Content Coach
About the role
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.
Position Summary
The Program Quality Coach is a site-based leadership role responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of high-quality educational and enrichment activities in an after-school program across 3 school sites. This role ensures that all program components align with DYCD requirements, New York State Learning Standards, and youth development best practices. Reporting to ACES Program Manager, the Program Quality Coach provides curriculum leadership, staff coaching, and continuous quality improvement to support positive academic and social-emotional outcomes for youth.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Program & Curriculum Design
- Design and oversee age-appropriate, project-based curricula in literacy, STEM, arts, leadership, and other enrichment areas, aligned with: DYCD COMPASS/SONYC framework NYS Learning Standards and SEL competencies
- Develop and maintain pacing guides, lesson plan templates, and unit plans for group leaders and activity specialists
- Integrate social-emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, and youth voice/choice into all activities
- Cookordinate academic support (homework help, tutoring, test prep) in collaboration with school-day staff
- Instructional Quality & Coaching
- Observe program activities regularly and provide constructive feedback, modeling, and coaching to group leaders and specialists
- Lead weekly or bi-weekly planning meetings with staff to review lesson plans, materials, and group management strategies
- Provide training and professional development sessions on: Lesson planning and facilitation Classroom management and behavior support Youth engagement and trauma-informed practices Inclusive practices for English Language Learners and youth with IEPs/504s Support staff in differentiating instruction to meet varied learning levels and needs
- Assessment, Data, & Compliance
- Implement DYCD-required assessment tools (e.g., pre/post assessments, surveys, attendance analysis) to track youth progress and program impact
- Review lesson plans and activity documentation for quality, alignment, and compliance with DYCD guidelines and SACC/DOHMH regulations
- Use data (attendance, behavioral incidents, assessment results, observation notes) to inform program improvements
- Youth Development & Behavior Support
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that reflects positive youth development principles
- Support staff in implementing consistent behavior expectations, restorative practices, and de-escalation strategies
- Assist with intervention plans for participants who need additional academic or behavioral support, in collaboration with families and school partners
- School & Family Engagement
- Collaborate with school-day teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff to align program academic support and homework help
- Attend school meetings, grade-team or support meetings as appropriate to coordinate support for participants
- Represent the program professionally with all partners, including DYCD, school leadership, community organizations, and families
- Program Operations & Safety
- Aid with program-wide structures, including daily schedules, transitions, and use of space to maximize learning and safety
- Support recruitment, orientation, and ongoing evaluation of program staff as requested by the Program Director
- Program Operations & Safety
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year to remain in compliance with SACC license
- Attend all meetings, training workshops, and special events, as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours
Qualities/Qualification Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Youth Development, Social Work, Child Development, or related field
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience working with school-age youth (elementary or middle school) in after-school, classroom, or youth development settings
- Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, lesson planning, and/or instructional coaching
- Strong understanding of positive youth development, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive practices
- Excellent facilitation, communication, and writing skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced, after-school environment
- Proficiency with basic technology (Microsoft Office/Google Workspace; comfort with data systems such as DYCD Connect or willingness to learn)
Preferred
- Master’s degree in education or related field, or New York State Teacher Certification
- Experience working in a DYCD-funded COMPASS/SONYC program or similar NYC after-school initiative
- Experience coaching or supervising frontline youth workers or teaching staff
- Familiarity with NYC DOE structures, NYS Learning Standards, and SACC/DOHMH regulations
- Bilingual (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Bengali, etc.) is a plus
- Knowledge of tennis or a willingness to learn is preferred