Afterschool Program Instructor

We are seeking qualified and passionate individuals for our Site Leader/Site Leader Intern position. This role provides direct hands-on teaching of the Upward Roots program curriculum and facilitation of youth-led service projects in an after school setting. Your role is to be a rock star with our youth, connect with and empower them, and impact our local communities alongside some amazing Oakland youth. You are our front line and a changemaker!

This is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking for afternoon hours and a meaningful, vibrant role collaborating with youth in deep engagement with social justice and community service!

Job Summary

Focus: Facilitating a weekly youth program focusing on youth-led community service and leadership development for 4th or 5th graders and/or middle schoolers, in an after-school setting.

Commitment: We are seeking candidates who are available through mid-May 2027. You will attend several in-person trainings, an on-campus orientation, and receive coaching and check-in sessions throughout. Generally, the site leader work will begin on the date of hire through 5/23/27. This is an hourly, temporary position, with the potential for seasonal renewal. Work will be performed at school sites across Oakland at the direction of the Executive Director and Upward Roots partner site teams.

There will be occasional evening and weekend work opportunities available, including support of program events.

Envisioned schedule (two or more days per week preferred)

Monday: 3:00-5:00 pm

Tuesday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Thursday: 3:00-5:00 pm

Friday: 3-5:00 pm

Start date: Sep 1, 2026

Compensation: $22-28/hour, the hourly rate depends highly on demonstrated experience facilitating programs for youth and other relevant experience

Schedule of Work: This is a part-time, seasonal (temporary) hourly position While the work is seasonal in nature, there may be an opportunity to renew annually or explore other opportunities within the organization.

About Upward Roots

Upward Roots (http://www.upwardroots.org) is on a mission to engage youth in Oakland to be leaders and changemakers through youth-led, youth-driven community service.

Currently, we partner with public schools in Oakland and their corresponding afterschool lead agencies to reach approximately 150 4th-8th graders each year through our programs. We are a registered nonprofit organization and approved OUSD community partner.

About our Program

The Youth Roots Program (YRP) is an after-school expanded-learning enrichment program where participants develop social emotional skills such as communication and collaboration as they think critically to address issues affecting their communities. Participants assess needs in their communities that they are passionate about and design and implement community service projects to address those needs.

The YRP is designed to meet weekly in the fall and spring over the course of 10-12 weeks each semester. Ideally, 15 fifth graders (or middle schoolers) will be enrolled. Sessions are approximately 60 minutes, depending on the schedule agreed upon between the Site Leader, principal, and after-school program agency site leadership.

What does the role entail?

• Attend initial training meeting prior to program implementation
• Serve as a reliable representative of Upward Roots programming within each school
• Facilitate a time-tested curriculum, and receive weekly support from the UR team
• Implement weekly program meetings lasting approximately 60 minutes each week
• Share program updates and service project plans with Upward Roots team
• Collect, database, and maintain program records, surveys, etc

How does Upward Roots Support Site Leaders?

• Provide all supplies and materials necessary to implement the program, including:
• Complete curriculum
• Changemaker Kits for 15 participants
• All supplies and materials for team building, STEM, and other activities
• In-person visits during implementation
• Weekly check-ins
• We match service projects with community-based organizations and support you with all of the logistics, as appropriate and possible

Requirements

• Full commitment to facilitate each weekly session, as scheduled with the partner school
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Must have at least 48 semester units completed from an accredited college, or pass an IA (Instructional Assistant) exam for this role
• Ability to meet School District requirements to work with youth
• Covid-19 Vaccination
• Reliable transportation
• High level of cultural competency
• Experience working with youth is preferred

Anti-discrimination policy + Commitment to Diversity

Upward Roots is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse staff and inclusive environment. We especially encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply for this role.

In compliance with applicable laws, Upward Roots does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin or ancestry, cultural background, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, primary language, citizenship, or immigration status.

English required, Spanish proficiency a plus