Activity Specialist: STEM (Harlem YMCA)

The Harlem YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist.

Being part of the YMCA After school staff team is a deeply rewarding job where you support children's learning, help build strong connections, and have a positive impact on so many in your community. At Y After school, we will create a safe and fun space for kids to learn and grow, lead creative activities, and help them develop valuable skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference and gain invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.

The Harlem YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Activity Specialist will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y After school program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school-age children and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth.

Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate STEM instruction for school-aged children in the Y After school program.

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual's employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits and formal education in a related field are preferred.
• Preference is given to individuals who are already experts in their field (e.g., engineers, programmers, scientists, etc.) or college or graduate students working toward such specialization.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of science, technology, engineering, or math.
• Direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
• Content expert in the designated subject matter.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

• Design a comprehensive STEM curriculum using detailed lesson plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives tailored to stimulate interest and engagement across various grade levels. Ensure all lessons are project-based where possible, encouraging hands-on learning and practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
• Incorporate diverse STEM subjects, including potential projects in coding, robotics, engineering challenges, science experiments, data analysis, or other related fields such as chess and strategy games.
• Support Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs.
• Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in science and engineering projects.
• Include scalable activities and modifications to accommodate varying skill levels and learning paces among participants.
• Assessment:
  Integrate methods for both formal and informal assessment to track participants’ progress and engagement.
• Work with participants throughout the program to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their work. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event.
• Lead and facilitate daily STEM activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment. Actively use activities to support the development of teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills.
• Provide opportunities for participants to research, discuss, and innovate around local and global…