Activity Specialist

Harlem Childrens Zone • New York, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Activity Specialist to support programming at our West Side Community Centers. The Activity Specialist will bring a strong passion for Harlem Children’s Zone’s mission: to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through comprehensive, community-based programming that creates opportunities for children, families, and residents to thrive in school, work, and life. We are looking for dynamic, part-time Activity Specialists across a variety of disciplines to design and lead engaging programs for children, youth, and community members during after-school and evening hours. Our community members bring a wealth of creativity, energy, and lived experience, and Harlem Children’s Zone provides a supportive environment and resources to help them grow, connect, and succeed. As an Activity Specialist, you will develop and facilitate engaging lesson plans, group activities, and creative experiences aligned with your area of expertise. You will foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages participation from children, families, and local residents. In addition, you will promote the development of essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and positive decision-making.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (degree preferred)
• 2+ years of teaching experience
• A commitment to Youth Development and the mission and programs of HCZ
• The ability to create lesson plans related to the class subject matter and implement project based learning in the curriculum
• Must have at least one year of teaching experience
• Passion and experience with arts education involving youth, along with Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm for young people
• Excellent planning, organization, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to provide consistent and positive instruction as well as receive constructive criticism
• Experience working in youth development and teaching well-developed enrichment courses, social consciousness, self-identity, and efficacy
• Energetic, motivated self-starter and a team player
• Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively on projects with staff and students and full curriculum

Nice To Haves

• Conservatory training and/or university-level education and practical experience in the content area is preferred (college students currently pursuing degree-level work are also encouraged to apply)

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate engaging lessons, activities, and units
• Work with program participants to develop their artistic, educational, and/or leadership potential
• Coordinate subject-related trips, guest speakers, and other special events
• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Share insights discovered with team members on a regular basis
• Act as a role model
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Benefits

• Career advancement
• Paid sick leave
• Employee referral bonus
• Physical wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED