of interest, resume, and contact information for two professional references to interest@thetoollibrary.org with “Dare to Repair Cafe Program Coordinator” in the subject line. In your letter, please include why you think you’re the right fit for the position, what excites you most about the position, and what you can bring to The Tool Library team.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate is selected. The position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.