STEM/STEAM Specialist – Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis League,Inc•New York, NY

About The Position

The STEM/STEAM Specialist designs and facilitates engaging, hands-on programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. Programming introduces science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through real-world challenges, experimentation, creative problem-solving, engineering projects, scientific investigations, and collaborative activities. Students design, build, test, improve, and present original projects while developing critical thinking, innovation, and teamwork skills. The role includes planning project-based lessons, preparing materials, creating an inclusive and safe learning environment, adapting activities to students’ needs, and coordinating with other program staff. The specialist also supports student showcases and maintains attendance, program documentation, equipment, and supplies. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, up to 20 hours per week, with times varying by site. Availability during these hours is required, and selected candidates are expected to work through June 2027. The role requires 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attendance at 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 programs, camps, schools, or recreational programs.
Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, during the school year and some school holidays; 20 hours per week, not including meetings.
High school diploma or GED.
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.
Ability to organize student artwork and lead exhibitions or showcases.
Dependability, professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm.
Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
Commitment to work through June 2027 if selected.

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 supervise youth in accordance with agency and DYCD policies.
Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation, including sign-in/out as required.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
Attend required meetings, training workshops, planning sessions, and special events.
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 students with 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 in response to student behavior, responses, and feedback.
Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
Share program progress, challenges, and recommendations for improvement with supervisors.
Care for and inventory specialty-area equipment and supplies.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.