Visual Arts & Culture Specialist – Afterschool Program

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

2d•Onsite

About The Position

New York Junior Tennis & Learning is hiring a Visual Arts & Culture Specialist for its afterschool program. The position serves middle school students in grades 6–8 at sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The specialist designs and facilitates creative, culturally enriching visual arts programming that encourages creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration. Students explore artistic mediums and techniques, influential artists, cultural traditions, and the ways art reflects identity, history, and diverse cultures. They develop original work and may participate in exhibitions, showcases, and collaborative installations. The specialist plans and leads sequential, project-based lessons aligned with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. The role incorporates social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership; prepares materials; creates an inclusive and safe learning environment; and adapts activities to student needs and feedback. The specialist also collaborates with program staff, supports youth safety and supervision, maintains attendance and other documentation, and cares for program equipment and supplies. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, up to 20 hours per week. Availability during these hours is required. The selected candidate is expected to work the full school year through June 2027. Some school-holiday availability, professional development, meetings, training, and special events—including those outside program hours—are also required.

Requirements

Availability Monday through Friday during afterschool hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, not including meetings; availability during some school holidays is also required.
At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as afterschool, 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 of varying skill levels.
Ability to organize student artwork and lead exhibitions or showcases.
Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic.
High school diploma or GED.
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 engaging visual arts lessons, workshops, and creative projects.
Introduce students to drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and other artistic mediums.
Expose students to influential artists, artistic movements, cultural traditions, and diverse forms of creative expression.
Teach foundational art techniques, composition, color theory, and creative design.
Encourage students to explore personal identity, culture, and community through artistic expression.
Guide students in creating original artwork, individual portfolios, and collaborative projects.
Prepare students for art exhibitions, galleries, showcases, and program events.
Promote creativity, confidence, cultural awareness, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive learning environment.
Maintain accurate attendance and required program documentation.
Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans aligned 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, hands-on sessions differentiated for various skill and grade levels; establish expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
Build relationships with youth, encourage participation, creativity, and persistence, and adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, 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, and share progress, challenges, and recommendations with supervisors.
Ensure youth safety and supervision in accordance with agency and DYCD policies.
Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation.
Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.
Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year and attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.