Sr. Animation Experience Designer

ABOUT US

New York Edge is a non-profit organization and one of the largest providers of school-based afterschool programs in New York City and the metropolitan region, serving over 25,000 elementary, middle, and high school students annually. The mission of New York Edge is to help bridge the opportunity gap among students in underinvested communities by providing programs designed to improve academic performance, health and wellness, self-confidence, and leadership skills for success in life. 

THE ROLE

New York Edge Curriculum & Instructional Technology Department is seeking a Sr. Animation Experience Designer to play a key role at New York Edge Animation Studios. This unique opportunity is perfect for those with a strong background in animation and are eager to apply their skills in an instructional setting. As part of our dedicated team, you will develop and refine engaging curriculum content for students in grades K-12 who participate in our afterschool program. Utilizing industry-standard software such as Dragonframe, Adobe, Blender, and ToonBoom, you will help shape the next generation of animators and storytellers. The ideal candidate should also possess hands-on studio experience, and a solid artistic foundation. This role requires not just technical proficiency but also a creative and pedagogical approach to teaching animation that serves the diverse needs of young learners across New York City. This role reports directly to Megan Basaldua and Vincent Spencer, Directors of New York Edge Animation Studios.

Schedule Hours: Up to 15hrs per week

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluation and Adaptation: Assist in assessing and adapting existing animation curricula and training material  to meet the unique needs of New York Edge programs.

• Collaborative Meetings: Participate in meetings with the curriculum team, instructional staff, and program directors to understand curriculum requirements and implementation strategies.

• Curriculum & Instructional Media Development: Contribute to the development of curricula that aligns with organizational goals and adhere to specific formats and standards. 

• Integration of Instructional Technologies: Learn to incorporate learning technologies into curricula, utilizing tools such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Milanote, and Asana to enhance educational effectiveness.

• Site Visits: Conduct regular visits to program sites to observe experience facilitation and implementation, ensuring alignment with educational goals.

• Studio Management: Support animation instructors through regular training and check-ins, and manage studio resources to facilitate an optimal teaching and learning environment.

• Reporting: Communicate site needs and developments in real-time to ensure responsive curriculum adjustments and resource allocation. Must participate actively in weekly professional development sessions to keep instructors updated on iterations of the stop-motion animation experience and modules.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A college degree in Media Arts or related field. Bachelor’s Degree required.

• A willingness to learn Instructional Design Knowledge such as Understanding by Design (UbD), DACUM, Backward Design Method, and the ADDIE framework.

• Understanding of Standards: Awareness of the New York State K-12 Common Core Learning Standards and an interest in creating grade-specific content.

• Collaborative Approach: Willingness to work closely with a diverse team of curriculum developers, instructors, and program directors.

• Eagerness to Learn: A strong desire to learn and contribute to the creation of engaging and impactful learning experiences for students.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter outlining their skills and experience along with why they are interested in the role. 

A resume without a cover letter will not be considered.

New York Edge is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.