Come join one of the most dynamic youth development organizations in Greater Boston. We are seeking individuals who believe deeply in the potential of young people and the power of our mission.
West End House has been deeply rooted in the Allston-Brighton community since 1971 after urban renewal destroyed its original home in the West End neighborhood, where it was founded in 1906. Our programs continue to evolve with new, expanded efforts ensuring equitable food access for all, mental wellness and trauma-informed programming, and a career pathways initiative, complementing our long-time high-impact programs in academic success, college pathways, visual and performing arts, leadership and career development, and sports, fitness, and nutrition. We are bold in our efforts to become an anti-racist, equitable organization and welcome candidates with a passion for this work. Our employees reflect and build upon our values - opportunity for all, youth first, joy, equity, and community.
The Sports and Fitness Coordinator develops and implements sports, recreation, and physical education programs for youth ages 7-18 during the afterschool and summer program at the West End House. This position plays a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles, teaching teamwork and sportsmanship, and ensuring a fun, safe, and inclusive environment that aligns with our values. The successful candidate will bring a deep knowledge of physical fitness and a passion for athletics to their work as they provide opportunities for youth to improve their physical and mental well-being.
The Sports and Fitness Coordinator is the primary staff member in the gym in charge of facilitation and instruction. They will work directly with young people and build close-knit relationships that will help youth remain engaged.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Program Delivery - Create and deliver innovative activities in our gym and fitness center that appeal to the diverse population of youth attending the program
- Promote and execute activities that improve the health of young people who do not traditionally participate in physical fitness activities
- Organize leagues and coach athletics teams for youth ages 7 to 18, across a variety of sports, including basketball and soccer
- Contribute to a culture of overall health, running collaborative programs with the nutrition team and the Director of Community Health and Well-being
- Act as a catalyst for change; continuously focusing on quality and improvement to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality programs.
- Attract and recruit youth from within West End House programs as well as the broader community
- Create opportunities to highlight achievements of participating youth, and advance dedicated members to higher levels of skill
- Build long-term, trusting relationships with the youth
Program design - Create and revise program curriculum in collaboration with the Director of Sports and Fitness
- Work with program partners including Boston Children's Hospital, the New Balance Foundation, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Maintain a system of assessment to ensure advancement of skill level
General - Manage assigned volunteers and peer leaders
- Submit youth participation numbers, surveys, and other information to ensure that organizational decisions and plans are informed by relevant on-ground data
- Implement/adhere to BGCA membership and safety requirements
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR: There are many ways to grow professionally and we know that people gain skills through a variety of experiences -we take a broad look at each applicant. We are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate most of the qualifications and experiences listed below:
Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 2+ years' experience facilitating sports, fitness, or recreational programs for youth; experience coaching athletic teams is a strong plus
- Subject matter expertise in the domains of fitness, physical education, and/or youth athletics
- Track record of building trusting relationships with youth through empathy and communication
- Strong classroom management and program facilitation skills
- Demonstrable knowledge of youth development