Summer Program Assistant

About Us:  

Established in 1857, AIA New York is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects, boasting over 5,500 members including architects, allied professionals, students, and design enthusiasts. The chapter is committed to design excellence, public outreach, and professional development. The Center for Architecture, inaugurated in 2003 as the first cultural institution within the AIA network, aims to be the premier hub for learning about architecture and urbanism in New York City. Through various programs and events, it fosters engagement among architects, professionals, and the public. Both AIA New York and the Center for Architecture advocate for the importance of design in enhancing urban life. They prioritize values such as civic engagement, equity, environmental sustainability, resiliency, technological innovation, and inspiring design. 

Role Overview:

The Center for Architecture’s Summer Programs are weekly architecture and design programs for students in Grades 3-12. Each program explores a different theme through art and building activities, design challenges, guided investigations of architectural examples, and field trips.

The Summer Program Assistants provide artistic and administrative support to the Design Educators leading the Summer Programs. As a Summer Programs Assistant, you will serve as an assistant educator supervising and mentoring students in the classroom and on field trips. You will help guide students through the creative process of designing and building their own architectural models.

We will be hiring three assistants: one to focus on elementary (Grades 3-5), one for elementary and middle school (Grades 6-8), and one for middle school and high school classes (Grades 9-12).

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with all activities in the classroom and on field trips, including individual support for students' final projects
• Support Design Educator with supervision and classroom management, supporting a safe classroom environment
• Serve as a positive role model for the students and staff in the program. Use good judgment in decision making, problem-solving, and mentoring children/young adults
• Seek guidance and assistance from staff regarding student-related concerns and follows through on communication as needed
• Supervise and actively participate in lunch and recess hour activities
• Coordinate the daily check-in/check-out, liaise with parents, assist in final presentations, and help educator with program evaluations
• Help with daily program prep and clean-up
• Document program activities through photos
• Respond to all emergencies and assist in the program's needs as directed. Adhere to policies and procedures as outlined
• Additional duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• B.A. in Arts Education, Museum Education, Architecture, or related fields (completed or currently pursuing)
• Minimum 2 years' experience facilitating youth programs (between ages of 8 and 17)
• Experience working with students in an academic, tutoring, mentoring, and/or recreational capacity
• Hands-on model building and artistic skills, including Xacto knife cutting.
• Ability to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in CFA’s educational programming & mission 
• Professional and friendly manner
• Assistants will be required to complete CFA-paid First Aid/CPR training.
• For Middle School and High School assistants, experience working with SketchUp digital design program is a plus
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Housing is not provided; Summer Program Assistants should live within a daily commutable distance and is responsible for their own transportation

Dates:

June 16 – 27, 2025: Program prep and orientation, 30-40 hours (schedule tbd)

July 7 - August 22, 2025: Summer Programs in session

Hours:  8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday (8 AM start on Mondays)

Physical Requirements:

·      Daily activities include walking, prolong hours of standing, bending, lifting at least 15 pounds.

AIANY and the Center for Architecture is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume as a single PDF to [email protected]. Please put the job title and your last name in the subject line of your email. Please specify in your cover letter which ages you are interested in working with (Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12). No phone calls, please.