Activity Specialist: Fitness & Nutrition

The YMCA of Greater New York is a well-established nonprofit organization with a long history of serving the diverse communities of New York City since its founding in 1852. With 24 branches spread across the city, the YMCA is dedicated to empowering youth, improving health, and strengthening communities through a broad range of programs and services. Serving more than half a million New Yorkers annually, the YMCA fosters a sense of community and connection among its members, offering a welcoming space for individuals and families to grow and thrive.

The YMCA operates with a people-first approach, emphasizing learning, leadership, empowerment, accountability, and personal growth through its LEAP career framework. This culture encourages staff development and supports a collaborative environment where trust and inclusion are core values.

Currently, the YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Activity Specialist for the Vanderbilt YMCA Afterschool program. This position is hourly paid at $30.00 and involves working with school-age children, primarily grades K-5, to provide academic enhancement and enrichment focused on fitness and nutrition education. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for creating safe, positive, and engaging environments for children in afterschool programs and holiday camps. The role includes preparing and delivering structured lesson plans aligned with HealthyNYC initiatives, leading physical activities ranging from organized sports to fun fitness games, and conducting educational workshops such as cooking demonstrations.

The Activity Specialist must engage children in a variety of age-appropriate activities, fostering physical health and nutrition literacy while supporting social and emotional growth. The position requires creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that respects and embraces diversity, including accommodations for children with different learning needs. Maintaining health and safety standards, providing appropriate supervision, and collaborating with other staff and school personnel are integral parts of this role.

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping children develop valuable skills and confidence through physical activity and nutrition knowledge in a dynamic and supportive community setting. The YMCA values strong role models who embody the organization's core values and who can nurture positive relationships with participants, their families, and caregivers. In addition to engaging directly with children, the Activity Specialist will play a key role in organizing end-of-cycle showcases to highlight the accomplishments of participants.

This role requires availability from Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., allowing for consistent engagement with the afterschool community. The YMCA of Greater New York supports its employees with various benefits based on employment status and tenure, including health and retirement plans, paid time off, and free YMCA memberships. Joining the YMCA’s team means becoming part of a mission-driven community committed to making New York a better place for all its residents through impactful youth programs and inclusive services.