Activity Specialist — Middle SONYC Program

sMedia; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

sMedia is seeking an Activity Specialist for the Middle SONYC Program in New York. The role involves leading engaging, project-based activities aimed at promoting youth development in arts, STEM, and other areas.

Qualified candidates will possess a high school diploma or GED, significant experience working with youth, and a proven ability to create interactive enrichment experiences. This is a part-time position requiring 20 hours per week during after-school hours.

Qualifications

• Must be available during after-school hours, 2:00pm – 6:00pm.
• 2+ years of experience working with children or youth in group settings.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in arts, STEM, or similar specialty area.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead high-quality project-based activities for youth.
• Design and implement lesson plans according to program goals.
• Build strong relationships with participants and encourage engagement.

Skills

Experience working with children or youth

Classroom management

Knowledge of DYCD and DOH mandates

Enthusiasm for professional development

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Google Classroom

Google Meet

Job description

Activity Specialist — Middle SONYC Program

Start Date: Early September

Schedule: Part-time, 20 hours per week

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Location: Brooklyn, NY

School Year Program Dates: September 2026 – June 2027 (Mandatory orientation and training sessions will take place during the last two weeks of August.)

Position Summary

The Activity Specialist plans and leads high-quality, project-based activities in a specific content area (e.g., arts, STEM, sports, dance, leadership, media, etc.) for participants in a DYCD-funded after-school program. The Activity Specialist creates engaging, age-appropriate experiences that build skills, promote creativity, and support positive youth development.

Core Responsibilities

• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
• Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Curriculum & Activity Planning

• Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in 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; maintain an organized, safe activity space.

Facilitation & Youth Engagement

• Lead engaging, hands‑on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.
• Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
• Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
• Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
• Assist in all activities needed for the orderly operation of the program, including supervising participants during snack/supper, facilitating dismissal, conducting field trips, hosting special events, etc.
• Provide strong classroom and behavioral management skills, ensuring that all participants follow agency and program rules.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Actively participate in all aspects of professional development, including scheduled supervision, team meetings, pre‑service training, and additional paid professional development training required. Demonstrate key competencies including initiative, teamwork, cooperation, preparedness, professionalism, reliability and a willingness to continuously improve.
• Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
• Build positive relations with youth and adults to serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
• Adhere to and provide direction to staff in a manner that ensures that program areas are neat and clean, and that equipment and supplies are managed appropriately.

Safety, Documentation, & Compliance

• Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign‑in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.

Qualifications

Required

• Available during after‑school hours, 2:00pm – 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings); Monday‑Friday during the school year and some school holidays.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in the specialty area (arts, STEM, sports, etc.).
• 2+ years’ experience working with children or youth in group settings (after‑school, camp, school, recreational program).
• Knowledge of DYCD and DOH mandates.
• Knowledge of classroom management.
• Knowledgeable of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, and Google Meet.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage, motivate and effectively work to create interactive enrichment activities that are age‑appropriate.
• Genuine enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities and field practice. Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively and respectfully with a broad range of diverse constituents.

Preferred

• Some college coursework or degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or related field.
• Experience in a DYCD‑funded program or NYC after‑school setting.
• Bilingual language skills.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• May be required to go up and down stairs.
• May have to lift or move objects, small furniture, or other program materials.
• This role may require occasional engagement with community members and partners outside of the physical worksite, including attendance at off‑site events, meetings, or outreach activities.

Veronica Arts Media Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Veronica Arts Media Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.