The After School Activity Specialist + Group Leader facilitates engaging enrichment activities and serves as a mentor for a cohort of students. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive environment, managing student behavior, and ensuring compliance with program policies.
Founded in 1995, KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful, academically excellent schools where every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. From our first middle school, KIPP Academy in the Bronx, to today’s network of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, and one high school, KIPP NYC provides students with engaging academics, arts, athletics, and social–emotional learning that prepare them for college, career, and beyond. Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. Through KIPP Forward, we continue to support our alumni as they navigate college, career, and life, helping them define success on their own terms and pursue the paths that align with their goals and sense of purpose. Together, we serve more than 9,400 students, supported over 4,700 alumni, and employ more than 1,100 dedicated team members who bring passion, expertise, and commitment to our mission every day.
Position Overview The After School Activity Specialist + Group Leader is a part-time position that plays an important role in creating engaging, safe, and enriching after school experiences for elementary and middle school students. Reporting to the After School Director, this role combines two critical responsibilities: leading a specialized enrichment activity and serving as a Group Leader for a cohort of students. The After School Activity Specialist + Group Leader develops and facilitates engaging programming in a designated content area—such as dance, visual arts, music, sports, chess, STEM, or other enrichment opportunities—while also building positive relationships with students and supporting their academic, social-emotional, and personal growth throughout the after school program. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with young people, enjoy creating engaging learning experiences, and believe in the power of enrichment to help students discover their interests, build confidence, and develop new skills. This is a part-time, in-person position requiring on-site work at one of our KIPP NYC campuses across the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Manhattan. Work schedules typically occur during after-school hours on weekdays, with occasional evening or special event responsibilities as determined by program needs. Your primary work location will be determined by your leadership team.
General responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Student Engagement & Enrichment Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate enrichment activities in a specialized content area, such as dance, visual arts, music, sports, chess, STEM, or other areas of expertise. Develop lesson plans that promote creativity, collaboration, leadership, and positive youth development. Create a joyful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students feel known, valued, and encouraged to participate. Differentiate activities to meet the diverse interests, abilities, and developmental needs of students. Foster positive relationships with students while serving as a mentor and positive role model. Group Leadership & Student Support Serve as the Group Leader for an assigned cohort of approximately 15 students. Supervise students throughout all after school activities, transitions, field trips, and special events. Promote positive behavior, teamwork, and student engagement while maintaining a safe and structured environment. Support students' social-emotional development and encourage positive peer relationships. Ensure student safety and well-being at all times. Program Operations & Compliance Follow the daily schedule and program expectations established by the Program Director and Education Specialist. Maintain accurate attendance records, activity evaluations, incident reports, and other required documentation. Ensure compliance with Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Department of Health (DOH), and KIPP NYC policies and procedures. Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of activity spaces and materials. Support additional program operations and special events as needed. Team & Family Partnership Collaborate with Program Directors, school staff, and fellow after school team members to ensure high-quality programming. Participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and required trainings. Communicate respectfully and professionally with students, families, colleagues, and community partners. Contribute to a collaborative team culture focused on continuous improvement and outstanding student experiences. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Program Director.
High school diploma or high school equivalency required; Associate's degree preferred. Minimum of two years of experience working with elementary or middle school-aged children in an educational, youth development, recreation, camp, or after school setting. Demonstrated expertise in one or more enrichment areas, such as dance, visual arts, music, sports, chess, STEM, theater, or other specialized activities. Experience planning and facilitating engaging activities for groups of children. Strong classroom or group management skills with the ability to create a positive and inclusive environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while demonstrating initiative and professionalism. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Commitment to maintaining a safe, structured, and welcoming environment for all students. Deep commitment to KIPP NYC's mission and belief that all students deserve access to joyful, high-quality learning experiences beyond the school day. Demonstrates KIPP NYC's core values of zest, grit, hope, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor.
Compensation & Benefits: KIPP NYC offers an hourly rate of $18/hour for Group Leaders and $28.69/hour for Activity Specialists. This rate is standardized based on the position's level and responsibilities to ensure equitable compensation across employees in similar roles. This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee. This is a part-time, in-person role based in New York City and will require travel to our schools. If you are not in a school-based position, the cadence and frequency of travel to schools is determined by your leadership team. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate. KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City. KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with an associate's degree preferred. A minimum of two years of experience working with school-aged children in an educational or youth development setting is required.
Market context
In New York, roles supporting youth programs and school-age services often see steady demand because organizations need reliable staff who can communicate well with children and teens. These positions are competitive when candidates show professionalism, patience, and flexibility, especially with youth ages 6–18. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to highlight any experience working with young people and your availability.