Chess Specialist – Afterschool Program
About The Position
The Chess Specialist plans and facilitates engaging, skill-building chess programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The specialist teaches chess fundamentals, including piece movement, rules, strategy, tactics, openings, and endgame techniques, while helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, patience, and sportsmanship. Students build their skills through individual practice, collaborative learning, friendly competitions, and tournaments. The role involves designing sequential, project-based lessons aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. The specialist integrates social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership into activities; prepares materials; maintains an organized and safe activity space; and adapts instruction for different skill and grade levels. The specialist collaborates with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership, participates in meetings and trainings, supports youth safety and supervision, and completes required attendance and program documentation. The position is based at afterschool program sites in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, or Manhattan, with openings at more than 30 sites. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM and up to 20 hours per week. Availability during those hours is required. Candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending June 2027. The position also requires 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attendance at required meetings, trainings, and special events, including some outside program hours.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, or recreational programs.
- Ability to plan structured activities and manage a group independently.
- Demonstrated experience or knowledge in chess, competitive play, coaching, or instruction.
- Strong understanding of chess rules, strategies, and instructional techniques.
- Ability to teach chess in an engaging, youth-friendly manner.
- Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to differentiate instruction for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players.
- Comfort leading group competitions and tournaments.
- Dependability, professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
- Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, during the school year and some school holidays; the stated 20 hours per week does not include meetings.
- Expected to work through the full school year ending June 2027.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
- College degree, chess certification, or equivalent experience.
- Some college coursework or a degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field.
- Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
- Bilingual language skills.
Responsibilities
- Plan and facilitate structured chess lessons, workshops, and practice sessions for students in grades 6–8.
- Teach chess fundamentals, including piece movement, rules, openings, strategies, tactics, and endgame techniques.
- Develop students’ critical thinking, strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Introduce advanced strategies and challenges for students with varying skill levels.
- Organize chess matches, tournaments, competitions, and student-led chess events.
- Encourage sportsmanship, patience, perseverance, and respectful competition.
- Create opportunities for peer mentoring and collaborative play.
- Maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
- Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.
- Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area.
- Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
- Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
- Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
- Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.
- Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
- Build relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
- Adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
- Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
- Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
- Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
- Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
- Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
- Attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
