Sports Specialist - Afterschool Program

Sports Specialist – Afterschool Program We hire for this position in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan. Openings vary across 30+ sites throughout the school year. Our complete list is at nyjtl.org/aces-sites About New York Junior Tennis & Learning For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs.

NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement.

Position Summary

The Sports Specialist will plan and facilitate structured sports and fitness programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The specialist will provide opportunities for students to develop athletic skills, learn game strategies, build teamwork, and strengthen leadership and communication skills. Programming should include skill development, recreational games, competitive activities, fitness challenges, and opportunities for students to take on leadership roles.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate sports, fitness, recreational games, and physical activity sessions. Teach fundamental skills, rules, strategies, and sportsmanship. Provide instruction in sports such as basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, tennis, and other recreational activities. Develop skill-building drills and age-appropriate fitness challenges.

Organize friendly competitions, tournaments, and team-building activities. Promote teamwork, leadership, communication, discipline, and sportsmanship. Ensure students follow appropriate safety procedures during physical activities. Adapt activities for students with different athletic abilities and experience levels. Maintain attendance and required program documentation.

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 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. Curriculum & Activity Planning Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in assigned specialty area. Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.

Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities. Prepare materials and supplies in advance; maintain an organized, safe activity space. Facilitation & Youth Engagement Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.

Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports. Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence. Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback. Collaboration & Communication Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.

Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions. Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors. Safety, Documentation, & Compliance Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies. Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.

Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.

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). Experience working with middle school students or adolescents preferred.

Demonstrated experience in sports, athletics, recreation, fitness, or physical education. Knowledge of the rules, skills, and fundamentals of at least one major sport. Ability to lead groups of students in a safe and organized manner. Strong classroom/group management and communication skills. Ability to motivate students with different athletic abilities.

Knowledge of basic injury prevention and sports safety practices preferred. Must be energetic, dependable, patient, and comfortable being physically active. High school diploma/GED required; college coursework, athletic training, coaching experience, or related certification 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 Please click " Apply " below, or visit our careers page at nyjtl.org to complete an application. Thank you! 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 person’s 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.