Culinary Specialist
Harlem Children's Zone
Culinary Specialist
Harlem Children's Zone
Breaks poverty cycle through on-the-ground programs
Harlem Children's Zone · New York, United States · Part-time · Posted 2026-09-21
Salary: USD 25–30
Workplace: on_site
Department: Geoffrey Canada Comm Ctr
Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Activity Specialist to support programming at our community centers.
The Activity Specialist will bring a strong passion for Harlem Children’s Zone’s mission: to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through comprehensive, community-based programming that creates opportunities for children, families, and residents to thrive in school, work, and life.
We are looking for dynamic, part-time Activity Specialists across a variety of disciplines to design and lead engaging programs for children, youth, and community members during after-school and evening hours. Our community members bring a wealth of creativity, energy, and lived experience, and Harlem Children’s Zone provides a supportive environment and resources to help them grow, connect, and succeed.
As an Activity Specialist, you will develop and facilitate engaging lesson plans, group activities, and creative experiences aligned with your area of expertise. You will foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages participation from children, families, and local residents. In addition, you will promote the development of essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and positive decision-making.
For more information, check out Want to Work at Harlem Children’s Zone? Here’s 7 Things You Need to Know.
Requirements
Who you are
· A commitment to HCZ's mission and the communities we serve
· Experience working with students, families, and/or community members
· Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm for community programming
· Excellent planning, organization, communication, and time management skills
· Ability to provide consistent and positive instruction as well as receive constructive criticism
· Ability to work a flexible schedule, available days and evenings
· Energetic, motivated self-starter and a team player
· Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively on projects with staff and students and full curriculum
What you'll do
· Plan and facilitate engaging lessons, activities, and units
· Work with program participants to develop their artistic, educational, and/or leadership potential
· Coordinate subject-related trips, guest speakers, and other special events
· Attend weekly staff meetings
· Share insights discovered with team members on a regular basis
· Act as a role model
· Perform other duties as assigned by management
Schedule
· On-Site (Monday-Thursday) 5PM – 9PM and Saturdays from 10AM - 3PM
· During our Summer Camp Program, the Activity Specialists’ schedule will shift to Monday-Thursday from 1PM – 6PM.
Requirements
Who you are
· A commitment to HCZ's mission and the communities we serve
· Experience working with students, families, and/or community members
· Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm for community programming
· Excellent planning, organization, communication, and time management skills
· Ability to provide consistent and positive instruction as well as receive constructive criticism
· Ability to work a flexible schedule, available days and evenings
· Energetic, motivated self-starter and a team player
· Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively on projects with staff and students and full curriculum
What you'll do
· Plan and facilitate engaging lessons, activities, and units
· Work with program participants to develop their artistic, educational, and/or leadership potential
· Coordinate subject-related trips, guest speakers, and other special events
· Attend weekly staff meetings
· Share insights discovered with team members on a regular basis
· Act as a role model
· Perform other duties as assigned by management
Schedule
· On-Site (Monday-Thursday) 5PM – 9PM and Saturdays from 10AM - 3PM
· During our Summer Camp Program, the Activity Specialists’ schedule will shift to Monday-Thursday from 1PM – 6PM.
Apply at Harlem Children's Zone
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Breaks poverty cycle through on-the-ground programs
Harlem Children’s Zone coordinates a place-based set of programs across early childhood through adulthood in Harlem to help children and families thrive. It operates directly through schools, community centers, and outreach to deliver education, career pathways, health and wellness, and family supports. Programs are integrated, meaning services at different stages coordinate for each family, rather than one-off initiatives. This approach distinguishes HCZ from peers by offering a wraparound, long-term support system in a single community, focusing on mobility and prosperity rather than only schooling. The goal is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by creating opportunities in education, work, and life for residents of Harlem.
Explore more opportunities at Harlem Children's Zone