Fashion and Culture Specialist –Afterschool Program

Fashion and Culture Specialist – Afterschool Program We hire for this position in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan. Openings vary across 30+ sites throughout the school year. Our complete list is at nyjtl.org/aces-sites About New York Junior Tennis & Learning For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs. NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants. The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement. Position Summary The Fashion and Culture Specialist will design and facilitate creative programming that introduces middle school students in grades 6–8 to fashion, design, cultural identity, and personal expression. The specialist will expose students to fashion history, global styles, textiles, trends, and influential designers while encouraging creativity, individuality, and cultural appreciation. Students will have opportunities to explore fashion illustration, clothing design, styling, upcycling, and fashion entrepreneurship through hands-on projects and collaborative activities. The specialist will encourage students to connect fashion to identity, history, sustainability, and diverse cultural influences while developing original designs and participating in fashion showcases and student-led exhibitions. Key Responsibilities Plan and facilitate engaging fashion design lessons, workshops, and creative projects. Introduce students to fashion history, global fashion trends, cultural influences, and influential designers. Teach foundational fashion concepts, including color theory, styling, design principles, textiles, and fashion illustration. Provide hands-on opportunities for students to create mood boards, sketches, accessories, and original fashion designs. Introduce students to basic sewing, garment construction, upcycling, and sustainable fashion practices as appropriate. Encourage students to explore cultural identity, personal style, and self-expression through fashion. Incorporate discussions around fashion entrepreneurship, branding, marketing, and careers in the fashion industry. Guide students in developing original collections, collaborative design projects, and fashion portfolios. Prepare students for fashion shows, design exhibitions, showcases, and program events. Maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive creative environment. Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required. Schedule: Monday through Friday Shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Start and end times may vary based on site assignment.) Up to 20 hours per week. Availability during these hours is required. Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year through June 2027. Additional Responsibilities Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year. Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Curriculum & Activity Planning Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in assigned specialty area. Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks. Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities. Prepare materials and supplies in advance; maintain an organized, safe activity space. Facilitation & Youth Engagement Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels. Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports. Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence. Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback. Collaboration & Communication Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions. Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors. Safety, Documentation, & Compliance Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies. Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required. Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area. Qualifications Required: Available during after-school hours, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings); Monday-Friday during the school year and some school holidays. 2+years' experience working with children or youth in group settings (after-school, camp, school, recreational program). Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth preferred. Demonstrated experience or knowledge in fashion design, styling, textiles, merchandising, or a related field. Strong understanding of fashion trends, design techniques, and cultural influences. Ability to teach age-appropriate fashion design and creative activities. Knowledge of basic sewing and garment construction preferred. Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills. Ability to encourage creativity, individuality, and cultural appreciation. Comfortable leading student design projects and fashion showcases. Must be dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic. High school diploma/GED required; college degree, fashion training, certification, or equivalent experience preferred. Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements. Preferred: Some college coursework or degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or related field. Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting. Bilingual language skills. Job Type Part Time Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 6:00pm Salary $21.50 - 24.50 per hour Please click "Apply" below, or visit our careers page at nyjtl.org to complete an application. Thank you! NYJTL values the diversity of the people we hire and inspire. Diversity at our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We center equity in all our work and in our hiring practices.