Fashion and Culture Specialist –Afterschool Program
About The Position
The Fashion and Culture Specialist designs and facilitates creative programming for middle school students in grades 6–8, introducing fashion, design, cultural identity, and personal expression. The role exposes students to fashion history, global styles, textiles, trends, and influential designers, while encouraging creativity, individuality, and cultural appreciation. Through hands-on projects and collaborative activities, students explore fashion illustration, clothing design, styling, upcycling, and fashion entrepreneurship. The specialist helps students connect fashion with identity, history, sustainability, and diverse cultural influences, and supports them in developing original designs and participating in showcases and student-led exhibitions. The position is based at after-school program sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Manhattan, with openings varying across more than 30 sites. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.; start and end times may vary by site. The role is up to 20 hours per week, with availability during those hours required. Selected candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027. Some school-holiday availability is required. Staff must complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attend required meetings, trainings, and special events, including some outside program hours.
Requirements
- 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.
- Comfortable leading student design projects and fashion showcases.
- Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (up to 20 hours per week, not including meetings), during the school year and some school holidays.
- 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 about 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.
- Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year; attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events.
- Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area, aligned 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 with supervisors.
- Ensure youth safety and supervision in accordance with agency and DYCD policies.
- Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation.
- 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
