Chess Specialist Afterschool Program

Chess Specialist Afterschool Program

The Chess Specialist will plan and facilitate engaging, skill-building chess programming for middle school students in grades 68. The specialist will introduce students to the fundamentals of chess, including piece movement, strategy, tactics, openings, and endgame techniques while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, patience, and sportsmanship. Students will have opportunities to strengthen their skills through individual practice, collaborative learning, friendly competitions, and chess tournaments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Plan and facilitate structured chess lessons, workshops, and practice sessions for students in grades 68.
• Teach chess fundamentals, including piece movement, rules, openings, strategies, tactics, and endgame techniques.
• Develop students' critical thinking, strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Introduce advanced strategies and challenges to accommodate varying skill levels.
• Organize chess matches, tournaments, competitions, and student-led chess events.
• Encourage sportsmanship, patience, perseverance, and respectful competition.
• Create opportunities for students to learn from one another through peer mentoring and collaborative play.
• Maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.

Schedule: Monday through Friday shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM 6:00 PM (start and end times may vary based on site assignment.)

Up to 20 hours per week. Availability during these hours is required. Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year through June 2027.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
• Attend all meetings, training workshops, and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Available during after-school hours, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings); Monday-Friday during the school year and some school holidays.
• 2+years' experience working with children or youth in group settings (after-school, camp, school, recreational program).
• Ability to plan structured activities and manage a group independently.
• Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth preferred.
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge in chess, competitive play, coaching, or instruction.
• Strong understanding of chess rules, strategies, and instructional techniques.
• Ability to teach chess in an engaging and youth-friendly manner.
• Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players.
• Comfortable organizing and leading group competitions and tournaments.
• Must be dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic.
• High school diploma/GED required; college degree, chess certification, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Preferred:

• Some college coursework or degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or related field.
• Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
• Bilingual language skills.

Job type: Part Time Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Salary: $21.50 - 24.50 per hour

NYJTL values the diversity of the people we hire and inspire. Diversity at our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each persons talents and strengths without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We center equity in all our work and in our hiring practices.

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