After-School Education Specialist (Astoria)

Young Womens Christian Association of the City of•Astoria, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The YWCA of the City of New York (YW-NYC) is a social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues at the intersection of race, class, and gender. They serve New York City school children through high school Girls Initiatives and Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. The Education Specialist will oversee curriculum development, ensuring lessons are standards-aligned, incorporate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and restorative practices, and foster hands-on learning. Responsibilities include writing and reviewing lesson plans, training staff, planning culminating events, conducting observations, and providing coaching. This position reports to the site Program Director and requires a positive youth development lens, collaborative relationships, data-driven improvement, accountability, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Youth Development, or related field (Master’s preferred).
3+ years experience designing and implementing curriculum for school-age youth; experience in after-school/DYCD settings strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with Understanding by Design, project-based learning, and integrating SEL into lessons.
Proven track record coaching teachers or staff, delivering professional development, and improving instructional practice.
Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiation, and inclusive practices for students with diverse needs.
Strong skills in assessment design, data-informed instruction, and lesson/unit planning.
Excellent communication, facilitation, organization, and teamwork skills.
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with DYCD reporting systems a plus.
CPR/First Aid and required clearances or willingness to obtain.
Deep knowledge of anti-racism and gender equity principles and practices and commitment to promoting YW-NYC’s social justice mission and educational and youth development philosophy
Must obtain the following clearances: The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Sex Offender Registry (SOR), The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), The New York State Central Registrar (SCR), The New York State Staff Exclusion List (SEL), Criminal History Review.
Must participate in 5-hour Foundations in Health and Safety and Mandated Reporter trainings.
Eligibility requirement rules apply.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Experience in after-school/DYCD settings
Familiarity with DYCD reporting systems

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and oversee high-quality educational programs, curricula, and materials for the Fall, Spring, and Summer units, ensuring alignment with the agency’s mission, social justice values, and funder requirements.
Develop and review lesson plans that reflect thematic units and promote student engagement, critical thinking, and skill development.
Plan and execute at least three theme-based culminating events annually that showcase student learning and program impact.
Ensure all program content aligns with school-day goals, DOE standards, and organizational priorities.
Lead development of sequenced, UbD-aligned units and project-based curricula across Literacy, STEM, Arts, SEL, and Civic content areas.
Create templates, pacing guides, assessment rubrics, and exemplar lesson plans for site use.
Lead organization of a culminating curriculum showcase at the end of each instructional cycle to share student work and demonstrate learning outcomes with families, school staff, and stakeholders.
Provide leadership, training, coaching, and ongoing support to educators, group leaders, and activity specialists to strengthen instructional practices and program delivery.
Facilitate curriculum-based professional development sessions to ensure consistent and effective implementation across all middle school sites.
Conduct regular observations, model lessons, deliver feedback, and run coaching cycles to raise instructional quality.
Plan and deliver professional development focused on UbD, SEL integration, restorative practices, inclusive instruction, and assessment for learning.
Design formative and summative assessments tied to learning objectives and transfer goals.
Use assessment data to inform instructional adjustments and professional development priorities.
Collaborate with subcontractors and vendors to enhance program offerings and ensure external partnerships align with thematic and curricular goals.
Work closely with Program Directors, school staff, and the Multisite Supervisor to ensure cohesive program implementation and communication across all stakeholders.
Stay current with best practices, research, and trends in youth development and education to inform continuous program improvement.
Identify and recommend books, materials, and supplies necessary to support curriculum implementation and lesson planning.
Ensure the availability and effective use of appropriate technology to enhance lessons and student learning experiences.
Reinforce YWCA NYC philosophies and commitment to equity, empowerment, and social justice within all programming.
Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants and staff.
Participate actively in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events as required.
Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, colleagues, parents, subcontractors, and school staff.