Music 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 Music Specialists for its afterschool program at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Openings vary across more than 30 sites throughout the school year. NYJTL provides free tennis and educational programs to children across New York City and aims to develop young people’s character through tennis and education. The Music Specialist plans and facilitates engaging, age-appropriate music programming for students in grades 6–8. Programming introduces students to music genres, instruments, music technology, songwriting, vocal performance, and music production, while encouraging creativity and individual expression. Students should have opportunities to build skills, collaborate with peers, and participate in performances, showcases, or student-led projects. 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, and selected candidates are expected to work through the end of the school year in June 2027. The role also requires some school-holiday availability, 15 hours of professional development per calendar year, and attendance at required meetings, training workshops, 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 music, performance, production, or a related field.
Ability to teach music in an engaging, youth-friendly manner.
Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to create structured lesson plans and engaging activities.
Ability to work effectively with students of varying skill levels.
Comfort leading group activities and student performances.
Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic disposition.
High school diploma or GED required.
Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, during the school year and some school holidays; up to 20 program hours per week, not including meetings.
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.
College degree, music 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 music lessons, workshops, and projects for students in grades 6–8.
Introduce students to music genres, instruments, rhythm, songwriting, vocal performance, and music technology.
Create opportunities for students to develop original music and creative projects.
Prepare students for performances, showcases, talent shows, and program events.
Encourage teamwork, confidence, leadership, and positive self-expression.
Maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
Adapt activities to accommodate different skill levels and learning styles.
Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
Attend required meetings, training workshops, planning sessions, 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.
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.
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.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.