Youth Chess Instructor (Greenpoint YMCA)

Salary: $25.00 - $40.00 Hourly

The Greenpoint YMCA is seeking a Youth Chess Instructor who will be responsible for teaching fundamental Chess 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 kids to build confidence in their Chess-playing abilities.
• Teach progressive lessons and provide opportunities to demonstrate learned skills.
• Monitor student progress and provide encouraging, constructive feedback to both students 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 progressive Chess lessons that range from teaching the fundamentals of chess, including piece movement and basic rules, to early tactical concepts (pins, forks, skewers) and checkmate patterns, to more advanced concepts for intermediate-level classes.
• 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/teen.
• 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.
• Ensure the cleanliness of the program space during all activities.
• Set up and break down chess boards, pieces, and clocks for each session.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience teaching Chess to children/teens in a structured setting.
• A strong grasp of chess fundamentals, basic openings, and middle-game tactics. (A USCF rating of [e.g., 1000+] is a plus, but a passion for the game is most important).
• Ability to communicate effectively with members of all ages.
• Content expert in designated areas of Chess.
• Ability to adapt teaching styles to accommodate diverse learning needs and behavioral levels.
• Current CPR or First Aid certification preferred.
• Must complete Child Abuse Prevention Training within thirty (30) days of employment.
• Must attend the YMCA Coaching 101 Training within ninety (90) days of employment.

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.