Youth Program Coach

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging 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.

About the role

Playworks is hiring full-time coaches to work at elementary schools, leading games, supporting positive behavior, and helping create a fun and inclusive recess environment. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you’ll build relationships with students and help them develop teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.

This is a full school-year commitment, August 2026–June 2027, with the option to return the following year.

Responsibilities

• Recess: Create a fun recess for all students by organizing and leading various games and activities. Be a role model and actively participate in the games to ensure every child has a positive experience.
• Class Game Time: Teach students a variety of games to play during recess, promoting physical activity, cooperation, and fair play. Help students build confidence and develop skills that they can apply during playtime.
• Junior Coach Leadership Program: Lead a youth leadership program for 4th- and 5th-graders, training them to become coaches like you. Guide and mentor the Junior Coaches as they assist in managing games during recess. Through this program, students develop valuable skills in conflict resolution, leadership, and more.
• Sports Clubs: Coach a non-competitive sports team of 4th and 5th graders, providing an inclusive and positive team experience. Most students are beginners, so your focus will be on fostering enjoyment, skill development, and teamwork.
• Maintain communication with Playworks staff, school staff, teachers, and families.
• Organize and manage paperwork.
• Attend regular training sessions provided by Playworks.

The scope, responsibilities, and priorities of this role may shift over time in response to organizational needs and strategic direction.

Positions Available

• Program Coordinator ($20.77/hr): Coach at one partner school full-time, leading recess, class game times, Junior Coaches, and Sports Clubs.
• Site Specialist ($23.75/hr): Coach at two partner schools, alternating between schools on a weekly schedule, leading recess, class game times, Junior Coaches, and Sports Clubs. In addition, work with school staff to build sustainable recess systems.

At Playworks, our starting salary takes into consideration internal pay scales, geographic pay differential, and robust external market data. You can indicate your interest in your preferred position during the application process.

Requirements

• We provide comprehensive training. Experience working with youth is a plus.
• Candidates must pass a National Sex Offender Public Registry, State criminal check, and FBI background check.
• Successful completion of a TB test and CPR/First Aid certification upon hire (offered by Playworks).
• Reliable transportation to reach your assigned school(s) is required.
• This is a physically active, outdoor role. You’ll be on your feet, leading games, and playing with students every day.

Pay

$20.77 - $23.75 per hour, 40 hours per week.

Schedule

Full-time position, 40 hours per week. Paid time off for all school breaks and holidays during the school year (4+ weeks).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision.
• 401(k) with match.
• HSA, disability, life insurance.
• Employee-funded pre-tax health and childcare spending accounts.
• Professional development and networking opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.