STEM/STEAM 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 STEM/STEAM Specialist for its afterschool programs in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan. Openings vary across more than 30 sites during the school year. NYJTL provides free tennis and academic programs and serves children at sites throughout New York City’s five boroughs. The STEM/STEAM Specialist designs and facilitates engaging, hands-on programming for students in grades 6–8. Students explore real-world challenges through experiments, creative problem-solving, engineering projects, scientific investigations, and collaborative activities. They have opportunities to design, build, test, improve, and present original projects while developing critical thinking, innovation, and teamwork skills. This part-time position is scheduled Monday through Friday, with shifts between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., for up to 20 hours per week. Availability during those hours is required. Candidates are expected to work through the full school year ending in June 2027. Some school-holiday availability is required, and meetings, training, and special events may take place outside program hours. The role also requires 15 hours of professional development per calendar year.

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 visual arts, fine arts, design, photography, or a related field.
Ability to develop age-appropriate art lessons and projects.
Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to encourage creativity and engage students with varying skill levels.
Comfort organizing student artwork and leading exhibitions or showcases.
Dependability, professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm.
High school diploma or GED.
Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., for up to 20 hours per week, plus 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 multiple artistic mediums and creative techniques.
College degree, formal art 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 structured STEM/STEAM lessons, workshops, and hands-on projects.
Introduce students to scientific concepts, engineering principles, technology, and mathematical applications.
Design age-appropriate experiments, challenges, and activities connected to real-world experiences.
Guide students through brainstorming, planning, building, testing, and improving projects.
Incorporate creative arts and design into STEM activities.
Encourage curiosity, experimentation, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving.
Facilitate collaborative challenges, group projects, competitions, and student presentations.
Prepare students to showcase projects at STEM fairs, exhibitions, and program events.
Maintain a safe, organized, inclusive learning environment and follow agency and DYCD safety policies.
Maintain attendance, sign-in/out, and other program documentation as required.
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 activity space.
Lead inclusive, hands-on sessions differentiated for varying skill and grade levels.
Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports; adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
Build relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
Attend staff meetings, training workshops, planning sessions, and special events as required.
Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.