Senior Program Coordinator

About the role

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Learn about the energetic, creative people working to ensure every kid has the chance to play every day.

Responsibilities

• Core Playworks Programming
• Facilitate active recess programming that promotes positive behavior, student engagement, and meaningful play experiences for all students
• Lead Class Game Time (CGT) sessions that build teamwork, conflict resolution, confidence, and physical activity through structured play
• Career Development
• Coordinate and mentor the Junior Coach Leadership Program for 4th- and 5th-grade students, supporting leadership development, communication, responsibility, and peer engagement
• Model strong relationship-building and positive behavior with students, staff, and families across the school community
• Whole School Improvement Partnership
• Partner with school leadership to support key school improvement priorities related to attendance, school climate, behavior, student belonging, and student engagement
• Use program and school data to inform planning, monitor impact, and support continuous improvement efforts
• Meet regularly with school administrators and Playworks leadership to review progress toward goals and program outcomes
• Participate in school-based teams, grade-level meetings, professional development sessions, family events, and community activities
• Support integration of movement and positive school culture strategies throughout the school day
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with teachers, administrators, staff, students, and families
• Adapt quickly to varying school environments and contribute positively to school culture and operations
• Program Leadership & Operations
• Implement Playworks programming in alignment with the Great Recess Framework (GRF) and organizational standards
• Conduct program assessments and support tracking systems that measure program quality and impact
• Facilitate regular recess team meetings and maintain ongoing communication with school and Playworks stakeholders
• Manage schedules, reporting, program documentation, and other administrative responsibilities with strong organization and attention to detail
• Attend and actively participate in trainings, coaching, and professional development opportunities
• Represent Playworks with professionalism, positivity, flexibility, and a solutions-oriented mindset throughout all interactions

Qualifications

• Experience working with elementary-aged students in school, youth development, recreation, camp, coaching, or educational settings
• Strong organization, time management, and communication skills
• Ability to build relationships and establish trust quickly within school communities
• Comfortable collaborating with adults across diverse teams and environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism and consistency
• Passion for youth development, play-based learning, and creating a positive environment for all students

Requirements

• We provide comprehensive training, so no prior experience is necessary. Our dedicated support staff will assist you throughout the year.
• Candidates must pass a National Sex Offender Public Registry check, a State criminal check, and an FBI background check.
• Successful completion of a TB test and CPR/First Aid certification upon hire.
• Reliable transportation to reach your assigned school is required. This position will be working at a Boston Public Elementary School
• A willingness to actively participate in games and set a positive example for the children.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position starting in August, with the expectation that you will work through the school year.
• Full-time position, 40 hours per week, at $22.31-$23.56/per hour.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee-funded pre-tax health, and child care spending accounts.
• Paid time off for school breaks and paid sick leave
• Opportunities for professional development

About Playworks

At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

Physical and Mental Demands

Playworks Sr. Program Coordinators are required to frequently balance, bend, climb, grasp, kneel, reach, sit, squat, stand, stoop, twist, walk, and write on a daily basis. Sr. Program Coordinators must also be able to occasionally lift and carry light to medium loads of 10 – 50 pounds and occasionally pull and push loads of 10 – 50 pounds. Requires normal hearing and vision to communicate with children and adults. Also requires flexibility to readily adapt to changing environments.