What are the responsibilities and job description for the Arts Activity Specialist position at NEW YORK EDGE, INC?
ABOUT US
New York Edge is a non-profit organization and one of the largest providers of school-based afterschool programs in New York City and the metropolitan region serving over 25,000 elementary, middle, and high school students each year. The mission of New York Edge is to help bridge the opportunity gap among students in underinvested communities by providing programs designed to improve academic performance, health and wellness, self-confidence, and leadership skills for success in life.
SUMMARY
Arts Activity Specialists are responsible for leading after school programming for children and teens at New York Edge after-school program sites. The arts activity specialist will teach or co-lead activities in one of the following areas: visual art, performing art, music, film, painting, graphic design, sculpture, digital media, dance, artist etc. The art activity specialist is a dual reporting role, supporting the curricula and instruction department team by designing lesson plans and implementing curriculum across New York Edge program sites. They will also support the program director by preparing activity materials and explaining principles, techniques, and safety procedures to student participants. In addition, the specialist will establish clear goals and objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those goals and objectives to students.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Build strong relationships with and among students
Must be knowledgeable and skilled in a variety of visual art, performing art, music, film, painting, graphic design, sculpture, digital media, dance, artist etc and have prior experience successfully teaching and instructing youth.
Teach or co-lead daily activities
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students
Participate in ongoing professional development activities
Prepare materials for daily activities
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
Support the coordination of program events
Input data and prepare reports
Administer pre and post-assessments and evaluations for student activities
REQUIRED SKILLS
Demonstrated ability to lead activities with children and teens
Creativity
Must have excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills
Experience working with children and/or teens
Ability to multitask and manage workflow in a fast-paced environment
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with program staff, school personnel, parents
Sensitive to social-emotional needs and characteristics of students
Self-starter who takes initiative
Flexibility, reliability, and sound judgment
May be required to walk up and down stairs.
May have to lift or move objects/materials as needed.
Work is performed mostly within a New York City Public School but may be required to interact with the community at-large during trips or events.
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or equivalent
Must be at least 18 years of age
College credits and/or degrees are highly preferred
Physical ability to work around children including sitting, standing, running, climbing stairs and lifting up to 50lbs.
Experience working with children strongly preferred
WORK SCHEDULE
9-15 hours per week.
Monday through Friday -- 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Art Specialists will be required to report to the school building and interact with staff, students, parents, and school administration.
At the time of offer and acceptance, the job requires safety and security clearances through the Department of Education and the Department of Health.
To apply, please visit our website at newyorkedge.org/careers.
New York Edge is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
