Sports and Recreation - Activity Specialist

Young Womens Christian Association of the City of NY • New York, NY

15h • $24 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

The YWCA of the City of New York is seeking a caring, energetic, and results-oriented Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist who is committed to positive youth development and promoting physical activity, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles. The Specialist plans, facilitates, and supervises interactive, age-appropriate sports, games, fitness challenges, movement activities, and recreational play for youth in an afterschool program. The role creates a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can participate, develop skills, build confidence, and stay active.

Working closely with program leadership and school staff, the Specialist aligns recreation programming with program goals, adapts activities for diverse skill levels and abilities, and may prepare youth for friendly tournaments, showcases, or community events. The Specialist also supports teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and healthy habits through structured play and active learning.

The position averages 8–20 hours per week, typically between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on scheduled days, with some variation based on school needs. The Specialist must be able to stand for extended periods and travel and work across YWCA program sites as needed.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or a minimum of two years of college coursework.
• One to two years of experience facilitating sports, recreation, physical activity, youth development, or community-based programming.
• Knowledge of sports fundamentals, recreational activities, and physical fitness practices, with the ability to lead structured and inclusive activities for youth.
• Strong group management, facilitation, and communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse learners through interactive and movement-based activities.
• Ability to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and healthy lifestyle habits through recreation programming.
• Creative, adaptable, and culturally responsive approach, with a commitment to welcoming and supporting youth of all skill levels.
• CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it within the designated timeframe.
• Successful completion of a background check and fingerprint clearance.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to travel and work across YWCA program sites as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Physical Education, Recreation, Kinesiology, Sports Management, Youth Development, Education, or a related field.
• Experience in afterschool or school-based programs.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and facilitate developmentally appropriate sports, recreation, and movement-based activities that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.
• Create engaging activities, including team sports, cooperative games, fitness challenges, movement circuits, and recreational tournaments.
• Align recreation programming with youth development principles, program goals, and student interests while fostering teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
• Adapt activities, equipment, rules, and instructional approaches for diverse skill levels, abilities, and learning styles.
• Maintain a daily minimum of 15 participants while ensuring high-quality engagement, inclusion, and active participation.
• Supervise participants at all times and ensure their safety and well-being in compliance with YWCA policies, particularly during physical activities and use of sports equipment.
• Establish and reinforce safety procedures for games, fitness activities, and recreational play.
• Delegate roles to group leaders and program staff during activities, as applicable, to support small-group engagement and effective supervision.
• Manage activity spaces to promote teamwork, respect, fair play, and positive participation.
• Work with the Program Director and Education Specialist to align activities with program schedules and objectives.
• Collaborate with school-day staff to support student wellness and reinforce the importance of physical activity and healthy habits.
• Communicate with colleagues, school staff, and parents or guardians about student participation, progress, and upcoming activities or events.
• Prepare participants for friendly competitions, recreation showcases, fitness challenges, and end-of-program tournaments in partnership with school staff.
• Support field trips, community-building events, and enrichment opportunities that promote active lifestyles and teamwork.
• Encourage teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving through cooperative games and group-based physical activities.
• Set up, operate, and clean up activity spaces; organize, inventory, and properly store sports and recreation equipment and supplies.
• Ensure responsible use and care of equipment and activity spaces, including gyms, playgrounds, and outdoor areas.
• Submit required program documentation, lesson plans, and attendance records accurately and on time.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.
• Implement the YWCA’s anti-racist and anti-sexist philosophy throughout programming and promote equity, inclusion, and positive youth development.
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive market salaries
• PTO
• Commuter benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Discounted staff perks, such as theater tickets and theme park tickets through Plum Benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree