NYRR Striders Coach (Walk/Run) Level 1

About the Department

The Community Impact team oversees a variety of programs that offer running community opportunities to actively support NYRR's mission to help and inspire people through running. These programs include Rising New York Road Runners for youth, Run for the Future for high school young women, Open Run—a free, weekly, community run/walk program open to all ages and abilities—and Striders, a free walking and fitness program that offers physical activity and wellness resources for older adults looking to get active, stay fit, or improve their health. The program also connects participants to a community of like-minded adults who are determined to prove that athletes have no age limits. NYRR Striders provides in-person, coach-led workouts to more than 1,000 older adults across NYC at local parks, senior centers, and community centers. We also offer online resources through NYRR Striders at Home to older adults nationwide.

About the Role

The NYRR Striders senior fitness program has weekly sessions, with most program hours occurring between Monday–Friday mornings and afternoons. The Striders program incorporates different types of all-levels activities for older adults at indoor and outdoor locations. Coaches lead weekly walking and fitness sessions and communicate with members about upcoming events. Most sessions are conducted in local parks and senior neighborhood centers throughout New York City. There are weekend races/walks that coaches can elect to work when available. The Coach supports all efforts to foster a safe and inclusive environment and creates strong team cohesion.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead a group walk/run/fitness session for an older adult population, including people from diverse backgrounds and all physical abilities.
• Ensure all participants are supported throughout each session and finish the session safely.
• Arrive at various locations promptly and as assigned.
• Complete daily attendance and support participants with enrollment and event registration.
• Perform other administrative tasks required for scheduling and program implementation.
• Attend staff meetings, required program curriculum trainings, and team events.
• Maintain regular communication with the Director, Striders Program.
• Communicate frequently with the program team and respond to all correspondence promptly and by the specified deadline.
• Communicate correct, effective technique and form to improve participant pace and mobility.
• Contribute program enhancements based upon practice and experience.
• Perform routine responsibilities under the general direction of the supervisor.
• Apply established fitness principles, technical skills, and functional knowledge to safely facilitate the curriculum.
• Deliver pre-planned group fitness sessions while adapting instruction to meet participant needs and ensure a safe, engaging experience.
• Apply technical and functional knowledge to support assigned program initiatives and daily operations.

Requirements

• Experience:
  • 1+ years of customer service experience.
  • 2+ years of coaching physical activity with populations of all ages.
  • Exposure to teaching older adult and/or non-traditional populations preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience with a walking or running training program for beginners or non-traditional populations.
  • Experience with group exercise or older adult fitness specialty beneficial.
  • Knowledge of best practices in older adult fitness as well as understanding of age-related issues.
  • Demonstrated experience leading teams with a strong ability to mentor, train, and guide fellow coaches and participants.
  • Proven experience supporting and executing walking sessions, race events, and special programs with a high level of independence, while aligning to overall program direction.
  • Experience providing training, guidance, mentoring, and support coordination to new and existing coaches.
• Education & Certifications:
  • First Aid and CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain certification through NYRR-sponsored training).
  • Safesport and NYS Mandated Reporter training (or willingness to obtain certification).
  • Knowledge of Physical Literacy (or willingness to attend online or in-person workshops through NYRR-sponsored training).
  • Running Coach certified from a nationally recognized program (USATF, RRCA) preferred.
• Skills and Attributes:
  • Ability to coach and implement training plans for novice to advanced fitness/walker/runner participants.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to facilitate games and team bonding activities to create a strong team environment.
  • Ability to motivate and encourage new fitness and walker/runner participants.
  • Ability to implement effective conflict resolution as needed.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of NYC neighborhoods a plus.
  • Fluency in another language is a plus.
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Other Requirements:
  • Must be willing to travel to all of our sites, located across the 5 NYC boroughs.
  • Must be able to work a consistent weekly schedule.
  • Flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed for the program and organization’s events and trainings.

Schedule

This is a part-time position requiring a commitment of at least two sessions per week. Typical shifts are Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM. Each shift is two hours, with the exception of events. It’s required to work at least two events throughout the program year.

Pay

$30/hour