Organizational Background
Chicago Run is a nonprofit organization that provides young people from Pre-K through high school with inclusive running and physical activity programs. We empower young people with equitable access to physical activity and use running as a catalyst to transform lives. Through the power of sport, we build resilience to stress and trauma and develop social and emotional skills. During the 2019-2020 school year, we reached 16,000 youth participants, from 53 partner schools and sites, located in 34 diverse Chicagoland neighborhoods. We primarily focus programming in under-resourced communities with limited access to physical activity and play.
Position Summary
Chicago Run seeks a Program Coordinator to work alongside the Chicago Run Program Team to support growth and development of our programming in sites across the city of Chicago. The Program Coordinator will be responsible for managing relationships, routine communication, and directly delivering programs at partner schools and community sites. This position will be integral to the success of Chicago Run programming.
Responsibilities
Program Implementation (70%)
• Assist in technical assistance and virtual or in-person site visits to lead running and physical activity sessions with early childhood students in the Little Strides program and elementary school students in the Chicago Runners program during the school day
• Conduct weekly virtual and/or in-person site visits to lead or co-lead after-school running practices with Running Mates team(s)
• Provide documentation of weekly site visits at each school and offer recommendations based on observations to teachers and students
• Support physical activity-related trainings for parents, teachers, and other site staff to meet the unique needs of each school/site
• Maintain regular communication with school/site coaches and other staff via email, phone, and in person
• Help identify and troubleshoot any issues with program delivery
• Provide weekly reports regarding status of programs and relationships with schools/sites
• Aid in the development and enhancement of the over-all health and wellness environment at schools/sites and implement innovative physical activity
• Make exercise FUN for students and staff!
Program Logistics (20%)
•Manage your cohort of schools’ tracking platforms (including virtual marathon database, online attendance tracker, etc.)
•Track and ensure delivery of program supplies (equipment, uniforms, snacks, and other supplies)
•Assist in ongoing program evaluation measurements (PACER test, surveys, etc.)
Event Support (10%)
•Assist with the organization of school kick-off events
•Provide support and coordinate logistics for all program events (Fun Runs, Running Mates races, participant field trips, etc.)
•Facilitate program trainings for school personnel and students
•Support the Program Team and broader staff as needed on additional tasks and projects
Qualifications
• An ideal candidate will be 18 years of age or older and have prior experience coaching a sport. Candidates must have a High School diploma, GED, or its equivalent
• Demonstrates a passion for Chicago Run’s mission and advancing adolescent health and wellness
• Has familiarity and interest in working with youth programs, great enthusiasm for working in Chicago Public Schools and be comfortable working with diverse populations
• Must be able to pass a background check through Chicago Public Schools
• Spanish speaking preferred, not required
• Has exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Exhibits strong organizational skills and is detail-oriented
• Has experience with basic software programs, including Microsoft Office
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses flexibility
• Has strong interpersonal skills and able to build relationships and communicate with a diverse array of stakeholders
Working Conditions
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This is a full-time position, and standard hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9AM-5PM with some exceptions for earlier mornings/later evenings depending on partner school/site schedules. Occasional weekend work will be required.
• This role will be approximately 70% program implementation and 30% administrative support
• Chicago Run staff are primarily working remotely at this time, with the exception of some practices/events taking place in person*
• Chicago Run is committed to being an equal opportunity organization, and providing employment opportunities regardless of identity, including race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, or veteran status
• People of color and LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply
Note: *Position details and timeline are subject to change due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19