Drumming Specialist

About the role

Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Drumming Specialist to bring a passion for breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty through comprehensive, on-the-ground programming. As an Activity Specialist, you will guide students in after-school activities, helping them develop special interests and skills beyond the basics of their daytime education.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and develop age- and skill-appropriate curriculum, lesson plans, activities, and special projects that fuse the arts and academic competencies; submit plans to supervisors for review before teaching.
• Plan and facilitate a project-based unit to develop students' artistic, educational, and leadership potential.
• Engage youth in critical thinking, evaluation, risk-taking, rehearsals, hands-on project-based learning, documentation of work, community-building, and activism through the arts.
• Coordinate subject-related trips, guest speakers, special events, student exhibitions, and college trips.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and communicate student progress and insights with team members regularly.
• Act as a role model for all students and share knowledge of the history and current state of African, African-American, and Latino issues, interpreting them into diverse learning opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (required).
• At least 2 years of teaching experience.
• Commitment to Youth Development and the mission and programs of HCZ.
• Conservatory training and/or university-level education and practical experience in the content area is preferred (college students currently pursuing degree-level work are also encouraged to apply).
• Passion and experience with arts education involving youth.
• Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm for working with young people.
• Excellent planning, organization, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to provide consistent and positive instruction as well as receive constructive criticism.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days and evenings.
• Experience working in youth development and teaching well-developed enrichment courses, social consciousness, self-identity, and efficacy.
• Energetic, motivated self-starter and a team player.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on projects with staff and students.

Schedule

• Fall Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 3 pm – 7 pm.
• Summer Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 am – 4 pm.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position is $25 – $30 per hour.

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities.
• Paid sick leave.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Physical wellness discounts.
• Commuter benefits.
• Additional discounts (flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more).

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and staff — thrive.