Youth Art Instructor at Greenpoint YMCA

Salary: $25.00 - $40.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The Greenpoint YMCA is seeking a Youth Art Instructor who will be responsible for teaching fundamental Art skills to children/teens in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment. Key functions include:

• Provide a fun, positive, and safe experience for all participants.

• Demonstrate strong service and hospitality with all constituents, including, but not limited to, program participants and parents/guardians.

• Create an all-inclusive, highly motivational, and positive classroom atmosphere that encourages participants to build confidence in their Artistic abilities.

• Teach progressive lessons and provide opportunities to demonstrate learned skills.

• Monitor participants' progress and provide encouraging, constructive feedback to participants and their parents/guardians.

• Embody the YMCA Core Values.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Supervisor to develop program objectives and goals for each program session.

• Plan and execute age-appropriate and dynamic art classes, demonstrating techniques in drawing, painting, sculpting, and mixed media while keeping participants highly engaged.

• Provide supervision of the participants in line with YMCA program standards and guidelines (i.e., ratio, attendance, etc.).

• Be able to modify lesson plans and instructions to meet the needs of the participants.

• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding the progress of their child/teen and registration for the next session.

• Communicate to parents/guardians about additional YMCA opportunities that can benefit them or their child.

• Create an environment that is encouraging to all participants regardless of skill level.

• Inform the Manager on Duty (MOD) regarding any incident reports that need to be filled out.

• Have a thorough knowledge of branch emergency procedures and take appropriate actions in emergency situations.

• Actively participate in designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.

• Work with the supervisor to develop and lead program promotion and recruitment efforts.

• Record accurate attendance for all classes.

• Prepare art supplies before each session, manage inventory, and ensure the workspace is thoroughly cleaned and organized during all activities and at the end of each day.

Desired Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts preferred.

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience teaching Art to children/teens in a structured setting.

• Strong personal or professional background in Visual Arts, Arts Education, or Crafts.

• Ability to communicate effectively with members of all ages.

• Content expert in the designated areas of art.

• Ability to adapt teaching styles to accommodate diverse learning needs and behavioral levels.

• Must complete Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of employment.

• Must attend the YMCA Coaching 101 training within 90 days of employment.

• Current First Aid or CPR certifications preferred.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical benefits, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.