STEM 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 creative and results-oriented STEM Activity Specialist committed to positive youth development and passionate about inspiring curiosity and confidence in science technology engineering and mathematics. This role is ideal for an individual who can design and implement engaging hands-on STEM curriculum in an afterschool setting that sparks innovation and critical thinking in youth.

Key attributes of a successful STEM Activity Specialist include the ability to manage complex and detailed tasks simultaneously; effectively integrate program philosophy and management policies consistent with the organizations mission and goals; utilize analytical thinking and creativity to develop and deliver innovative STEM programming; and work both collaboratively and independently with key stakeholders and partnering organizations.

In this role the STEM Activity Specialist will plan facilitate and supervise interactive age-appropriate STEM activities such as coding robotics engineering challenges environmental science experiments and technology-based projects for participants in the YWCA after-school program. The Specialist will create a safe inclusive and inspiring learning environment where all students feel valued supported and encouraged to explore STEM concepts with confidence.

This position works closely with program leadership and school staff to align STEM lessons with program objectives prepare youth for showcases competitions or community events and differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning styles and abilities. The STEM Activity Specialist will also support youth in developing problem-solving skills teamwork digital literacy and a growth mindset through project-based and inquiry-driven learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning & Delivery:

• Design plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate hands-on STEM lessons and projects incorporating science technology engineering and mathematics concepts through project-based and inquiry-driven learning.
• Create engaging activities such as coding challenges robotics builds engineering design projects environmental investigations and technology integration experiences that connect learning to real-world applications and careers.
• Ensure STEM curriculum aligns with youth development principles program goals and student interests while fostering curiosity innovation and critical thinking.
• Differentiate instruction and adapt materials tools and teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs abilities and learning styles.
• Maintain a daily minimum of 15 participants in the activity while ensuring high-quality engagement and participation.

Supervision & Safety:

• Supervise participants at all times ensuring their safety and well-being in compliance with YWCA policies particularly when utilizing equipment tools or technology.
• Establish and reinforce clear safety procedures for experiments engineering builds and technology use.
• Delegate roles to group leaders and program staff during STEM sessions to support small-group facilitation and hands-on learning (as applicable).
• Manage the learning environment effectively to promote collaboration respect and active engagement in STEM exploration.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with the Program Director and Education Specialist to align STEM activities with program schedules academic standards and overall program objectives.
• Collaborate with school-day staff to reinforce classroom learning and extend STEM concepts beyond the school day.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues school staff and parents/guardians regarding student progress STEM projects and upcoming showcases or events.

Program Support & Events;

• Prepare participants to present STEM projects demonstrations or prototypes at culminating showcases STEM fairs or special events in partnership with school staff.
• Support field trips to STEM-related sites community-building events and enrichment opportunities that expose youth to STEM careers and pathways.
• Encourage teamwork problem-solving and presentation skills through collaborative STEM challenges and public demonstrations.

Operations & Compliance:

• Set up operate and clean up activity spaces; maintain organization inventory and proper storage of STEM supplies materials and equipment (e.g. robotics kits laptops lab materials).
• Ensure responsible use and care of technology and specialized equipment.
• 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 STEM instruction and stay current with emerging technologies and best practices.
• Implement YWCAs anti-racist and anti-sexist philosophy throughout STEM programming actively promoting equity and representation in STEM fields.
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance STEM program impact and student outcomes.

Associates degree or a minimum of two (2) years of college coursework required; degree in STEM-related field (e.g. science technology engineering mathematics computer science education or related discipline) preferred.

12 years of experience facilitating STEM educational youth development or community-based programming required; experience in afterschool or project-based learning environments strongly preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of STEM concepts and hands-on instructional practices (e.g. coding robotics engineering design process environmental science or applied technology).

Strong classroom management facilitation and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse learners through interactive and inquiry-based teaching strategies.

Ability to integrate technology effectively and safely into learning activities.

Creative adaptable and culturally responsive with a commitment to making STEM accessible and inclusive for all youth.

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.