Content Specialist
About the Organization
Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education (Casita Maria) is the first nonprofit organization in the United States established in 1934 to serve vulnerable yet vibrant Latino youth ages 5 to 19, their families, and community residents using arts, culture, and education, originally in East Harlem and since 1961 in the South Bronx.
Today, we welcome people from across the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, providing free arts, education, literacy, youth development, and cultural programs that help young people build confidence, skills, and a strong sense of belonging. Our collective efforts cultivate young professionals to become the next generation of passionate and informed arts and education leaders.
Currently, Casita Maria has approximately 15 full-time employees and approximately 35-40 full- and part-time program coordinators, group facilitators, teaching artists, and activity specialists who lead after-school, summer camp, holiday camp, and public arts programs and special events.
About the Opportunity
Under the supervision of and in coordination with the Director of Education & Programs, the Content Specialist is responsible for the creation and implementation of a program curriculum that aligns with Casita Maria's Creative Youth Development framework and meets contractual requirements for after-school programming, as well as an exciting and rich summer camp experience. The Content Specialist will take a holistic approach to the creation of youth-driven activities that allow for creative expression while nurturing youth participants’ inherent talents. Additionally, the Content Specialist will play a role in providing a safe and healthy space allowing for positive relationship building.
The Content Specialist will be supported by a team of Education professionals including the Director of Education & Programs, Program Coordinators, Group Facilitators, and Teaching Artists. Team members also collaborate with other department leaders including Creative Arts.
Primary Responsibilities
- In partnership with the Director of Education and Programs, design and develop curricula and lesson plans for Fall, Spring, and Summer, aligned with DYCD standards, STEAM, and Creative Youth Development frameworks.
- Plan and facilitate theme-based culminating events that showcase student learning and creativity.
- Provide training, coaching, and professional development to staff, Teaching Artists, Interns, and Volunteers.
- Ensure program curricula align with school-day goals, DOE standards, and Casita Maria’s mission.
- Integrate best practices and educational trends to strengthen program design and impact.
- Identify and manage instructional resources, books, supplies, and technology to support effective teaching.
- Reinforce youth development philosophies that promote literacy, SEL, and positive identity development.
- Deliver individualized and group academic support tailored to youth needs.
- Conduct staff observations, evaluations, and coaching sessions to improve instructional practice.
- Collaborate with directors, family support staff, and community partners to connect families with needed services.
- Support assessment and data collection to inform lesson planning and continuous program improvement.
- Maintain open communication with supervisors, parents, and school staff while actively participating in training, meetings, and required events.
Skills & Experience We’re Looking For
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education preferred and 3-5 years experience (including managerial or teaching experience in NYC public schools).
- 2 years of direct experience working with children under 13 years of age.
- Familiarity with NYC and NYS funded programs including but not limited to DYCD, Empire, and Advantage.
- Supervisory and team-building experience.
- Exceptional writing and editorial skills; clear verbal communication skills required.
- Highly motivated, detail-oriented, ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Ability to work collaboratively, quickly, and under pressure—with a sense of humor.
- Ability to meet deadlines, attend meetings and prioritize tasks.
- Strong computer skills; knowledge of Google Drive and other standard business technology is required.
- Bilingual – Spanish/English a plus.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and interacts with children and young people.
- Requires significant standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, and physical activity.
- Works in an in-office and classroom (studio) environment.
- Willingness to perform activities outdoors and/or during inclement weather.
- Must be patient/willing to wait, utilize modeling behavior, be consistent in scheduling and attendance, and act quickly in emergencies.
Work Hours
The Content Specialist will work part-time Mondays-Fridays, 2–6 PM in an in-office environment in the South Bronx (Casita Maria’s principal program site and offices). As a direct service organization, our remote work policy is extremely limited and subject to the Executive Director. The Content Specialist should be prepared to work some weekends and/or evenings as needed or scheduled in advance.
Compensation
Salary range for this opportunity is $38-40 per hour commensurate with experience.
Benefits
Casita Maria offers its part-time employees short and long-term disability insurance, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter benefits, a 403(b) plan, Safe & Sick days (40 hours annually), and 8 paid holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Casita Maria welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates from the local community to apply for our Content Specialist role.
The Content Specialist can expect to work in an environment that roots its after-school staff and program in transparency, physical and psychological safety, and whose 91 years of championing social justice is not just a statement but our story. We value staff who are thoughtful, curious, and committed to building systems that support equitable access to the arts and education for all.
How to Apply
Email the required items below to hr@casitamaria.org with Content Specialist/Your Name in the subject line. Candidates who do not submit the below will not be considered.
- Cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in Casita Maria.
- Resume/CV.
- A writing sample (e.g., lesson plan creation, etc.).
- Contact information for three professional references.