Jr. Animation Specialist

New York Edge (NYE) is the largest provider of school-based afterschool and summer programming in New York City, serving thousands of students annually across all five boroughs and Long Island. Our mission is to help young people discover their potential by providing programs that support academic achievement, social-emotional development, and leadership growth. Through deep partnerships with schools, communities, and city agencies, we deliver high-quality experiences that address the needs of the whole child and build pathways to lifelong success.

NYE also serves as a leading Community-Based Organization (CBO) in the NYC Community Schools initiative, partnering with school leadership to coordinate integrated supports such as expanded learning, family engagement, and wellness services to ensure students and families have access to comprehensive school-based resources.

New York Edge Curriculum & Instructional Technology Department is seeking passionate and enthusiastic individuals to fill the part-time role of Jr. Animation Specialist to bolster our creative initiative, the Stop-Motion Animation Experience. This program is designed for elementary, middle, and high school students participating in our afterschool program. As an Animation Specialist, you will have a pivotal role in nurturing the next wave of animators and visual story-tellers. We are seeking individuals with a strong background in animation, proficiency in industry-standard software like Dragonframe, and a deep grasp of animation principles and techniques. The ideal candidate should also possess hands-on studio experience, a solid artistic foundation, and a track record of working with young learners.  This role reports directly to Megan Basaldua and Vincent Spencer, Co-Directors of New York Edge Animation Studios. 

• Curriculum Implementation: Ensure the effective execution of the provided stop-motion animation curriculum, meeting all specified learning objectives. Adapt and enhance the curriculum as necessary to address the evolving needs of students.

• Professional Development: Must participate actively in weekly professional development sessions to stay updated with each iteration of the stop-motion animation experience and modules as they evolve. Complete and submit weekly detailed reports on site sessions, reflecting on facilitation and student experience, and how it can be applied to enhance the curriculum and instructional methods.

• Project Creation, Management and Post-Production: Develop engaging student projects that promote practical skills and encourage creativity in animation. Offer guidance throughout the project development process, providing feedback and support as required. Edit and refine student work during post to enhance the overall quality and impact. 

• Performance Planning and Facilitation: Take charge of organizing and supervising on-site student showcases, workshops, and animation screenings. Offer assistance with art displays and technical execution to ensure successful presentations.

• Departmental Collaboration: Collaborate with fellow team members, and actively participate in department-led events and initiatives. Share insights and contribute to the continuous improvement of the program.

• Student Development: Create a nurturing learning environment that motivates students to explore their creative potential in animation. Provide individualized attention and guidance, tailoring support to address each student's unique needs and aspirations.

• Mentorship: Provide mentorship and guidance to students, helping them develop their animation skills and nurture interest in the animation industry.

• Assessment: Evaluate student progress in animation projects and provide constructive feedback to help them improve their skills.

• Studio Management: Oversee and manage the assigned animation “studio”, ensuring it has the necessary hardware and software for student learning. Conduct routine inventory checks and review equipment safety protocols. This role may have you visiting multiple “studios” at different afterschool programs within a week.

• Significant hands-on experience with animation and/or stop-motion, demonstrating a solid command of animation techniques and storytelling.

• Proficient in using industry-standard animation software, particularly Dragonframe and other relevant animation software.

• Strong foundational knowledge in visual arts and animation principles.

• Preferred background in animation or art-related experience. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective interaction with students, colleagues, and parents/guardians.

• Demonstrated ability to inspire creativity in students, encouraging them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling through animation.

• Strong organizational skills to efficiently manage multiple student projects, events, and administrative tasks.

• A genuine passion for animation education and a dedication to nurturing students' growth and development.

• High School Diploma is required; A graduate or enrolled in a Media Arts degree program preferred.

If you are a skilled animation professional committed to education and creativity, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us in empowering the next generation of animation talent.