Afterschool Program - Dance Specialist

Bronx House; New York (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Bronx House is seeking a part-time Dance Specialist for its Afterschool Program to design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate dance instruction. The role emphasizes creativity, movement, rhythm, and choreography while promoting self-expression and physical activity.

The specialist collaborates with the Afterschool Director and staff to prepare materials, maintain a safe environment, and assess student progress. Strong organizational skills and comfort with DYCD COMPASS are required.

Qualifications

• Associates degree is required in Education, Youth Development, Curriculum Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory or instructional leadership experience in after-school programs.
• Familiarity with DYCD COMPASS and program frameworks.
• Ability to engage youth from varied cultural and community backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development & Lesson Planning: Develop and implement structured dance lesson plans that align with DYCD COMPASS requirements and Bronx House program goals.
• Instructional Delivery: Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate dance activities that introduce students to various dance styles, movement techniques, rhythm, and choreography.
• Youth Development: Incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL), leadership, teamwork, confidence-building, and positive peer interactions into dance instruction.
• Literacy Integration: Incorporate reading, writing, vocabulary development, and communication skills into dance lessons through activities such as choreography notes, reflection journals, and movement terminology.
• Cultural Awareness & Creative Expression: Expose students to diverse dance styles, cultural traditions, and artistic influences while encouraging creativity and self-expression.
• Health & Wellness: Promote physical fitness, coordination, flexibility, and healthy movement habits while reinforcing the importance of exercise and personal wellness.
• Student Engagement & Assessment: Establish clear learning objectives, monitor student participation and progress, and provide constructive feedback to support individual growth.
• Classroom Management & Safety: Maintain a structured, inclusive, and safe instructional environment by establishing expectations, demonstrating proper techniques, and following all safety procedures.
• Showcases & Special Events: Prepare students for performances, showcases, and special program events that highlight their skills, creativity, and accomplishments.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with the Afterschool Director, Group Leaders, and program staff to coordinate activities, prepare materials, communicate student progress, and ensure program objectives are met.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Youth development

Curriculum design

Engaging diverse youth

Education

Associates degree in Education, Youth Development, Curriculum Design, or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

DYCD COMPASS

Job description

Position: Dance Specialist

Department: Bronx House Afterschool Program

Reports to: Program Director

Hours: 10 - 12 hours per week

FLSA: Part-time

Pay Rate: $23.00

Position Summary:

Dance Specialists at Bronx House Afterschool are responsible for planning and facilitating engaging, age appropriate dance instruction for children and youth participating in the afterschool program. The specialist will develop and implement creative lesson plans that introduce students to various dance styles, movement techniques, rhythm, and choreography while encouraging creativity, self-expression, and physical activity.

Working collaboratively with the Afterschool Director and program staff, the Dance Specialist will prepare instructional materials, organize activities, and maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment. The specialist will teach proper dance techniques, demonstrate movements, and communicate clear learning goals and expectations to participants. Through structured lessons and hands-on activities, the Dance Specialist will help students build confidence, coordination, teamwork, and an appreciation for the performing arts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development & Lesson Planning: Develop and implement structured dance lesson plans that align with DYCD COMPASS requirements and Bronx House program goals.
• Instructional Delivery: Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate dance activities that introduce students to various dance styles, movement techniques, rhythm, and choreography.
• Youth Development: Incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL), leadership, teamwork, confidence-building, and positive peer interactions into dance instruction.
• Literacy Integration: Incorporate reading, writing, vocabulary development, and communication skills into dance lessons through activities such as choreography notes, reflection journals, and movement terminology.
• Cultural Awareness & Creative Expression: Expose students to diverse dance styles, cultural traditions, and artistic influences while encouraging creativity and self-expression.
• Health & Wellness: Promote physical fitness, coordination, flexibility, and healthy movement habits while reinforcing the importance of exercise and personal wellness.
• Student Engagement & Assessment: Establish clear learning objectives, monitor student participation and progress, and provide constructive feedback to support individual growth.
• Classroom Management & Safety: Maintain a structured, inclusive, and safe instructional environment by establishing expectations, demonstrating proper techniques, and following all safety procedures.
• Showcases & Special Events: Prepare students for performances, showcases, and special program events that highlight their skills, creativity, and accomplishments.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with the Afterschool Director, Group Leaders, and program staff to coordinate activities, prepare materials, communicate student progress, and ensure program objectives are met.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree (Required) Education, Youth Development, Curriculum Design, or related field, required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or instructional leadership experience in after-school programs, youth development, or educational programming.
• Familiarity with DYCD COMPASS and program frameworks.
• Ability to effectively engage youth from varied cultural and community backgrounds.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily conducted in community-based after-school program settings across assigned COMPASS sites.
• Work hours may vary depending on program assignments, program schedules, and organizational needs, with occasional evening or weekend commitments for special events, staff training, and meetings.
• Requires frequent interaction with students, program staff, school personnel, families, and community partners.
• Requires the ability to move throughout program facilities, observe classroom and enrichment activities, and assist with program setup as needed.
• Must maintain accurate records, complete required documentation, and adhere to DYCDregulations, organizational policies, and youth safety procedures.