Harlem Rock Club Program Coordinator

Location: NYC | Hybrid - In Person Programming

Type: 1099 Contract with expected 6-7 hours per week

Reports to: Executive Director

Contract Period: August 1st, 2026 - July 1st, 2027

Compensation: $20-$25/hr

About the Role

NY3C is seeking a passionate and reliable HRC Program Coordinator to lead our flagship youth program, Harlem Rock Club (HRC). This is a contract position with expected 6-7 hours weekly, central to our mission of making climbing accessible to New York City youth.

You will be the primary responsible adult for HRC sessions, managing a small group of up to 12 middle school aged climbers twice a week in partnership with Columbia Secondary School and Hamilton Grange, held at VITAL West climbing gym in Manhattan.

This role is a true hybrid, your first responsibility is being an excellent, safe, and energetic youth climbing instructor. Your second is handling the coordination and administration that keeps the program running smoothly.

Core Responsibilities

Program Delivery

  • Ensure HRC sessions run on the agreed school-partner schedule (usually between 3:30pm-5:30pm on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s)

  • Lead and manage HRC sessions for up to 12 youth participants, ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment

  • Serve as the primary responsible adult on-site, working alongside school chaperones and any available volunteers

  • Adapt instruction to participant skill levels and model positive climbing culture throughout each session

Volunteer Coordination

  • Onboard new HRC volunteers and communicate session expectations clearly

  • Coordinate volunteer coverage for each session and conduct outreach to recruit new volunteers as needed

  • Ensure volunteers complete required session report forms; review and submit those forms on time

Program Administration

  • Communicate with partner middle schools (Columbia Secondary, Hamilton Grange) regarding closures, holiday breaks, and scheduling changes

  • Submit program invoicing approximately 3 times per year

  • Maintain check-ins and regular communications with the Executive Director

  • Refresh the HRC curriculum in collaboration with the Executive Director, incorporating updated activities and progressions based on the current program year

  • Design and implement a participant skills-tracking survey covering both hard and soft climbing skills, with support from the Executive Director

Schedule and Contract Details

  • Program sessions: Tuesday & Thursday, 3:30-5:30pm (school year: mid-September through end of June)

  • Session schedule follows the school calendars of Columbia Secondary School and Hamilton Grange; programming pauses for school closures, holiday breaks, and parent-teacher conferences.

  • Administrative hours: approximately 2-3 hrs/week, schedule is flexible

  • Summer break: HRC program is on pause; summer hours are used for curriculum review, program development planning, and other related administrative program tasks

  • Contract type: 1099 independent contractor

  • Contract period: August 1st, 2026 to July 1st, 2027 with a formal mid-year review in January

  • Compensation: $20-$25/hour depending on experience

Perks & Benefits

While this is a 1099 contract role, joining NY3C comes with a meaningful set of community perks:

  • Free climbing access at VITAL West on all session days

  • Complimentary climbing access at Metrorock Bushwick

  • First access and free enrollment in any NY3C Ground School courses offered throughout the year (past courses have included anchor building and more; additional courses are planned)

  • Access to the NY3C WhatsApp community — a network of experienced, diverse climbers across the organization where members find climbing partners, offer mentorship, and support one another

What We’re Looking For

Required:

  • Experience working with youth in a structured program, coaching, or educational setting

  • Comfort in a climbing gym environment 

  • Strong communication skills — with youth, school staff, volunteers, and organizational leadership

  • Reliability and punctuality — this role is the program anchor; sessions depend on you showing up

  • Willingness to complete a background check, CPR/First Aid certification, and youth protection/safeguarding training (NY3C covers all costs)

  • Ability to manage a small group independently and make real-time decisions on safety and programming

Preferred:

  • Experience coordinating volunteers or managing program logistics

  • Background in outdoor education, youth development, or nonprofit programming

  • Interest in curriculum design or program evaluation

Application Process

Please attach a brief cover letter, resume, and 2-3 references. In your cover letter, tell us what draws you to youth climbing and what you would bring to the HRC community. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 10th. If you have any questions, please email roshni@nycclimbingcollective.com.

Application Deadline: July 10th, 2026

Interviews: Week of July 13th, 2026

Start Date: August 1st, 2026