Immediate Start - Middle School Girls Volleyball Head Coach - East Harlem

About the role

DREAM is seeking a high-capacity, student-centered leader to serve as Head Coach for our middle school competitive team. The Head Coach will lead all aspects of team culture, athlete development, safety, and program execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of team culture, setting clear expectations for behavior, effort, and sportsmanship
• Establish a structured, positive, and accountable team environment rooted in DREAM’s values
• Model professionalism, preparedness, and strong judgment at all times
• Intentionally develop athletes in: Teamwork (collaboration, accountability to team), Sportsmanship (respect for teammates, opponents, officials), Self-regulation (emotional control, response to adversity)
• Use practices, games, team meeting/study halls and conflicts as opportunities to explicitly teach and reinforce these skills
• Implement proactive behavior management and coach students through challenges using positive discipline
• Lead and support a structured study hall program, ensuring student-athletes meet academic expectations through supervision, guidance, and accountability
• Design and submit high-quality, structured practice plans in advance
• Facilitate engaging, well-paced practices that maximize participation, skill development, conditioning, and teamwork
• Lead all game-day strategy, roster management, and team readiness
• Maintain active supervision at all times, including constant scanning, positioning, and engagement with athletes
• Uphold all organizational safety protocols with consistency and attention to detail
• Maintain accurate, real-time attendance for all practices and games
• Communicate proactively and promptly with the Athletics Director regarding attendance, incidents, and program updates
• Escalate concerns and incidents in a timely and appropriate manner
• Drive athlete recruitment and sustained engagement
• Manage roster, communication with families (as directed), and logistics
• Ensure all program expectations are implemented with consistency and follow-through

Qualifications

• 2+ years of coaching experience required (middle school experience strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to lead youth programs with structure, accountability, and care
• Strong understanding of the sport’s rules and strategy
• Experience working with school-age children required
• Previous competitive playing experience (high school and/or college) preferred
• Excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail
• CPR/First Aid certification, a plus
• Strong alignment with DREAM’s mission and values

Core Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate consistent, reliable attendance and punctuality
• Adhere strictly to all safety, communication, and organizational protocols
• Exercise strong judgment and professionalism in all interactions
• Maintain alignment with DREAM staff and leadership at all times