The Activity Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Content Specialist and Program Director and is responsible for creating and facilitating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for participants enrolled in the COMPASS and SONYC programs. The Activity Specialist plays a key role in delivering high-quality youth development programming that promotes academic achievement, social-emotional growth, creativity, leadership, and positive engagement.

The Activity Specialist is responsible for implementing project-based learning experiences and specialized enrichment activities that align with Project New Yorker’’s curriculum framework, program goals, and participant interests. Through hands-on, interactive, and age-appropriate instruction, the Activity Specialist helps participants strengthen educational skills, develop new competencies, and build confidence in a variety of learning areas. Activities are designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and creativity while supporting participants’ overall growth and development.

The Activity Specialist will plan, organize, and facilitate specialized programming in areas such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), visual and performing arts, organized sports and recreation, music, literacy, academic enrichment, leadership development, health and wellness, and other educational and enrichment activities as determined by program needs and participant interests. The Specialist is expected to create engaging learning experiences that encourage active participation, skill development, and exploration of new interests.

Core Responsibilities

• Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Collaborate with the Program Director and Content Specialist to implement and enhance program curriculum, enrichment activities, and educational initiatives that support participant learning and development.
• Provide evidence of curriculum implementation and contribute to curriculum development efforts through lesson planning, activity documentation, participant assessments, and program feedback.
• Develop and implement specialized activity lesson plans and instructional materials that support academic enrichment, youth development, and program goals. Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in assigned specialty areas.
• Deliver engaging instruction and facilitate activities through individual, small-group, and large-group settings using a variety of teaching methods and learning strategies that accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Translate lesson plans into meaningful and interactive learning experiences that maximize participant engagement, creativity, skill development, and overall program participation.
• Independently supervise and manage assigned groups of participants, maintaining appropriate structure, organization, and accountability throughout all program activities.
• Create and maintain a fun, welcoming, and visually appealing environment that encourages learning, exploration, and positive youth engagement.
• Establish a classroom and activity environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs of participants.
• Facilitate a safe, structured, and productive learning environment that promotes positive youth development, teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.
• Supervise participants during all program components, including instructional periods, enrichment activities, recreation, transitions, special events, field trips, and dismissal procedures, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Model, teach, reinforce, and support age-appropriate social, emotional, and behavioral skills, including respect, responsibility, cooperation, self-regulation, and conflict resolution.
• Utilize positive behavior management strategies and restorative practices to address challenging behaviors, encourage positive decision-making, and foster a respectful and inclusive program culture.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism, and enthusiasm while serving as a positive role model for participants and promoting a supportive learning community.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, school personnel, and colleagues to support participant success and strengthen program outcomes.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, activity reports, incident documentation, and other required program records in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist in the preparation, organization, and maintenance of instructional materials, supplies, equipment, and program spaces to support effective program operations.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, workshops, and ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance instructional practices and professional growth.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, compliance requirements, and safety protocols established by the NYC Department of Health, NYC Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Project New Yorker (PNY), and other applicable regulatory agencies.
• Support program-wide initiatives, family engagement activities, special events, performances, field trips, and community-based projects as assigned.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as necessary or assigned to support the successful operation of the program.