Dance Specialist –Afterschool Program
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 different dance styles and cultural forms of movement while helping them develop 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 classes, workshops, rehearsals, and sequential, project-based units aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. They create inclusive, differentiated activities, integrate social-emotional learning and youth leadership, maintain an organized and safe activity space, and collaborate with program staff to support students. The position is part-time, up to 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Hours may vary by site, and availability during these hours is required. Selected candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027, with some school holidays and meetings or events outside program hours. Positions are available at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.
Requirements
- Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, excluding meetings, during the school year and some school holidays.
- At least 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 demeanor.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
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 and modify activities for different abilities and experience levels.
- Maintain attendance and required program documentation.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
- Attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
- 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 varying 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 and follow 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.
- 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
