Chess Specialist – Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis & Learning•New York, NY

20h•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Chess Specialist plans and facilitates engaging, skill-building chess programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The role introduces chess fundamentals—including piece movement, rules, openings, strategies, tactics, and endgame techniques—while helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, patience, and sportsmanship. Students build skills through individual practice, collaborative learning, friendly competitions, and tournaments. The specialist designs sequential, project-based units and lesson plans that align with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. They lead inclusive, differentiated sessions, integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership, and maintain a structured, safe, and organized activity space. The specialist also collaborates with program staff and site leadership, supports youth safety and supervision, and completes attendance and other required documentation. This is a part-time, school-year position at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, up to 20 hours per week. Availability during these hours is required, and selected candidates are expected to work through June 2027. Some school holidays, meetings, trainings, and special events may also require attendance, including activities outside program hours. The hourly salary is $21.50–$24.50.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, or recreational programs.
Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, during the school year and some school holidays; up to 20 hours per week, not including meetings.
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 organizing and leading group competitions and tournaments.
Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year through June 2027.
Must attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.

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 required program documentation, including sign-in/out records as needed.
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 different skill and grade levels.
Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
Build strong 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, training workshops, and planning sessions; complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.
Attend required special events and perform other assigned duties and responsibilities.