Sports and Recreation - Activity Specialist

Summary

Who are we?

The YWCA of the City of New York (YW-NYC) is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We are a social justice organization dedicated to addressing issues that emerge at the intersection of race, class and gender. Founded in 1858, the YW-NYC is the first YW in the United States and part of an international movement of YWs worldwide.  We currently serve 1,500 New York City school children by providing leadership and advocacy training for young women through our high school Girls Initiatives and Out-of-School Time (OST) programs for elementary and middle school students in diverse communities in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

 Job Summary

We are seeking a caring, energetic, and results-oriented Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist committed to positive youth development and passionate about promoting physical activity, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles among youth. This role is ideal for an individual who can design and implement engaging, inclusive recreation and movement-based activities in an afterschool setting that build confidence, cooperation, and overall wellness.

Key attributes of a successful Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist include the ability to manage multiple activities and responsibilities simultaneously; effectively integrate program philosophy and management policies consistent with the organization’s mission and goals; utilize creativity and leadership to develop and deliver dynamic recreation programming; and work both collaboratively and independently with key stakeholders and partnering organizations.

In this role, the Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist will plan, facilitate, and supervise interactive, age-appropriate physical activities such as team sports, cooperative games, fitness challenges, movement-based activities, and recreational play for participants in the YWCA after-school program. The Specialist will create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students feel encouraged to participate, develop new skills, and stay active.

This position works closely with program leadership and school staff to align recreational programming with program goals, prepare youth for friendly tournaments, showcases, or community events, and adapt activities to meet diverse skill levels and abilities. The Sports and Recreation Activity Specialist will also support youth in developing teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and healthy habits through structured play and active learning experiences.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or a minimum of two (2) years of college coursework required; degree in Physical Education, Recreation, Kinesiology, Sports Management, Youth Development, Education, or a related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience facilitating sports, recreation, physical activity, youth development, or community-based programming required; experience in afterschool or school-based programs strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sports fundamentals, recreational activities, and physical fitness practices, with the ability to lead structured and inclusive activities for youth.
• Strong group management, facilitation, and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse learners through interactive and movement-based activities.
• Ability to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and healthy lifestyle habits through recreation programming.
• Creative, adaptable, and culturally responsive, with a commitment to ensuring all youth feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to participate in physical activities regardless of skill level.
• CPR/First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain within designated timeframe).
• Must successfully pass background check and fingerprint clearance.

Duties

Program Planning & Delivery

• Design, plan, and facilitate developmentally appropriate sports, recreation, and movement-based activities that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.
• Create engaging activities such as team sports, cooperative games, fitness challenges, movement circuits, and recreational tournaments that encourage participation and build confidence.
• Ensure recreation programming aligns with youth development principles, program goals, and student interests while fostering teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
• Differentiate activities and adapt equipment, rules, and instructional approaches to meet diverse skill levels, abilities, and learning styles.
• Maintain a daily minimum of 15 participants in the activity while ensuring high-quality engagement, inclusion, and active participation.

Supervision & Safety

• Supervise participants at all times, ensuring their safety and well-being in compliance with YWCA policies, particularly during physical activities and use of sports equipment.
• Establish and reinforce clear safety procedures for games, fitness activities, and recreational play.
• Delegate roles to group leaders and program staff during activities to support small-group engagement and effective supervision (as applicable).
• Manage activity spaces effectively to promote teamwork, respect, fair play, and positive participation.
• Collaboration & Communication:
• Work closely with the Program Director and Education Specialist to align sports and recreation activities with program schedules and overall program objectives.
• Collaborate with school-day staff to support student wellness and reinforce the importance of physical activity and healthy habits.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, school staff, and parents/guardians regarding student participation, progress, and upcoming recreational events or activities.

Program Support & Events

• Prepare participants to participate in friendly competitions, recreation showcases, fitness challenges, or end-of-program tournaments in partnership with school staff.
• Support field trips, community-building events, and enrichment opportunities that promote active lifestyles and teamwork.
• Encourage teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving through cooperative games and group-based physical activities.

Operations & Compliance

• Set up, operate, and clean up activity spaces; maintain organization, inventory, and proper storage of sports and recreation equipment and supplies.
• Ensure responsible use and care of equipment and activity spaces (e.g., gym, playground, outdoor areas).
• Submit required program documentation, lesson plans, and attendance records in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development to strengthen recreation programming and youth engagement strategies.
• Implement YWCA’s anti-racist and anti-sexist philosophy throughout programming, actively promoting equity, inclusion, and positive youth development.
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program impact and participant outcomes.