Job Title: Activity Specialist
Job Classification: Part-Time
Reports to: Program Director
Location: MS730K - Summit Academy Charter School
Job Type: On-Site All Five (5) Days
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (2:030pm-5:30pm)
Weekly Hours/ Week 15
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Hourly Range $22-30 (commensurate with experience)
At LEAP, we don’t just build great programs — we build a great place to work. You’ll thrive here if you’re excited to be part of a mission-driven, people-centered, and joy-filled team.
We are:
🌱 Community-oriented, believing in a shared moral responsibility
🎨 Creative, flexible, and open-minded
🚀 Collaborative and mission driven
✅ Accountable to ourselves, each other, and our goals
🌟 Committed to feedback and clear, consistent communication
🌍 Champions of a compassionate and inclusive culture
💖 Supporters of self-care and the well-being of others
🎉 And above all… FUN!
At LEAP, you’ll be empowered to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact — all while being part of a community that values who you are and what you bring.
We are seeking passionate, experienced Activity Specialists with a vested interest in arts and academic integration for long term teaching opportunities at our partner schools in all five boroughs. Activity specialists must have demonstrated previous experience in their trained specialty, ideally in NYC public school settings. We are seeking educators who share our belief in the power of experiential learning. LEAP Activity Specialists act as the lead instructors in LEAP after school programs. If you love working with children in the Arts, then this a great opportunity to share your passion for the Arts in our afterschool programs, summer programs and special projects in various areas.
Specialty Area(s) Arts, Sports, Dance, and/or STEM
Work with program staff to prepare & develop age, and skill appropriate specialized activities (STEM, dance, visual arts, etc.) that fuse the arts & academics
Engage participants in developing their artistic, educational, & leadership skills
Work with program leaders, school administrators, and various staff to ensure the safety & security of all participants and that all policies are being complied with
Attend staff meetings, professional development opportunities, training sessions, & special events to enhance knowledge & skills, as required, inclusive of those outside program hours
We seek a creative and engaging activity specialist with experience leading structured activities in areas like sports, arts, or STEM, who can foster a positive, inclusive environment while developing students’ skills.
Core Competencies & Strengths
Expertise in a Specialized Area Ability to develop & deliver age-appropriate, hand-on, and interactive activities & lesson plans; Strong knowledge & passion in area of expertise
Child Development & Behavior Management Understanding of child development stages & the diverse needs of students; effective classroom management & behavioral management skills; ability to implement positive reinforcement techniques & address behavioral issues with empathy & support
Communication & Collaboration Excellent verbal & written communication skills; ability to build & maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders, departments, & staff; collaborate effectively with program leaders & other staff; clear & transparent communication
Planning & Organization Ability to develop lesson plans & organize materials needed for activities
Problem-Solving & Decision Making Skills: Ability to identify problems and make decisions in a timely manner
Safety & Supervision Prioritizing safety, knowledge of procedures, active supervision, & emergency preparedness
Positive Role Modeling & Mentorship: Demonstrate positive behaviors & provide guidance, support, & encouragement to others; fostering personal & professional growth
Professional Development & Adaptability Commitment to continuous learning & professional development; adaptability & flexibility to meet needs of youth.
Required Qualifications:
2 years of experience working with youth in a classroom or group setting
Experience successfully instructing youth in the arts
College degree in the Arts or Education, or equivalent experience
Familiarity working with Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
Passion for inclusion and advocacy in the arts
Enjoy working with youth in a team environment
Effective writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
Must be punctual, responsible, resilient, and reliable
Self-motivated, highly efficient, and able to problem-solve
Able to pass all NYS SACC clearances and background checks inclusive of a work physical and TB
PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING
Pre-employment screening is required for this position, including but not limited to criminal history checks by regulating agencies as needed per placement.
WE ARE AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Please note: In accordance with organizational policy, LEAP does not sponsor individuals on O-1 visas.
LEAP partners with school communities to offer creative arts programs to over 20,000 students across 140+ New York City schools in all 5 boroughs.
Founded in 1977, LEAP is a leading creative youth development nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equity and access to the arts for underserved children and youth from communities that have been intentionally and unintentionally excluded and under-resourced.
Our K-12 programs inspire students with a love of learning and help them develop social emotional learning skills, expand their creativity, and hone critical thinking abilities. We believe that youth in our communities will be the next generation of lifelong learners, creative problem solvers, and collaborative leaders.
