Who We Are
The New York City Muslim Center (NYCMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and home to the largest Islamic Center in New York City. Our 60,000 sq. ft. facility impacts over 2,000 lives weekly, serving as the headquarters for:
- NYCMC Wellspring Schools
- NYCMC Uplift
- The Jesus Son of Mary Mosque (JSMC)
- NYCMC FKAD Institute
We don’t just run classrooms — we build environments where students grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Every role in our school contributes to shaping future leaders.
The Opportunity
Schedule: Monday-Friday, approximately 2:30 PM-6:30 PM during the school year, with additional opportunities during school breaks and summer programming.
Inspire. Teach. Make Every Afternoon Count.
The NYC Muslim Center (NYCMC) and Wellspring Schools are seeking a passionate, creative, and energetic Activity Specialist to help launch our new DYCD COMPASS After-School Program serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. If you enjoy inspiring young people through hands-on learning, arts, science, technology, athletics, music, leadership, or other enrichment activities, we'd love to meet you. This position offers the opportunity to design meaningful experiences that help students build confidence, discover new interests, strengthen friendships, and develop lifelong skills in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Position Summary
The Activity Specialist develops and facilitates engaging enrichment activities within a specialized content area that supports the goals of the DYCD COMPASS program. Working closely with the Program Director, Content Specialist, and Group Leaders, the Activity Specialist delivers structured, age-appropriate programming that promotes youth development, creativity, teamwork, problem solving, and academic growth while ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Preferred Specialty Areas
We are seeking specialists with experience in one or more of the following:
- STEAM
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Robotics
- Coding
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
- Physical Education
- Sports
- Fitness
- Martial Arts
- Literacy
- Creative Writing
- Chess
- Photography
- Financial Literacy
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership Development
- College & Career Readiness
Applicants with expertise in additional enrichment areas are encouraged to apply.
Essential Responsibilities
The Activity Specialist will:
- Develop and facilitate engaging lessons within an assigned enrichment area.
- Create structured lesson plans that support DYCD COMPASS program goals.
- Foster student creativity, curiosity, teamwork, leadership, and confidence.
- Deliver activities that are age-appropriate, engaging, culturally responsive, and inclusive.
- Collaborate with the Content Specialist to ensure activities align with required COMPASS content areas.
- Support implementation of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout daily activities.
- Promote positive youth development through encouragement, mentorship, and relationship building.
- Utilize positive classroom management strategies that support student growth and engagement.
- Adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities whenever appropriate.
- Prepare instructional materials and activity spaces before each session.
- Assist with family engagement events, showcases, field trips, community events, and special programming.
- Accurately complete lesson plans, attendance records, and other program documentation as required.
- Communicate professionally with program leadership regarding student progress, concerns, and program needs.
- Participate in required staff meetings, professional development, and training sessions.
- Maintain equipment, supplies, and activity spaces in a safe and organized condition.
- Help ensure all activities comply with DYCD, OCFS School Age Child Care (SACC), organizational, and applicable safety requirements.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Demonstrated knowledge, training, certification, or professional experience within at least one enrichment area.
- Experience working with children or youth in a school, camp, recreation, after-school, or similar setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to engage and motivate diverse groups of students.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation, Child Development, Fine Arts, Physical Education, STEM, Music, or related field.
- Experience teaching or leading enrichment programs.
- Experience working in DYCD, COMPASS, SONYC, SACC, school, or youth development programs.
- CPR/First Aid certification.
Required Knowledge & Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong classroom and behavior management skills
- Creativity and enthusiasm
- Positive youth development practices
- Effective communication
- Organization and time management
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Cultural responsiveness
- Professionalism
- Ability to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Participate in indoor and outdoor activities.
- Lift and carry program materials weighing up to approximately 25 pounds.
- Actively supervise students throughout classrooms, gyms, playgrounds, and field trips.
- Respond appropriately during emergencies.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Required Clearances & Training
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required screenings and clearances, which may include:
- Background check
- Fingerprinting
- State Central Register clearance, where applicable
- Reference verification
Employees must successfully complete all required organizational, DYCD, and School Age Child Care (SACC) trainings upon hire and throughout employment. Required training may include child safety, mandated reporting, emergency preparedness, behavior management, social-emotional learning, mental health awareness, inclusion, and other topics required by DYCD or program leadership.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
