Activity Specialist: Art

Salary: $30.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

Being part of the YMCA Afterschool 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 Afterschool, 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 Vanderbilt 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 Afterschool 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 Art instruction for school-aged children in the Y Afterschool program.

Key Responsibilities

• Design a comprehensive art 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 creative application of art principles.

  • Plan, facilitate, and supervise art-based activities, ensuring a safe and creative environment for youth.

  • Support the Program Director in securing all necessary materials, equipment, and potential technological needs.

  • Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in art 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 artwork. Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event.

• Lead and facilitate daily art activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.

  • Teach participants fundamental artistic skills and techniques, encouraging creative thinking and helping them express their ideas through art.

  • 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 scientific and technological issues.

  • While the primary focus is art, the specialist must be prepared to integrate foundational literacy skills (i.e., reading instructions, writing reports, and research) into projects throughout the year.

• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.

• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.

• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.

• Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).

• Serve as a positive role model for participants.

• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.

• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.

Desired Skills & Experience

• 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., artists in visual, performing, graphic, or animation art, musicians, photographers, etc.) or to college or graduate students working toward such specialization.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of art programming.

• 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.

Benefits

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. Click here for more information.

How to Apply

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.