Content Specialist — Middle School COMPASS/SONYC Program

Veronica Arts Media • Brooklyn, NY

11d

About The Position

The Content Specialist supports the planning, quality, and implementation of a DYCD-funded middle school after-school program. This role is responsible for selecting, organizing, and supporting high-quality program content across required content areas, including academic support, literacy, STEAM, media arts, leadership development, physical fitness, wellness, social-emotional learning, and college and career exposure. The Content Specialist will oversee and support the implementation of activities delivered by Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers. This includes reviewing lesson plans, helping staff strengthen activities, supporting classroom management strategies, observing program delivery, and providing coaching and professional development to ensure strong program quality. This is a part-time position providing up to 9 hours of service per week. The Content Specialist reports to the Program Director and Executive Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least one year of experience in a supervisory, oversight, coaching, curriculum, or program quality role.
• Experience working with middle school youth in an after-school, school-based, nonprofit, community-based, or youth development setting.
• Experience supporting or developing enrichment programming in areas such as literacy, STEAM, media arts, sports, leadership, wellness, or social-emotional learning.
• Ability to support and coach staff in lesson planning, activity facilitation, and youth engagement.
• Must complete required clearances, including DOE fingerprinting, Statewide Central Registry clearance, and Department of Health/SACC-related requirements, as applicable.
• The Content Specialist may not serve as the Program Director.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of DYCD COMPASS/SONYC program expectations preferred.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and middle school student needs.
• Ability to create engaging, structured, and student-centered programming.
• Experience observing staff, giving feedback, and supporting professional growth.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to educational equity, youth development, and culturally responsive practices.
• Experience with project-based learning, media arts, literacy enrichment, sports-based youth development, or SEL programming strongly preferred.
• Strong commitment to educational equity and youth voice.
• Passion for working with middle school students in under-resourced communities.
• Creative, flexible, and solutions-oriented.
• Ability to coach staff with patience, professionalism, and clarity.
• Commitment to building safe, joyful, and engaging learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Select, organize, and manage program content across DYCD-required content areas.
• Support the implementation of middle school enrichment activities, including literacy, STEAM, media arts, sports, leadership, wellness, and social-emotional learning.
• Review and support lesson plans created by Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers.
• Develop or adapt curriculum materials when necessary to meet student needs and program goals.
• Observe program activities and provide staff with coaching, feedback, and support.
• Assist with staff training and professional development related to program quality, youth engagement, lesson delivery, and classroom culture.
• Ensure activities are age-appropriate, engaging, culturally responsive, and aligned with the developmental needs of middle school students.
• Support student voice, leadership, creativity, and positive identity development through program content.
• Work with the Program Director to ensure program activities align with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC goals and organizational expectations.
• Support inclusion practices for students with diverse learning, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Help ensure program content promotes student safety, engagement, academic growth, and social-emotional development.
• Maintain organized curriculum materials, activity plans, and documentation as needed.
• Collaborate with the Program Director, school staff, and VAM leadership to strengthen program quality.

Benefits

• Sick and Safe Leave, as applicable.
• Select DOE holidays, depending on OST program operating schedules.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level