Education Specialist (COMPASS Program)

Job Title: Education Specialist (COMPASS Program)

Position Summary: Global Kids (GK) educates, inspires, and mobilizes youth to become global citizens who are positively engaged in the world and are prepared for their future. Global Kids, Inc. is currently seeking dedicated and innovative professionals who are passionate about youth development, global education, and academic enrichment. 

The Education Specialist plays a key role in the development, training, facilitation, and continuous improvement of high-quality afterschool programming within the DYCD COMPASS framework. This position ensures that academic enrichment and intervention activities align with New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) guidelines and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) academic standards. 

Under the supervision of the Sr. Director for Academic Programs and Quality Assurance, the Education Specialist collaborates closely with school-based Program Directors and staff to plan and support staff in implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate programming for youth in grades K–8. The role also supports the creation of safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments that promote student success.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design

• Develop structured, engaging, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate scopes and sequences, lesson plans, and enrichment activities aligned with NYCPS and DYCD priority content areas, including:
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • STEAM and literacy enrichment
  • College and career awareness
  • Academic support (homework help, literacy, math)
  • Life skills and leadership development (as applicable)
• Integrate project-based learning and experiential activities to enhance engagement and skill development
• Implement and reinforce SEL curriculum and practices in alignment with DYCD frameworks.
• Collaborate with school partners to design programming that reinforces academic skills and learning goals.
• Incorporate youth voice and choice into program planning and delivery.

Training and Coaching

• Provide training to content specialists and activity specialists on curriculum implementation and effective lesson facilitation.
• Train group leaders to deliver high-quality homework assistance and academic support that aligns with school-day learning.
• Conduct regular site-based observations and provide weekly coaching to staff on instructional practices, lesson delivery, and student engagement.

• In partnership with Program Site Directors, co-develop and implement individualized staff coaching plans

• Collaborate with the Director of Student Success and Wellness to train staff on case management best practices and protocols.
• Review case management documentation and provide feedback to program staff to support effective interventions for high-need youth

Quality Assurance

• Support the implementation of individualized SEL and academic pre- and post-assessments, including the development of action plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of program partnerships with schools and community-based organizations.
• Monitor compliance with DYCD requirements and support tracking of academic goals, including collaborating with Program Site Directors to troubleshoot implementation challenges at program sites.

Family and Community Engagement

• Design and implement culturally responsive, school-aligned family engagement activities in collaboration with program staff.
• Promote inclusive practices to ensure equitable access to programming for all participants.

Growth and Professional Development

• Participate in required professional development (approximately 3 hours/week equivalent annually). 
• Engage in ongoing coaching, training, and reflective practice to improve program quality and instructional effectiveness.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in education, Youth Development, Social Work, or a related field (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum of 3–4 years of experience working with youth (K–8), preferably in afterschool or educational settings
• Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating out-of-school-time enrichment programs (academic, arts, STEM, or SEL)
• Experience in training staff on curricula implementation and instructional practices is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Strong classroom management and behavior management skills
• Knowledge of youth development and positive youth development (PYD) practices
• Experience integrating social-emotional learning into instruction
• Ability to effectively engage diverse populations and create inclusive environments
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Cultural competence and commitment to equity