The YWCA of the City of New York (YWCA NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We are a multiracial social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues that emerge at the intersection of race, class, and gender. We reach more than 3,000 New York City youth each year, offering leadership and advocacy training for young women through our high school Girls Initiatives, and providing after-school COMPASS and SONYC programs for elementary and middle school students in culturally diverse communities. Through culturally responsive programming and a strong model of youth development, we create pathways for the next generation of leaders to reach their dreams and drive social change. 

We seek caring, creative, knowledgeable, and results-oriented Activity Specialists committed to positive youth development and capable of creating and implementing curriculum in an afterschool setting.  

In this role, the Activity Specialist will plan, deliver, and supervise engaging, age-appropriate activities in a specialized focus area (such as STEM, Health and Physical Education, Literacy, Arts, and Leadership) for participants in YWCA after-school programs. The individual in this position fosters a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where all students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow, while working closely with program leadership and school staff to align lessons with program objectives, prepare youth for showcases or events, and adapt curriculum to meet diverse needs.  

Salary Range: $25-$30 per hour 

Job Type: Part Time 

Expected hours: 9 –12 hours per week 

Available Starting: August 1st 2026 

Locations: Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Brownsville, Harlem and Hell’s Kitchen

Key Responsibilities  

Design & Instruction 

• Design and deliver sequenced units and lessons using Understanding by Design (UbD) that integrate DYCD content areas and youth development principles. 
• Develop measurable learning objectives and assessments (exit tickets, rubrics, work samples) tied to UbD transfer goals. 
• Create hands-on, inquiry-based activities that spark curiosity and expose students to new ways of thinking. 
• Infuse SEL strategies, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive approaches into daily instruction. 
• Differentiate instruction and apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies to meet diverse learner needs and abilities. 
• Ensure all activities and curricula align with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, program goals, and student interests. 
• Adapt curriculum and teaching strategies based on student needs, assessment data, and feedback. 
• Lead a culminating curriculum showcase at the end of each instructional cycle to demonstrate student learning and growth to families, school staff, and stakeholders. 
• Maintain a positive, student-centered, and safe learning environment through effective classroom management and behavior supports. 

Compliance & Operational Duties 

• Follow DYCD COMPASS/SONYC requirements, site safety protocols, and SACC/DOH regulations. 
• Complete required documentation: attendance, lesson logs, incident reports, and program data entry (DYCD Connect as applicable). 
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and observation/coaching cycles. 
• Always supervise participants, ensuring their safety and well-being in compliance with YWCA policies. 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Coordinate with Program Director, Education Specialists, and school staff to align after-school activities with school-day goals. 
• Communicate regularly with families about student progress and showcase events. 
• Support recruitment, attendance strategies, and sustain positive relationships with school partners. 
• Support field trips, community-building events, and other enrichment opportunities to enhance program impact. 

Qualifications  

• Associate's degree or 18 credits in education, Youth Development, Arts, STEM, or related field (or equivalent experience). 
• Minimum 1–2 years experience delivering activities to school-age youth in after-school or OST settings. 
• Experience with project-based learning, UbD, SEL integration, or similar curriculum frameworks. 
• Familiarity with inclusive practices for children with diverse needs (IEP/504/IAP accommodations). 
• Strong classroom management, planning, and communication skills. 
• Proficiency with basic digital tools (Google Workspace, MS Office).  
• CPR/First Aid and clearances (DOHMH, SCR, DCJS/SOR) required or willingness to obtain. 
• Commitment to promoting YW-NYC’s social justice mission and educational and youth development philosophy 

The hours for this position will fluctuate depending on the school's needs, general operation hours can range from 2:00pm – 6:00pm, with some variation depending on school needs. 

Benefits: 

Eligibility requirement rules apply  

• Paid time off 
• 403(b)Plan 
• Retirement plan 

Physical Demands:  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping all day. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items under 20 pounds. During fire drills, the employee, unless physically unable, will need to use the stairs to go to ground level from the fourth floor. Typing is required for composing emails and writing reports. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.? 

The YWCA of the City of New York is an equal opportunity employer and contractor. We provide equal employment and contracting opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The YWCA of New York City utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees. Moreover, we encourage applicants from historically underrepresented communities to apply.?