Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist

Who are we

The YWCA of the City of New York (YW-NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism empower women and promote peace justice freedom and dignity for all. We are a social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues that emerge at the intersection of race class and gender. Founded in 1858 the YW-NYC is the first YW in the United States and part of an international movement of YWs worldwide. We currently serve 1500 New York City school children by providing leadership and advocacy training for young women through our high school Girls Initiatives and Out-of-School Time (OST) programs for elementary and middle school students in diverse communities in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Job Summary

We are seeking a caring energetic and results-oriented Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist committed to positive youth development and passionate about promoting physical activity teamwork and healthy lifestyles among youth. This role is ideal for an individual who can design and implement engaging inclusive recreation and movement-based activities in an afterschool setting that build confidence cooperation and overall wellness.

Key attributes of a successful Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist include the ability to manage multiple activities and responsibilities simultaneously; effectively integrate program philosophy and management policies consistent with the organizations mission and goals; utilize creativity and leadership to develop and deliver dynamic recreation programming; and work both collaboratively and independently with key stakeholders and partnering organizations.

In this role the Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist will plan facilitate and supervise interactive age-appropriate physical activities such as team sports cooperative games fitness challenges movement-based activities and recreational play for participants in the YWCA after-school program. The Specialist will create a safe inclusive and supportive environment where all students feel encouraged to participate develop new skills and stay active.

This position works closely with program leadership and school staff to align recreational programming with program goals prepare youth for friendly tournaments showcases or community events and adapt activities to meet diverse skill levels and abilities. The Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist will also support youth in developing teamwork leadership sportsmanship and healthy habits through structured play and active learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning & Delivery:

Design plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate sports recreation and movement-based activities that promote physical fitness teamwork and healthy lifestyles.

Create engaging activities such as team sports cooperative games fitness challenges movement circuits and recreational tournaments that encourage participation and build confidence.

Ensure recreation programming aligns with youth development principles program goals and student interests while fostering teamwork leadership and sportsmanship.

Differentiate activities and adapt equipment rules and instructional approaches to meet diverse skill levels abilities and learning styles.

Maintain a daily minimum of 15 participants in the activity while ensuring high-quality engagement inclusion and active participation.

Supervision & Safety:

Supervise participants at all times ensuring their safety and well-being in compliance with YWCA policies particularly during physical activities and use of sports equipment.

Establish and reinforce clear safety procedures for games fitness activities and recreational play.

Delegate roles to group leaders and program staff during activities to support small-group engagement and effective supervision (as applicable).

Manage activity spaces effectively to promote teamwork respect fair play and positive participation.

Collaboration & Communication:

Work closely with the Program Director and Education Specialist to align sports and recreation activities with program schedules and overall program objectives.

Collaborate with school-day staff to support student wellness and reinforce the importance of physical activity and healthy habits.

Communicate effectively with colleagues school staff and parents/guardians regarding student participation progress and upcoming recreational events or activities.

Program Support & Events:

Prepare participants to participate in friendly competitions recreation showcases fitness challenges or end-of-program tournaments in partnership with school staff.

Support field trips community-building events and enrichment opportunities that promote active lifestyles and teamwork.

Encourage teamwork leadership and problem-solving through cooperative games and group-based physical activities.

Operations & Compliance:

Set up operate and clean up activity spaces; maintain organization inventory and proper storage of sports and recreation equipment and supplies.

Ensure responsible use and care of equipment and activity spaces (e.g. gym playground outdoor areas).

Submit required program documentation lesson plans and attendance records in a timely and accurate manner.

Participate in staff meetings trainings and ongoing professional development to strengthen recreation programming and youth engagement strategies.

Implement YWCAs anti-racist and anti-sexist philosophy throughout programming actively promoting equity inclusion and positive youth development.

Contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program impact and participant outcomes.

Qualifications

Associates degree or a minimum of two (2) years of college coursework required; degree in Physical Education Recreation Kinesiology Sports Management Youth Development Education or a related field preferred.

12 years of experience facilitating sports recreation physical activity youth development or community-based programming required; experience in afterschool or school-based programs strongly preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of sports fundamentals recreational activities and physical fitness practices with the ability to lead structured and inclusive activities for youth.

Strong group management facilitation and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse learners through interactive and movement-based activities.

Ability to promote teamwork sportsmanship leadership and healthy lifestyle habits through recreation programming.

Creative adaptable and culturally responsive with a commitment to ensuring all youth feel welcomed supported and encouraged to participate in physical activities regardless of skill level.

CPR/First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain within designated timeframe).

Must successfully pass background check and fingerprint clearance.

This position averages 8 - 20 hours per week typically between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on scheduled days with some variation based on school needs. The Activity Specialist must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to travel and work across all YWCA program sites as needed.

Why work at YWCA of the City of New York
There are many fantastic reasons to choose a career with addition to eliminating racism empowering women and promoting peace justice freedom and dignity through our programs YWCA-NYC offers the following Benefits and Rewards:

Competitive market salaries

PTO

Free Mental Health Services with UNUM through our Employee Assistance Program

Commuter Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Discounted staff perks (e.g. theater tickets and theme park tickets through Plum Benefits)

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To Apply: Please submit a resume and a cover letter that addresses your qualifications and ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined above as well as your salary requirements.

The YWCA of the City of New York is an equal opportunity employer and contractor. We provide equal employment and contracting opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.