After-School Education Specialist (Astoria)

Description

The YWCA of the City of New York (YW-NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We are a social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues that emerge at the intersection of race, class and gender. Founded in 1858, the YW-NYC is the first YW in the United States and part of an international movement of YWs worldwide. We currently serve 1,500 New York City school children by providing leadership and advocacy training for young women through our high school Girls Initiatives and Out-of-School Time (OST) programs for elementary and middle school students in diverse communities in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The Education Specialist oversees the implementation of all aspects of curriculum development. The Education Specialist will be responsible for developing thematic curriculum aligned with the agency’s mission and goals. Using Understanding by Design (UbD) and project-based approaches, the Specialist ensures lessons are standards-aligned, infuse SEL and restorative practices, and produce hands-on learning that sparks curiosity. The Education Specialist will also be responsible for writing lesson plans, reviewing all lesson plans, training staff in the unit's thematic curriculum and planning at least three culminating events a year aligned with the theme. In addition, the Education Specialist will conduct activity observations and provide staff coaching and feedback on activity and lesson plan facilitation. This position will report directly to the site Program Director.

A successful Education Specialist will: bring a positive youth development lens to the role; build collaborative relationships with the school principal and staff; use evidence-based practices and data to continuously improve the OST programs; hold themselves and others accountable for program results; and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Pay Rate/Salary: $35-$45
Schedule: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Job Type: Part – Time

Start Date: August 1, 2026
Locations Available: Brownsville, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Astoria, Harlem and Hell’s Kitchen

Responsibilities

Program Development & Curriculum Design

• Design, develop, and oversee high-quality educational programs, curricula, and materials for the Fall, Spring, and Summer units, ensuring alignment with the agency’s mission, social justice values, and funder requirements.
• Develop and review lesson plans that reflect thematic units and promote student engagement, critical thinking, and skill development.
• Plan and execute at least three theme-based culminating events annually that showcase student learning and program impact.
• Ensure all program content aligns with school-day goals, DOE standards, and organizational priorities.
• Lead development of sequenced, UbD-aligned units and project-based curricula across Literacy, STEM, Arts, SEL, and Civic content areas.
• Create templates, pacing guides, assessment rubrics, and exemplar lesson plans for site use.
• Lead organization of a culminating curriculum showcase at the end of each instructional cycle to share student work and demonstrate learning outcomes with families, school staff, and stakeholders.

Training, Coaching & Staff Development

• Provide leadership, training, coaching, and ongoing support to educators, group leaders, and activity specialists to strengthen instructional practices and program delivery.
• Facilitate curriculum-based professional development sessions to ensure consistent and effective implementation across all middle school sites.
• Conduct regular observations, model lessons, deliver feedback, and run coaching cycles to raise instructional quality.
• Plan and deliver professional development focused on UbD, SEL integration, restorative practices, inclusive instruction, and assessment for learning.
• Design formative and summative assessments tied to learning objectives and transfer goals.
• Use assessment data to inform instructional adjustments and professional development priorities.

Collaboration & Partnership Management

• Collaborate with subcontractors and vendors to enhance program offerings and ensure external partnerships align with thematic and curricular goals.
• Work closely with Program Directors, school staff, and the Multisite Supervisor to ensure cohesive program implementation and communication across all stakeholders.

Content Expertise & Resource Management

• Stay current with best practices, research, and trends in youth development and education to inform continuous program improvement.
• Identify and recommend books, materials, and supplies necessary to support curriculum implementation and lesson planning.
• Ensure the availability and effective use of appropriate technology to enhance lessons and student learning experiences.

Organizational Alignment & Culture

• Reinforce YWCA NYC philosophies and commitment to equity, empowerment, and social justice within all programming.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants and staff.
• Participate actively in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events as required.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, colleagues, parents, subcontractors, and school staff.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Youth Development, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 3+ years experience designing and implementing curriculum for school-age youth; experience in after-school/DYCD settings strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Understanding by Design, project-based learning, and integrating SEL into lessons.
• Proven track record coaching teachers or staff, delivering professional development, and improving instructional practice.
• Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiation, and inclusive practices for students with diverse needs.
• Strong skills in assessment design, data-informed instruction, and lesson/unit planning.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, organization, and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with DYCD reporting systems a plus.
• CPR/First Aid and required clearances or willingness to obtain.
• Deep knowledge of anti-racism and gender equity principles and practices and commitment to promoting YW-NYC’s social justice mission and educational and youth development philosophy
• Must obtain the following clearances
• The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Sex Offender Registry (SOR),
• The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
• The New York State Central Registrar (SCR)
• The New York State Staff Exclusion List (SEL).
• Criminal History Review
• Must participate in 5-hour Foundations in Health and Safety and Mandated Reporter trainings.

Eligibility requirement rules apply

The hours for this position will fluctuate depending on the school's needs, general hours of operation can range from 2pm – 6pm. The Education Specialist role requires travel across New York City. The Educational Specialist must be able to sit and stand for long stretches of time and use a computer and phone to communicate with staff and partners. Reasonable accommodation will be provided if needed for candidates who can fulfil the essential functions of the job.

Benefits we offer:

Eligibility requirement rules apply

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• YWCA Retirement Plan
• 403(b) Plan
• Paid time off
• UNUM Voluntary insurance (Additional Life, Life AD&D, Dep. Life)
• FSA and employer funded HRA dollars to spend towards out of pocket health costs