Chess Specialist – Afterschool Program

Chess 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 Chess Specialist will plan and facilitate engaging, skill-building chess programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The specialist will introduce students to the fundamentals of chess, including piece movement, strategy, tactics, openings, and endgame techniques while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, patience, and sportsmanship. Students will have opportunities to strengthen their skills through individual practice, collaborative learning, friendly competitions, and chess tournaments.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate structured chess lessons, workshops, and practice sessions for students in grades 6–8.
• Teach chess fundamentals, including piece movement, rules, openings, strategies, tactics, and endgame techniques.
• Develop students' critical thinking, strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Introduce advanced strategies and challenges to accommodate varying skill levels.
• Organize chess matches, tournaments, competitions, and student-led chess events.
• Encourage sportsmanship, patience, perseverance, and respectful competition.
• Create opportunities for students to learn from one another through peer mentoring and collaborative play.
• Maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive learning 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).
• Ability to plan structured activities and manage a group independently.
• Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth preferred.
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge in chess, competitive play, coaching, or instruction.
• Strong understanding of chess rules, strategies, and instructional techniques.
• Ability to teach chess in an engaging and youth-friendly manner.
• Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players.
• Comfortable organizing and leading group competitions and tournaments.
• Must be dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic.
• High school diploma/GED required; college degree, chess 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