Sports Specialist

Harlem Grown is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition. We operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.

Founded in 2011 by Tony Hillery with one school partnership, one urban farm and an idea to help Harlem children, today Harlem Grown’s farms and greenhouses are used as classrooms and as venues to cultivate a connection to the environment and food among young people. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring soil-based urban farms, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber.  All of our sites are located between 122^nd and 152^nd Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan. 

Harlem Grown cultivates deep community roots by growing fresh food, strong youth, and lasting relationships. We meet children where they live, learn, and grow—offering opportunities that extend beyond our farms to the classroom and into their futures. Through Food and Farm Education, we help youth build healthy habits, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community. Our urban farms provide free produce and nutritious meals for families while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. Through 14 urban farms and year-round programming, we provide free produce, nutritious meals, and cooking lessons while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. In addition, our programs increase economic opportunity for families and develop leadership and advocacy skills so participants can drive transformational change in their communities.

At Harlem Grown, we grow healthy children and communities through hands-on education, access to resources, and long-term youth support. Our Food and Farm Education —including summer camp, in-school and after-school programs, mobile education, service learning, and farm tours—delivers farm-based lessons to children in our community. We offer free community resources like farmstands, Saturdays on the farm, and events that provide fresh food and create spaces for support and connection. Through academic support, internships, and career readiness programs, we help our young people build confidence and skills to thrive from elementary school through adulthood.

Type: Part-time | Hourly 

Location: Various community center/school locations available in Harlem 

Schedule:  Monday–Thursday, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM, with possible Saturday hours.  

Position Overview: 

The Sports Specialist plays a key role in Harlem Grown’s DYCD COMPASS after-school and summer programs by designing and leading engaging sports and physical recreational activities for participants K-5. They will create a fun and inclusive environment where participants of all abilities can participate and build self-confidence. The Sports Specialists will work closely with Food and Farm Activity Specialists, Group Leaders, Program Coordinator, and Program Director to deliver high-quality, age- appropriate programming that promotes teamwork, fitness and skill development. In alignment with Harlem Grown’s mission and program model, this role may also support the preparation and facilitation of food, farm, and wellness education activities as needed. Through these interactive lessons, creative projects, and real-world connections, the Sports Specialist supports Harlem Grown’s mission to inspire youth.  

Responsibilities: 

Program Delivery & Youth Engagement 

• Plan and lead/co-lead engaging sports, fitness, and recreational activities that promote movement, healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and positive behavior for K–5th grade participants. 

• Design hands-on movement experiences that help youth build fundamental skills in sports such as basketball, soccer, kickball, group games, cooperative play, and other fitness activities. 

• Write and submit lesson plans and activity plans in a timely manner, ensuring activities are prepared, age-appropriate, and aligned with program goals. 

• Plan and facilitate sports days for camps, special events, and larger community program days. 

• Incorporate Harlem Grown’s core themes of wellness, healthy living, teamwork, and youth leadership into sports and recreational activities. 

• Set up, maintain, and organize equipment and activity spaces to support safe and engaging activities. 

• Foster teamwork, leadership, cooperation, and positive sportsmanship through all activities. 

• Collaborate with Group Leaders and Program Leadership staff to ensure activities are well-organized, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with program goals. 

• Maintain child safety and classroom/group management during all program activities. 

• Build strong relationships with youth and their families and contribute to a supportive program space. 

• Support the preparation and facilitation of food, farm, and wellness education activities as needed 

• Follow and model a positive behavior management approach that promotes guidance, reinforces Harlem Grown’s values, and supports a respectful, nurturing environment. 

• Participate in training and professional development sessions. 

Program Implementation

• Work with the Program Manager and Program Leadership staff to align activities with overall curriculum goals.  

• Assist with preparation, setup, and cleanup for daily programming.  

• Maintain a safe, structured, and engaging program environment by adhering to Harlem Grown’s internal protocols, DYCD requirements, and all relevant health and safety guidelines.  

• Maintain accurate daily attendance records for all participants, ensuring timely entry, tracking, and follow up   

• Participate in staff meetings, training, and program events.  

• Represent Harlem Grown at community events, school visits, or farm-based learning experiences.  

• Support data collection, reflection, and continuous improvement efforts as directed by program leadership.  

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:  

Required  

• High School Diploma or equivalent  

• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching, coaching, or facilitating programs with children under age 13 years.  

• Demonstrated expertise in content areas related to fitness, sports, or STEM education  

• Ability to engage and motivate youth across grades K–5.  

• Strong classroom management and communication skills.  

• Ability to bend, kneel, and lift to 50lbs of programming supplies  

• Energetic, reliable, and team-oriented; able to work independently and collaboratively.  

• Commitment to Harlem Grown’s mission.  

• Meet OCFS background check requirements.  
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred  

• Strong connection to Harlem or similar urban communities.  

• Associate’s degree in education, youth development, social work, or related field.  

• Familiarity with DYCD COMPASS program standards and OCFS SACC regulations.  

• Experience integrating sustainability, urban farming, or nutrition education into instruction.  

• Bilingual (Spanish fluency a plus)