Fashion and Culture Specialist –Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis & Learning•New York, NY

19h•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) is hiring a Fashion and Culture Specialist for its afterschool program at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Openings vary across more than 30 sites throughout the school year. The role serves middle school students in grades 6–8, designing and facilitating creative programming on fashion, design, cultural identity, and personal expression. Students explore fashion history, global styles, textiles, trends, influential designers, fashion illustration, clothing design, styling, upcycling, and fashion entrepreneurship through hands-on projects and collaborative activities. The program encourages students to connect fashion with identity, history, sustainability, and diverse cultural influences, and to develop original designs for showcases and student-led exhibitions. 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; start and end times may vary by site. Availability during these hours is required. Candidates are expected to work the full school year through June 2027. The role also includes 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attendance at required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including some outside program hours. NYJTL programs are offered at no cost to participants.

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.
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 or knowledge in fashion design, styling, textiles, merchandising, or a related field.
Strong understanding of fashion trends, design techniques, and cultural influences.
Ability to teach age-appropriate fashion design and creative activities.
Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to encourage creativity, individuality, and cultural appreciation.
Comfort leading student design projects and fashion showcases.
Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic demeanor.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
Knowledge of basic sewing and garment construction.
College degree, fashion 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 engaging fashion design lessons, workshops, and creative projects.
Introduce students to fashion history, global fashion trends, cultural influences, and influential designers.
Teach foundational fashion concepts, including color theory, styling, design principles, textiles, and fashion illustration.
Provide hands-on opportunities for students to create mood boards, sketches, accessories, and original fashion designs.
Introduce basic sewing, garment construction, upcycling, and sustainable fashion practices as appropriate.
Encourage students to explore cultural identity, personal style, and self-expression through fashion.
Incorporate discussions of fashion entrepreneurship, branding, marketing, and careers in the fashion industry.
Guide students in developing original collections, collaborative design projects, and fashion portfolios.
Prepare students for fashion shows, design exhibitions, showcases, and program events.
Maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive creative environment and maintain accurate attendance and program documentation.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events.
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 inclusive, differentiated, hands-on sessions for varying skill and grade levels; establish expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
Build strong relationships with youth, encourage participation, creativity, and persistence, and 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 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.