Content Specialist

YMCA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 51,143 - 72,840; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Retirement benefits

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an experienced Afterschool Program Coordinator to support youth through high-quality curriculum and engaging activities at multiple branches. You will lead curriculum development, oversee lesson plan implementation, and ensure activities meet program standards across sites.

You will coach staff, collaborate with school partners, and promote an inclusive, safe environment for youth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field required.
• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years working with children under 13.
• Minimum of one year in a supervisory/oversight role.
• Experience in developing curricula and lesson plans.

Responsibilities

• Select and manage content across program areas and create curricula as needed.
• Oversee lesson plan implementation and support staff to ensure quality delivery.
• Coach staff with strategies for effective facilitation, classroom management, and behavior support.
• Ensure content aligns with high-quality standards of Y Afterschool Programs.
• Provide staff development to improve program quality and safety.

Skills

Curriculum development

Staff coaching

Lesson planning

Program supervision

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Master’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Salary: $45.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.Being part of the YMCA Afterschool staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children’s learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y Afterschool, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Select and manage content across all required program areas. This may also include creating new curricula and lesson plans when necessary.
• Oversee lesson plan implementation and support Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Inclusion Specialists to ensure effective implementation of lesson plans.
• Coach staff by providing targeted strategies and techniques to enhance lesson facilitation, classroom management, and behavior support.
• Review content being shared to ensure it is in alignment with the high-quality standards of the Y Afterschool Programs.
• Provide professional development for program staff to improve overall program quality.
• Support monitoring and evaluating program activities to ensure a safe, high-quality, and positive environment for youth development.
• Assist participants in actively achieving an increased comprehension and retention of specific subject material and improved academic skills in designated areas.
• Help participants develop necessary study skills for academic success.
• Identify participants having trouble; provide encouragement and alternative explanations of subject material.
• Work with the Program Director and school staff to understand the academic expectations of the day school, and develop activities, assignments, practice tests, and strategies accordingly.
• Work with participants and staff to help students develop a high level of motivation in academic areas and positive attitudes toward learning and studying by acknowledging student efforts as well as their progress and achievements.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Collaborate with Afterschool staff, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/sign-out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field required.
• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a supervisory/oversight position, including management and development of program content, staff supervision, training, and coaching.
• Experience in developing education-based curriculum/lesson plans.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Benefits:

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical benefits, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.