Activity Specialist: Art (West Side YMCA)

About the role

The YMCA of Greater New York empowers youth, improves health, and strengthens community through programs and services at 24 branches. The Afterschool team creates a safe and fun space for kids to learn, grow, and connect, while supporting academic enhancement and enrichment. The West Side YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist to lead art programming for school-age children in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps.

Responsibilities

• Design a comprehensive art curriculum with detailed lesson plans, clear goals, and measurable objectives tailored to different grade levels.
• Ensure lessons are project-based to encourage hands-on learning and creative application of art principles.
• Plan, facilitate, and supervise art-based activities in a safe and creative environment.
• Support the Program Director in securing materials, equipment, and technological needs for art projects.
• Plan for logistical and safety considerations inherent in art projects, including scalable activities and modifications for varying skill levels and learning paces.
• Integrate formal and informal assessment methods to track participants’ progress and engagement.
• Prepare participants for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their artwork, including guiding selection and finishing pieces for display and assisting with event organization and setup.
• Lead daily art activities that foster a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
• Teach fundamental artistic skills and techniques, encouraging creative thinking and self-expression.
• Use activities to support 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, integrating foundational literacy skills (reading instructions, writing reports, research) into projects.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces diversity.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere sensitive to participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants 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).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants and communicate the YMCA’s core values and program goals.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College credits and formal education in a related field preferred.
• Preference given to individuals with expertise in visual, performing, graphic, or animation art, music, photography, or related fields, or to college or graduate students working toward such specialization.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in 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 comfort working with diverse youth and adults.

Pay

$20.00 – $25.00 Hourly

Benefits

• Retirement benefits
• Medical coverage
• Paid time off
• Free YMCA membership

Benefit eligibility is determined by employment status, tenure, and/or scheduled hours.