Content Specialist-SONYC

Salary: $25 - $30/hr

About the role

The Content Specialist oversees the design, selection, and implementation of high-quality educational content across all out-of-school time programs. Under the supervision of the Program Director, this role provides instructional leadership and ongoing support to Specialists, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers to ensure program quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational goals. This includes curriculum management, staff supervision, coaching, training, and continuous improvement through observation and data-informed practices. Must be available to work during designated afterschool and/or summer program hours.

About the organization

Children’s Aid helps children in poverty to succeed and thrive by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. We annually serve children and families at over 40 sites in New York, as well as through three national program models. Our efforts focus on creating cradle-through-college pathways in high-need neighborhoods, with an emphasis on children’s health, family stability, education, and social and emotional development.

Culture and Values

• We put children, youth, and families first: We listen to and incorporate their voices in all that we do.
• We seek equity and transformation in our communities: We courageously work within and outside systems to create opportunities for children, youth, and families.
• We strive for excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• We are powered by collaboration: Our work is stronger when we trust, partner, and respect each other and the communities we serve.
• We are driven by compassion: We lead with kindness, care, and empathy and believe in the endless potential of the people we serve and our team.

Responsibilities

• Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Select, manage, and oversee program curricula across all content areas; develop lesson plans and instructional materials when appropriate.
• Ensure the effective implementation of out-of-school time curricula by providing ongoing guidance, supervision, and support to program staff.
• Oversee and support activities delivered by Specialists, Group Leaders, and Youth Workers to ensure instructional quality and consistency.
• Facilitate regular curriculum planning and professional learning meetings with instructional staff to model best practices, encourage reflection, and support problem-solving.
• Conduct regular classroom and program observations and provide timely, constructive feedback to strengthen instruction and staff performance.
• Provide coaching, training, and professional development opportunities to build staff capacity and instructional effectiveness.
• Model for staff how to deliver high-quality instruction and project-based learning in the classroom.
• Review student work and program outcomes on an ongoing basis to assess engagement, learning progress, and areas for improvement.
• Utilize student data and observational findings to inform instructional strategies and program enhancements.
• Serve as a liaison between the regular school day, out-of-school time programs, school administrators, and teachers to support alignment and program quality.
• Communicate regularly with the Center or Program Director regarding curriculum implementation, instructional needs, and materials or supply requirements.
• Support staff with curriculum resources, instructional planning, and classroom management strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing direct instruction to children or youth.
• At least one (1) year of experience in a supervisory or oversight role that includes curriculum management, staff supervision, training, or professional development preferred.
• Experience in out-of-school time programs or school-based settings preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Demonstrated ability to select, develop, and manage educational content and curricula.
• Experience using student performance data to guide instructional decisions and program improvements.
• Proven skills in staff supervision, coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with staff, families, schools, and community partners.