STEM - Activity Specialist

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 YWCA-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 Manhattan and Brooklyn.

We are seeking a caring, creative, and results-oriented STEM Activity Specialist committed to positive youth development and passionate about inspiring curiosity and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This role is ideal for an individual who can design and implement engaging, hands‑on STEM curriculum in an after school setting that sparks innovation and critical thinking in youth.

• Design, plan, and facilitate developmentally appropriate, hands‑on STEM lessons and projects incorporating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts through project‑based and inquiry‑driven learning.
• Create engaging activities such as coding challenges, robotics builds, engineering design projects, environmental investigations, and technology integration experiences that connect learning to real‑world applications and careers.
• Ensure STEM curriculum aligns with youth development principles, program goals, and student interests while fostering curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking.
• Differentiate instruction and adapt materials, tools, and teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs, abilities, and learning styles.
• Maintain a daily minimum of 15 participants in the activity while ensuring high‑quality engagement and participation.

• Supervise participants at all times, ensuring their safety and well‑being in compliance with YWCA policies, particularly when utilizing equipment, tools, or technology.
• Establish and reinforce clear safety procedures for experiments, engineering builds, and technology use.
• Delegate roles to group leaders and program staff during STEM sessions to support small‑group facilitation and hands‑on learning (as applicable).
• Manage the learning environment effectively to promote collaboration, respect, and active engagement in STEM exploration.

• Work closely with the Program Director and Education Specialist to align STEM activities with program schedules, academic standards, and overall program objectives.
• Collaborate with school‑day staff to reinforce classroom learning and extend STEM concepts beyond the school day.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, school staff, and parents/guardians regarding student progress, STEM projects, and upcoming showcases or events.

• Prepare participants to present STEM projects, demonstrations, or prototypes at culminating showcases, STEM fairs, or special events in partnership with school staff.
• Support field trips to STEM‑related sites, community‑building events, and enrichment opportunities that expose youth to STEM careers and pathways.
• Encourage teamwork, problem‑solving, and presentation skills through collaborative STEM challenges and public demonstrations.

• Set up, operate, and clean up activity spaces; maintain organization, inventory, and proper storage of STEM supplies, materials, and equipment (e.g., robotics kits, laptops, lab materials).
• Ensure responsible use and care of technology and specialized equipment.
• Submit required program documentation, lesson plans, and attendance records in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development to strengthen STEM instruction and stay current with emerging technologies and best practices.
• Implement YWCA’s anti‑racist and anti‑sexist philosophy throughout STEM…