SY 26-27 Queens Activity Specialist - Afterschool Program

New York Junior Tennis League, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

New York Junior Tennis & Learning is hiring an Activity Specialist for after-school programs across Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan. The role emphasizes creating engaging, project-based activities in arts, STEM, sports, or leadership for DYCD-funded programs, with shifts from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, up to 20 hours per week.

Mandatory orientation in late August. Employment runs through the full school year (September 2026–June 2027).

Qualifications

• Available after-school hours 2:00pm–6:00pm, 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Demonstrated skills in the specialty area (arts, STEM, sports, etc.).
• 2+ years' experience working with children or youth in group settings.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement project-based activities in the assigned specialty area.
• Plan materials and logistics; maintain organized, safe activity spaces.
• Lead engaging, inclusive sessions and manage groups across age levels.
• Collaborate with site staff to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
• Ensure youth safety and basic documentation for attendance.

Skills

Specialty area experience

Experience with youth

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Locations

We hire for this position in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan.

Openings vary across 30+ sites throughout the school year. Our complete list is at nyjtl.org/aces-sites

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning

For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs. NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement.

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.

(Mandatory orientation and training sessions will take place during the last two weeks of August).

Schedule: Monday through Friday
Shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
(Start and end times may vary based on site assignment.)

Up to 20 hours per week.

Availability during these hours is required.

Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year from September 2026 through June 2027.

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.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
• Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.

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).
• Ability to plan structured activities and manage a group independently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills .

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.

Job Type

• Part Time
• Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
• $21.50 - 24.50 per hour

Salary Range

Salary Range: $21.50 To $24.50 Hourly

Equality & Diversity Statement

NYJTL values the diversity of the people we hire and inspire. Diversity at our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We center equity in all our work and in our hiring practices.