Academic Specialist

The School of The New York Times; New York (NY); On-site; USD 39,482 - 49,242; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in New York seeks an Academic Specialist for the Vogue Winter Break program. You will observe classes, provide feedback, and support student learning in the context of fashion education. The ideal candidate holds a BA degree, is CPR certified, and has teaching experience with high school students. This role offers a dynamic, engaging environment during a one-week program in January.

Qualifications

• At least two years of teaching experience or one year as a lead instructor.
• Must be CPR certified by program start.
• Experience with high school students in educational programs.

Responsibilities

• Observe classes and provide pedagogical feedback.
• Chaperone students to field trips and manage travel.
• Assist instructors with attendance and student concerns.

Skills

Teaching experience

Knowledge of fashion

Classroom management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts degree

Graduate degree or relevant experience

Job description

Academic Specialist, Pre-College 2026 – New York

Department: Vogue Winter Break

Employment Type: Contractor

Minimum Experience: Mid-level

Context

Edconic is a successful group of education businesses, including Sotheby’s Institute of Art, The School of The New York Times, Manchester City Business School, Wired Education, and Vogue College of Fashion. Its mission is to build compelling education programs in partnership with the world’s best brands. The Global Pre-College & Collegiate Division (GPCD) supports its expansion and plans for growth, by working across schools on the development and delivery of non‑MA programs.

About Vogue Winter Break

Vogue Winter Break invites high school students who are curious and passionate about the world of fashion to experience it first‑hand in the heart of New York City—one of the most important fashion capitals in the world. Students will explore a range of topics shaping the industry today and will participate in a specialized course in fashion business.

The program, which consists of a one‑week term in January, will provide students with direct access to fashion‑world professionals, and faculty will host daily live sessions. Faculty‑guided tours of notable industry sites in NYC will bring a firsthand experience of the fashion world. All courses are taught by fashion industry experts in collaboration with teaching professionals.

Job Summary

On a daily basis, Academic Specialists observe classes and provide pedagogical feedback to Vogue Winter Break academic staff to help strengthen the overall student experience. As additional adults in the classroom alongside each section’s Instructor and industry expert lecturers, Academic Specialists are a crucial organizational support for the teaching team. Academic Specialists provide back‑up instructional support, assisting in tutorial sessions during the afternoon. Academic Specialists chaperone class site visits alongside the Instructor and are responsible for finding and safely and effectively managing class travel. After the end of the term, Academic Specialists review and revise evaluations of students written by faculty to create a common tone and ensure a positive, constructive, student‑centered approach.

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Arts degree in a relevant field is required; a graduate degree (obtained/in progress) or professional experience is recommended. Academic Specialists should have at least two years of assistant teaching experience or one year of experience as a lead teacher with some experience teaching or editing writing, ideally within a fashion, arts, or humanities context. Academic Specialists must be CPR certified by the beginning of the program; applicants must either possess CPR certification or be willing to acquire it at their own expense in advance of the program. Three professional references are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Pre‑Session

• Complete asynchronous training sessions on diversity and inclusion, use of the Orah app, protection of minors, mental health first aid, de‑escalation protocols, and mandated reporting. Obtain CPR/First Aid certificate at own expense.
• Attend one orientation session via Zoom that focuses on the Academic Specialist role, and the ethos and teaching practices of Vogue Winter Break and Vogue College of Fashion.
• About one week prior to the start of the term, connect with their assigned Instructor/Academic Specialist team for introductions and any necessary course preparations.

During Session

• As scheduled, observe courses and write detailed reports on observations that include pedagogical feedback to strengthen course offerings.
• Alert Vogue Summer School staff to challenges that need to be addressed immediately.
• Support development of students’ final projects, including preparatory assignments and all creative projects during daily tutorial sections.
• Chaperone students to and from class field trips, providing supervision and guidance on travel itinerary throughout. Map out subway routes for trips to and from campus and between locations, in collaboration with the Instructor and a fellow Academic Specialist.
• Assist Instructors in documenting attendance and student‑specific concerns using the Orah app, following app best practices and promptly reporting any issues.
• Serve as on‑call faculty support as needed, including but not limited to serving as backup instructor in case of faculty absences.
• Other duties as assigned, including any requests made by the Programming Team, Lead Instructor and Instructor team that help facilitate the classroom experience for students.

Post‑Session

• Review and revise narrative evaluations of students written by faculty to create a common tone and ensure a positive, constructive, student‑centered approach.
• Liaise with Vogue Summer School staff to review courses and provide feedback for future planning.

Instructional Dates

• Term 1: January 4 – January 9

NOTE

Vogue Winter Break Academic Specialists work 30–40 hours per week, typically scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Some tasks may be completed remotely, though all applicants must be available to work in person in New York City. Knowledge of and prior experience navigating the city’s subway system is strongly preferred.

Areas of Content Expertise

Fashion design, fashion styling, fashion media, fashion business, creative direction, fashion history, art history, cultural studies, classroom management, high school student support.

Other Requirements

• Academic Specialists must be CPR certified or must be willing to obtain certification at their own expense prior to the start of the program.
• Academic Specialists must bring a personal laptop computer or tablet each day to complete class observation evaluations online.

Language Skills

While no special language skills are required for the position, applicants must be capable of upholding the highest standards of written and spoken English.

Teaching Experience

Academic Specialists should have at least two years of assistant teaching experience or one year of experience as a lead instructor, with some experience teaching writing, fashion, and/or media studies. Academic Specialists should also have some experience with high school students, in either formal or informal educational programs.

Physical Demands

The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of his/her job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to travel extensively within the broader New York City area via walking and the subway system.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, travel up and down stairs, crouch, stoop, and reach.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Salary

$975 (1 week), as an independent contractor.

Other

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Only qualified candidates should apply (NO RECRUITERS). Vogue College of Fashion is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact

Candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter indicating their interest in the position to [e-mail]. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.