Game Design/Coding Specialist –Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis & Learning•New York, NY

1d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) is hiring a Game Design/Coding Specialist for its afterschool program, with openings in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan across more than 30 sites. The role plans and facilitates hands-on technology programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. Students explore computer science, coding fundamentals, game development, digital design, and interactive technology through project-based learning, including creating games, characters, storylines, and other digital experiences. The specialist fosters creativity, computational thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, and helps students prepare projects for demonstrations, competitions, and showcases. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM; start and end times may vary by site. The position is up to 20 hours per week, with availability during these hours required. Candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027. Some school-holiday availability is required, and meetings or events may occur outside program hours. The position also requires 15 hours of professional development each calendar year. NYJTL is a nonprofit youth tennis and education provider serving children at sites across New York City’s five boroughs. Its community tennis and afterschool programs are offered at no cost to participants. Its mission is to develop young people’s character through tennis and education.

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 computer science, coding, game development, technology education, or a related field.
Ability to teach coding and technology concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
Strong communication, classroom-management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to troubleshoot basic technology issues and guide students through problem-solving.
Ability to develop structured, project-based technology lessons.
Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic approach.
High school diploma or GED required.
Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
Availability Monday through Friday during the school year, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, not including meetings; availability on some school holidays is also required.
Expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
Familiarity with age-appropriate coding languages and platforms.
College degree, technology certification, coding training, 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 coding lessons, game-design workshops, and technology-based projects.
Introduce students to coding fundamentals, computational thinking, algorithms, and programming concepts.
Teach students to use age-appropriate coding platforms and game-development tools.
Guide students in designing and developing original video games, interactive stories, characters, and digital experiences.
Introduce game mechanics, level design, user experience, animation, and digital storytelling.
Create opportunities for students to practice problem-solving, debugging, and iterative design.
Encourage collaboration through group coding challenges and team-based game-development projects.
Prepare students to present games and digital projects at technology showcases and program events.
Promote digital literacy, creativity, innovation, and responsible technology use.
Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive technology learning 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, 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 inclusive, differentiated, hands-on sessions for different skill and grade levels.
Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
Build relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
Adapt activities in response to student behavior, responses, 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, following agency and DYCD policies.
Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation.
Care for and inventory specialty-area program equipment and supplies.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.