Dance Specialist –Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis League,Inc•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dance Specialist designs and leads energetic, challenging dance programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The role introduces students to a variety of dance styles while developing dance technique, choreography, musicality, confidence, teamwork, and performance skills. Students are encouraged to create original choreography and take leadership roles in performances, showcases, and program events. The specialist plans and facilitates structured classes, workshops, and rehearsals; prepares students for performances and other events; and maintains an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for students with different abilities and experience levels. The position also includes designing sequential, project-based units and lesson plans aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. Activities should integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership. The Dance Specialist works with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs, and shares progress and recommendations with supervisors. The role includes attendance and basic program documentation, maintaining and organizing the activity space and supplies, and following agency and DYCD safety policies. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (times may vary by site), up to 20 hours per week. Availability during these hours is required, and selected 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

Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., during the school year and some school holidays; up to 20 hours per week, not including meetings.
2+ years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, or recreational programs.
Demonstrated experience in dance, choreography, performance, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of at least one dance style.
Ability to choreograph and teach age-appropriate routines.
Strong classroom management and communication skills.
Ability to motivate and engage adolescents.
Comfort leading rehearsals and performances.
Professional, energetic, patient, and dependable.
High school diploma or GED required.
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.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching or working with middle school students.
Knowledge of multiple dance styles.
Formal dance training, 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 dance classes, workshops, and rehearsals.
Teach dance technique, choreography, rhythm, movement, and performance skills.
Introduce students to different dance styles and cultural forms of movement.
Create original choreography and encourage student-led choreography.
Prepare students for performances, showcases, competitions, and special events.
Promote confidence, discipline, teamwork, creativity, and leadership.
Maintain a safe and supportive environment for students of all skill levels.
Modify activities to meet different abilities and experience levels.
Maintain attendance and required program documentation.
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, 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.