SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SQUASH & FITNESS
START DATE: MAY 1, 2021
TYPE: FULL-TIME
EDUCATION: BACHELORS
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOCATION: CHICAGO/WOODLAWN
SALARY/WAGE: COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE
Overview
MetroSquash was founded in 2005 as an out-of-school time program for Chicago Public School students. The first MetroSquash class consisted of 10 students in fifth grade, and utilized squash courts and classroom space at the University of Chicago. Each year, a grade level was added to realize a pathway of service from 5th grade through post-secondary completion. In 2015, the organization successfully raised over $8M to construct a permanent home – the Hussain MetroSquash Center in Woodlawn. MetroSquash now has 20 full time staff serving over 400 students and their families each year. In 2018, MetroSquash opened its first satellite location in Evanston to serve students just north of Chicago. MetroSquash Evanston currently serves 40 6th-8th graders and utilizes academic and court space at the McGaw YMCA. The program is now exploring plans to expand to the West Side of Chicago.
The Senior Director of Squash & Fitness is an integral member of the program team and plays a key role in supporting the growth and vitality of the MetroSquash Squash Program. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Senior Director of Squash & Fitness helps to create a fun and competitive learning environment that fosters a lifelong love for the sport.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and evaluate all Squash & Fitness programming including out-of-school-time instruction, tournament participation, and related programming aimed at instilling a love for the sport of squash.
- Work alongside the Woodlawn and Evanston Program Directors to inspire and support the Squash & Fitness Team, providing direct coaching support, curriculum development, and guidance where needed while helping to ensure that both sites have the necessary tools to run successful squash programming.
- Cultivate meaningful relationships with MetroSquash students and their families, raising the engagement in Squash & Fitness whenever possible.
- As a Tier 3 member of US Squash’s Community Affiliate Network, support increasing access to the game both at the MetroSquash Center, and in centers constructed in the future.
- Track and monitor key student performance metrics including skill level, tournament participation, and other related data aimed at assessing overall performance.
- Maintain consistent communication with key staff of MetroSquash partner schools, sharing program impact and student performance where appropriate.
- In collaboration with the Academics & Enrichment Team, maintain 100% enrollment capacity, 5th grade through 10th grade, creating recruitment and outreach events throughout the year.
- Collaborate with the Manager of College & Careers to strengthen the college squash pathway for high-potential students, providing individualized student and family support where needed.
- Work with the Manager of Social Work & Supportive Services to help identify student needs and ensure that program practices align with positive youth development.
- Maintain a positive relationship with the squash community including college coaches, players, and potential volunteers, consistently working to recruit high-quality players to work with MetroSquash students.
- Manage all US Squash-sponsored tournaments including the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Tournaments.
- Design and implement community events throughout the year to help advance the organization’s mission and raise the visibility of the squash program.
- Ensure consistent and active involvement with the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA) initiatives and programming, including their High Performance Team.
- Provide updates for internal and external stakeholders, including staff, families, MetroSquash Board of Directors, and the general MetroSquash community.
Qualifications and Qualities
Candidates should possess the following: Bachelor’s Degree; 5.0 squash rating or higher; experience working with young people aged 10-18; 5+ years of coaching squash; experience working with underrepresented students a plus; demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership experience; strong analytical skills; results-oriented with impeccable attention to detail; experience with tournament and/or event planning a plus. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a van required.
Hours: General hours are Monday through Friday 11am-7pm, though adjustments are necessary due to the organization’s response to COVID-19. The position entails weekend work – particularly on Saturdays during the school year, and eventual travel for tournaments and college tours during the school year.
Vacation & Benefits: 15 days vacation and 5 sick days the first year, 20 days vacation in the second year, and 25 each subsequent year. Full health coverage, including dental. Salary: Commensurate with experience.
How to Apply: Email resume and cover letter to careers@metrosquash.org. No calls please.
