Activity Specialist

Harlem Children's Zone Inc; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Career advancement

Paid sick leave

Employee referral bonus

Physical wellness discounts

Commuter benefits

Additional Benefits (Discounts on flys

Additional Benefits (Discounts on flig

Job summary

Harlem Children's Zone is seeking a dynamic, mission-aligned Activity Specialist to design and lead after-school and evening programs for children, youth, and community members at our West Side Community Centers.

The role emphasizes lesson planning, group activities, and life-skill development, with opportunities to collaborate with staff and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required; degree preferred.
• 2+ years of teaching experience.
• Conservatory training or college-level study in the subject area is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate engaging lessons, activities, and units.
• Coordinate trips, guest speakers, and special events.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and share insights with the team.
• Act as a role model and promote a positive, inclusive environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Lesson planning

Youth development

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Creativity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College-level or conservatory training preferred

Job description

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Activity Specialist to support programming at our West Side Community Centers.

The Activity Specialist will bring a strong passion for Harlem Children’s Zone’s mission: to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through comprehensive, community-based programming that creates opportunities for children, families, and residents to thrive in school, work, and life.

We are looking for dynamic, part-time Activity Specialists across a variety of disciplines to design and lead engaging programs for children, youth, and community members during after-school and evening hours. Our community members bring a wealth of creativity, energy, and lived experience, and Harlem Children’s Zone provides a supportive environment and resources to help them grow, connect, and succeed.

As an Activity Specialist, you will develop and facilitate engaging lesson plans, group activities, and creative experiences aligned with your area of expertise. You will foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages participation from children, families, and local residents. In addition, you will promote the development of essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and positive decision-making.

For more information, check out Want to Work at Harlem Children’s Zone? Here’s 7 Things You Need to Know.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (degree preferred)
• 2+ years of teaching experience

Who You Are

• A commitment to Youth Development and the mission and programs of HCZ
• The ability to create lesson plans related to the class subject matter and implement project based learning in the curriculum
• Conservatory training and/or university-level education and practical experience in the content area is preferred (college students currently pursuing degree-level work are also encouraged to apply)
• Must have at least one year of teaching experience
• Passion and experience with arts education involving youth, along with Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm for young people
• Excellent planning, organization, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to provide consistent and positive instruction as well as receive constructive criticismExperience working in youth development and teaching well-developed enrichment courses, social consciousness, self-identity, and efficacy
• Energetic, motivated self-starter and a team player
• Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively on projects with staff and students and full curriculum
  

What You’ll Do

• Plan and facilitate engaging lessons, activities, and units
• Work with program participants to develop their artistic, educational, and/or leadership potential
• Coordinate subject-related trips, guest speakers, and other special events
• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Share insights discovered with team members on a regular basis
• Act as a role model
• Perform other duties as assigned by management
  

Schedule

• On-Site (Monday-Thursday) 5PM – 9PM and Saturdays from 10AM - 3PM
• During our Summer Camp Program, the Activity Specialists’ schedule will shift to Monday-Thursday from 1PM – 6PM.

Specialties

• Fitness
• Zumba
• Salsa
• Family Movie Night
• Community Trips
• Family Cook

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive.

Please take a look at our Part-Time benefits below.

Our exceptional Part-Time benefits include:

• Career advancement
• Paid sick leave
• Employee referral bonus
• Physical wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

The salary range for this position is $25-$30 per hour. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools does not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children’s Zone is an EOE.