POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Content Specialist

Reports To: Director of Education & Programs

Department: Education

Part-Time In-Person

Status: Non-Exempt

Date: January 2026

About the Organization

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education is a youth, family and community serving organization in the Hunts Point and Longwood sections of the South Bronx. We were established in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda who observed waves of Spanish-speaking people pouring in from Puerto Rico and in desperate need of services. While settlement houses were in place to address the needs of the poor, this population was made up of predominantly European immigrants. Seeing the barriers and isolation that Spanish-speaking people were confronting, Claire, Elizabeth, and Sister Mary provided essential nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support. What they could not know at the time is that they were championing social justice for what would become one of America’s most historically marginalized groups.

For 91 years, Casita Maria has expanded its population base to serve everyone in the community and continues to serve as a gathering place for hope and enrichment through arts, culture, and education. Currently, Casita Maria has approximately 15 full-time employees and approximately 35-40 part-time assistant program coordinators, group leaders, and teaching artists who lead after-school and summer camp programs. 

About the Opportunity 

Under the supervision of and in coordination with the Director of Education & Programs, the Content Specialist is responsible for the creation and implementation of a program curriculum that aligns with Casita Maria's Creative Youth Development framework and meets contractual requirements for after-school programming, as well as an exciting and rich summer camp experience. The Content Specialist will take a holistic approach to the creation of youth-driven activities that allow for creative expression while nurturing youth participants’ inherent talents. Additionally, the Content Specialist will play a role in providing a safe and healthy space allowing for positive relationship building.

The Content Specialist will be supported by a team of Education professionals including the Director of Education & Programs, Program Coordinators, Group Facilitators, and Teaching Artists. Team members also collaborate with other department leaders including Creative Arts. 

Primary Responsibilities

1. In partnership with the Director of Education and Programs, design and develop curricula and lesson plans for Fall, Spring, and Summer, aligned with DYCD standards, STEAM, and Creative Youth Development frameworks. 
2. Plan and facilitate theme-based culminating events that showcase student learning and creativity. 
3. Provide training, coaching, and professional development to staff, Teaching Artists, Interns, and Volunteers. 
4. Ensure program curricula align with school-day goals, DOE standards, and Casita Maria’s mission. 
5. Integrate best practices and educational trends to strengthen program design and impact. 
6. Identify and manage instructional resources, books, supplies, and technology to support effective teaching. 
7. Reinforce youth development philosophies that promote literacy, SEL, and positive identity development. 
8. Deliver individualized and group academic support tailored to youth needs. 
9. Conduct staff observations, evaluations, and coaching sessions to improve instructional practice. 
10. Collaborate with directors, family support staff, and community partners to connect families with needed services. 
11. Support assessment and data collection to inform lesson planning and continuous program improvement. 
12. Maintain open communication with supervisors, parents, and school staff while actively participating in training, meetings, and required events.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education preferred and 3-5 years experience (including managerial or teaching experience in NYC public schools). 
• 2 years of direct experience working with children under 13 years of age. 
• Familiarity with NYC and NYS funded programs including but not limited to DYCD, Empire, and Advantage. 
• Supervisory and team-building experience. 
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills; clear verbal communication skills required. 
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, discretion, and professionalism. 
• Ability to work collaboratively, quickly, and under pressure—with a sense of humor. 
• Ability to meet deadlines, attend meetings and prioritize tasks. 
• Strong computer skills; knowledge of Google Drive and other standard business technology is required. 
• Bilingual – Spanish/English a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and interacts with children and young people. 
• Requires significant standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, and physical activity. 
• Works in an in-office and classroom (studio) environment. 
• Willingness to perform activities outdoors and/or during inclement weather. 
• Must be patient/willing to wait, utilize modeling behavior, be consistent in scheduling and attendance, and act quickly in emergencies.

Work Hours 

The Content Specialist will work part-time Mondays-Fridays, 2–6 PM in an in-office environment in the South Bronx (Casita Maria’s principal program site and offices). As a direct service organization, our remote work policy is extremely limited and subject to the Executive Director. The Content Specialist should be prepared to work some weekends and/or evenings as needed or scheduled in advance.

Compensation

Salary range for this opportunity is $38-40 per hour commensurate with experience. 

Benefits

Casita Maria offers its part-time employees short and long-term disability insurance, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter benefits, a 403(b) plan, Safe & Sick days (40 hours annually), and 8 paid holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Casita Maria welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates from the local community to apply for our Content Specialist role. 

The Content Specialist can expect to work in an environment that roots its after-school staff and program in transparency, physical and psychological safety, and whose 91 years of championing social justice is not just a statement but our story. We value staff who are thoughtful, curious, and committed to building systems that support equitable access to the arts and education for all.

How to Apply

Email the required items below to hr@casitamaria.org with Content Specialist/Your Name in the subject line. Candidates who do not submit the below will not be considered.

1. Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in Casita Maria. 
2. Resume/CV. 
3. A writing sample (e.g., lesson plan creation, etc.). 
4. Contact information for three professional references.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. We appreciate your flexibility in advance.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Group Facilitator

Reports To: Program Coordinators

Department: Education

Part-Time In-Person

Status: Non-Exempt

Date: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

About the Organization

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education is a youth, family and community serving organization in the Hunts Point and Longwood sections of the South Bronx. We were established in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda who observed waves of Spanish-speaking people pouring in from Puerto Rico and in desperate need of services. While settlement houses were in place to address the needs of the poor, this population was made up of predominantly European immigrants. Seeing the barriers and isolation that Spanish-speaking people were confronting, Claire, Elizabeth, and Sister Mary provided essential nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support. What they could not know at the time is that they were championing social justice for what would become one of America’s most historically marginalized groups.

For 91 years, Casita Maria has expanded its population base to serve everyone in the community and continues to serve as a gathering place for hope and enrichment through arts, culture, and education. Currently, Casita Maria has approximately 15 full-time employees and approximately 35-40 part-time assistant program coordinators, group leaders, and teaching artists who lead after-school and summer camp programs. 

About the Opportunity

Casita Maria is seeking experienced, detail-oriented, enthusiastic Group Facilitators who thoroughly enjoy supporting young artists (participants) with care and professional role modeling. Group Facilitators serve as direct line staff during programming hours, and are responsible for leading in one or more STEAM disciplines, physical activities, or other activities that develop and strengthen academic, physical, and social emotional learning (SEL) for young people. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, supervision of participants at all times, providing academic support, facilitating activities, collaborating among teams, and developing lessons that are aligned with our Creative Youth Development (CYD) framework. 

Reporting to both Program Coordinators and Associate Program Coordinators, Group Facilitators are supported by a team of education professionals including Program Coordinators, Associate Program Coordinators, Activity and Content Specialists, and Teaching Artists.

Primary Responsibilities 

1. Supervise participants, aged Pre-K to middle school, transitioning from the school day into afterschool programming, including tracking attendance, overseeing snack distribution, transitions to activities and events, and with dismissal. 
2. Build age-appropriate relationships with participants that establish positive connections and rapport. 
3. Create and maintain a structured safe space (studio) that supports learning, growing, and social-emotional wellbeing. 
4. Log and report all daily attendance, behavioral issues, and emergency incidents. 
5. While working with Teaching Artists, appropriately support their work and encourage participants to engage in Teaching Artists’ led activities. 
6. In coordination with Content Specialists, develop engaging and age-appropriate lesson plans and instructional material in STEAM, civic engagement, physical recreation, arts & crafts, and literacy activities that encourage growth and exploration. 
7. Actively participate and attend weekly/bi-weekly/monthly team meetings and one-on-one coaching and professional development sessions. 
8. Model the principles of CYD in the studios and in the workplace at all times.
9. Co-facilitate team trainings and meetings in collaboration with Program Coordinators, Associate Program Coordinators, and Content Specialists.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

• High school diploma required 
• A minimum of 2 years direct service experience working with youth under 13 years of age.
• This position requires completion of a minimum 30 hours of training/professional development workshops that focus on youth development, safety, mandated reporter, social-emotional learning, lesson planning, and facilitation. 
• Excited to work in a fast-paced, arts and education-focused environment. 
• Loves working with children and young people particularly those with special needs. 
• Ability to work collaboratively at all levels of staff. 
• Excellent written and communication skills. 
• Good project management, organization, and deadline prioritization talents. 
• High integrity and emotional intelligence with the ability to handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately. 
• Good computer skills and knowledge of Google, Microsoft Office, and other standard business technology is encouraged. 
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends to support special events. 
• Bilingual – Spanish/English a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions 

• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and interacts with children and young people.
• Requires significant standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, and physical activity.
• Works in a classroom (studio) environment.
• Willingness to perform activities outdoors and/or during inclement weather. 
• Must be patient/willing to wait, utilize modeling behavior, be consistent in scheduling and attendance, and act quickly in emergencies. 

Work Hours

Group Facilitators will work part-time Mondays - Fridays, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM in an in-office environment in the South Bronx (Casita Maria’s principal program site and offices). This is a direct service position with no remote work options and where punctuality and attendance are critical. Group Facilitators should be prepared to work some weekends and/or evenings as needed or scheduled in advance.

Compensation

Salary range for this opportunity is $18-22 hourly commensurate with experience.  

Benefits

Casita Maria offers its part-time employees participation in the following benefits if eligible: Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; Commuter Benefits; 403(b); Safe and Sick Leave; FMLA and PFL; and 8 paid holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Casita Maria welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates from the local community to apply for our Group Facilitator role. 

The Group Facilitator  can expect to work in an environment that roots its after-school staff and program in transparency, physical and psychological safety, and whose 91 years of championing social justice is not just a statement but our story. We value staff who are thoughtful, curious, and committed to building systems that support equitable access to the arts and education for all.

How to Apply

Email the required items below to hr@casitamaria.org with Group Facilitator/Your Name in the subject line. Candidates who do not submit the below will not be considered.

1. Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in Casita Maria.
2. Resume/CV.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. We appreciate your flexibility in advance.