Harlem Rock Club Program Coordinator
Location: NYC | Hybrid - In Person Programming
Type: 1099 Contract with expected 6-7 hours per week
Reports to: Executive Director
Contract Period: August 15th, 2026 - July 1st, 2027
Compensation: $20-$25/hr
About The New York City Climbing Collective (NY3C)
The New York City Climbing Collective (NY3C) is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to promote equity in climbing for all people in the New York City metropolitan area. We create sustainable programming rooted in our three pillars: Community Building, Education, and Access.
In order to break down barriers to entry for historically excluded communities. By hosting accessible events and cultivating mentorship, we create opportunities for underserved youth and adults to get involved in climbing, outdoor recreation, and community organizing while empowering climbers to create a more equitable and inclusive climbing community.
About the Role
NY3C is seeking a passionate and reliable HRC Program Coordinator to lead our flagship youth program, Harlem Rock Club (HRC). This is a contract position with expected 6-7 hours weekly, central to our mission of making climbing accessible to New York City youth.
You will be the primary responsible adult for HRC sessions, managing a small group of up to 12 middle school aged climbers twice a week in partnership with Columbia Secondary School and Hamilton Grange, held at VITAL West climbing gym in Manhattan.
This role is a true hybrid, your first responsibility is being an excellent, safe, and energetic youth climbing instructor. Your second is handling the coordination and administration that keeps the program running smoothly.
Core Responsibilities
Program Delivery
- Ensure HRC sessions run on the agreed school-partner schedule (usually between 3:30pm-5:30pm on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s)
- Lead and manage HRC sessions for up to 12 youth participants, ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment
- Serve as the primary responsible adult on-site, working alongside school chaperones and any available volunteers
- Adapt instruction to participant skill levels and model positive climbing culture throughout each session
Volunteer Coordination
- Onboard new HRC volunteers and communicate session expectations clearly
- Coordinate volunteer coverage for each session and conduct outreach to recruit new volunteers as needed
- Ensure volunteers complete required session report forms; review and submit those forms on time
Program Administration
- Communicate with partner middle schools (Columbia Secondary, Hamilton Grange) regarding closures, holiday breaks, and scheduling changes
- Submit program invoicing approximately 3 times per year
- Maintain check-ins and regular communications with the Executive Director
- Refresh the HRC curriculum in collaboration with the Executive Director, incorporating updated activities and progressions based on the current program year
- Design and implement a participant skills-tracking survey covering both hard and soft climbing skills, with support from the Executive Director
Schedule and Contract Details
- Program sessions: Tuesday & Thursday, 3:30-5:30pm (school year: mid-September through end of June)
- Session schedule follows the school calendars of Columbia Secondary School and Hamilton Grange; programming pauses for school closures, holiday breaks, and parent-teacher conferences.
- Administrative hours: approximately 2-3 hrs/week, schedule is flexible
- Summer break: HRC program is on pause; summer hours are used for curriculum review, program development planning, and other related administrative program tasks
- Contract type: 1099 independent contractor
- Contract period: August 15th, 2026 to July 1st, 2027 with a formal mid-year review in January
- Compensation: $20-$25/hour depending on experience
Perks & Benefits
While this is a 1099 contract role, joining NY3C comes with a meaningful set of community perks:
- Free climbing access at VITAL West on all session days
- Complimentary climbing access at Metrorock Bushwick
- First access and free enrollment in any NY3C Ground School courses offered throughout the year (past courses have included anchor building and more; additional courses are planned)
- Access to the NY3C WhatsApp community — a network of experienced, diverse climbers across the organization where members find climbing partners, offer mentorship, and support one another
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- Experience working with youth in a structured program, coaching, or educational setting
- Comfort in a climbing gym environment
- Strong communication skills — with youth, school staff, volunteers, and organizational leadership
- Reliability and punctuality — this role is the program anchor; sessions depend on you showing up
- Willingness to complete CPR/First Aid certification, and youth protection/safeguarding training
- Ability to manage a small group independently and make real-time decisions on safety and programming
Preferred:
- Experience coordinating volunteers or managing program logistics
- Background in outdoor education, youth development, or nonprofit programming
- Interest in curriculum design or program evaluation
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10027
