Content Specialist — Middle School COMPASS/SONYC Program

sMedia; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick and Safe Leave

Select DOE holidays

Job summary

sMedia is seeking a Content Specialist for the Middle School COMPASS/SONYC Program in Brooklyn. This part-time role includes overseeing program content and supporting staff development, aimed at enhancing student engagement and educational quality.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of relevant experience, with a strong commitment to fostering an equitable learning environment.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in a coaching or program quality role.
• Experience developing enrichment programming in literacy, STEAM, or similar.
• Ability to support staff in lesson planning and youth engagement.

Responsibilities

• Select and manage high-quality program content.
• Support middle school enrichment activities and curriculum adaptation.
• Provide coaching and professional development to staff.

Skills

Experience with middle school youth

Program content management

Strong communication skills

Curriculum development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Content Specialist — Middle School COMPASS/SONYC Program

Start Date: Late August/Early September

Schedule: Part-time, up to 9 hours per week

Job Type: Part-time

Location: Brooklyn / School-Based Program Site

Position Overview

The Content Specialist supports the planning, quality, and implementation of a DYCD-funded middle school after‑school program. This role is responsible for selecting, organizing, and supporting high‑quality program content across required content areas, including academic support, literacy, STEAM, media arts, leadership development, physical fitness, wellness, social‑emotional learning, and college and career exposure. The Content Specialist will oversee and support the implementation of activities delivered by Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers, reviewing lesson plans, strengthening activities, supporting classroom management strategies, observing program delivery, and providing coaching and professional development to ensure strong program quality. This is a part‑time position providing up to 20 hours of service per week. The Content Specialist reports to the Program Director and Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Select, organize, and manage program content across DYCD-required content areas.
• Support the implementation of middle school enrichment activities, including literacy, STEAM, media arts, sports, leadership, wellness, and social‑emotional learning.
• Review and support lesson plans created by Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers.
• Develop or adapt curriculum materials when necessary to meet student needs and program goals.
• Observe program activities and provide staff with coaching, feedback, and support.
• Assist with staff training and professional development related to program quality, youth engagement, lesson delivery, and classroom culture.
• Ensure activities are age‑appropriate, engaging, culturally responsive, and aligned with the developmental needs of middle school students.
• Support student voice, leadership, creativity, and positive identity development through program content.
• Work with the Program Director to ensure program activities align with DYCD COMPASS/SONYC goals and organizational expectations.
• Support inclusion practices for students with diverse learning, behavioral, and social‑emotional needs.
• Help ensure program content promotes student safety, engagement, academic growth, and social‑emotional development.
• Maintain organized curriculum materials, activity plans, and documentation as needed.
• Collaborate with the Program Director, school staff, and VAM leadership to strengthen program quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least one year of experience in a supervisory, oversight, coaching, curriculum, or program quality role.
• Experience working with middle school youth in an after‑school, school‑based, nonprofit, community‑based, or youth development setting.
• Experience supporting or developing enrichment programming in areas such as literacy, STEAM, media arts, sports, leadership, wellness, or social‑emotional learning.
• Ability to support and coach staff in lesson planning, activity facilitation, and youth engagement.
• Must complete required clearances, including DOE fingerprinting, Statewide Central Registry clearance, and Department of Health/SACC-related requirements, as applicable.
• The Content Specialist may not serve as the Program Director.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of DYCD COMPASS/SONYC program expectations preferred.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and middle school student needs.
• Ability to create engaging, structured, and student‑centered programming.
• Experience observing staff, giving feedback, and supporting professional growth.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to educational equity, youth development, and culturally responsive practices.
• Experience with project‑based learning, media arts, literacy enrichment, sports‑based youth development, or SEL programming strongly preferred.

Approach to Work

• Strong commitment to educational equity and youth voice.
• Passion for working with middle school students in under‑resourced communities.
• Creative, flexible, and solutions‑oriented.
• Ability to coach staff with patience, professionalism, and clarity.
• Commitment to building safe, joyful, and engaging learning environments.

Pay and Benefits

• Commensurate with experience.
• Part‑time schedule, up to 20 hours per week.
• Sick and Safe Leave, as applicable.
• Select DOE holidays, depending on OST program operating schedules.