Baltimore, MD — SquashWise, Baltimore’s urban squash program, is seeking a squash coordinator to coach inner-city youth through the Americorps Public Allies program.
JOB POST
Be an Americorps Public Ally in the Urban Squash World:
Full-Time Squash Coordinator through Public Allies, Americorps
Baltimore SquashWise seeks an experienced squash player interested in public service through the Americorps Public Allies Program to be the Squash Coordinator of one of the newest urban squash programs in the country. SquashWise is a nonprofit organization providing middle school students from Baltimore City with a safe and structured place to exercise their bodies and minds during the afterschool hours. We combine squash instruction, academic tutoring, mentoring and community service to empower local youth to excel academically, athletically and in life. We are based on the very successful model of urban squash & education popular across the country.
Americorps commitment: This is a ten-month service learning position through the University of Maryland’s Public Allies program, a federally-funded Americorps program. Candidates must be committed to public service and have a desire to learn about leadership in the nonprofit sector. The Public Allies mission is to inspire the next generation of nonprofit leaders. In order to do this, the Public Allies program provides leadership training and service projects throughout the ten-month commitment. An Americorps stipend would be provided (see below). Possibilities exist for continued employment within SquashWise, past the ten-month Americorps commitment, if the candidate is a good fit with the organization and if funding permits. For more info, see www.publicallies.org
SquashWise commitment: The Squash Director will be responsible for working with 40-45 Baltimore City Students in weekly squash programming, tracking student progress throughout the academic year and running additional enrichment activities. This is a unique opportunity for a high-level squash player with experience in youth programming to work closely with the Executive Director and Academic Director to improve the services of a unique nonprofit. The successful candidate will bring a desire to enrich and motivate urban youth, improve the athletic and fitness opportunities available to city students, and bring new ideas and experiences to the model of urban squash.
Job responsibilities:
- Design the squash, fitness and nutrition curriculum, including teambuilding exercises and lessons on sportsmanship and athleticism.
- Recruit and maintain our team of students from the 6th-9th grade (45 total)
- Lead five weekly squash skill-building sessions aimed at improving students’ fitness and squash skills.
- Along with the Academic Director, meet regularly with school teachers to keep current with student performance at school.
- Document progress reports on each student: collect data on student attendance, squash skills, cardiovascular capacity, etc.
- Coordinate and chaperone student transportation to and from school for program sessions, including bus driving (training provided).
- Recruit, train and manage squash volunteers for the program.
- Communicate with parents/guardians about student performance in SquashWise.
- Along with the Academic Director, plan field trips and community service projects.
- Build meaningful and lasting relationships with students, teachers and parents by setting regular meetings and phone calls.
- Assist the Executive Director with administrative duties as needed.
- SquashWise hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10am-6:30pm and half days on Saturdays during the academic year.
- Americorps commitment: Spend one weekday (Wednesday) in leadership training sessions with Public Allies, and participate in occasional Saturday service learning projects.
Qualifying Criteria:
- Minimum education requirement: B.A.
- Squash requirement: Squash and coaching skills; college-level varsity experience preferred
- Experience working or volunteering in urban squash programs is a plus
- Desire to commit to public service and work with inner-city youth
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Experience working with youth, especially urban youth.
- Current driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Pass a criminal history background check.
Start Date: August 2010
Salary: Americorps stipend of $15,000 plus health benefits; income supplementation to compensate for additional day of work (half day Saturdays) as hourly employee; Hourly wage commensurate with experience.
Application Deadline: June 20, 2010
Contact: Abby Markoe, Executive Director, abbym@baltimoresquashwise.org
