After School Coach (26-27 School Year) - NYC

Join us at Kids in the Game to help us change the way kids play! Be part of a team dedicated to providing enriching after-school experiences for children, fostering their growth, and promoting a love for physical activity and learning. At Kids in the Game, you’ll be part of a network of 150+ coaches who are working with kids from early childhood and up, providing sports and skill development, and making a positive impact in their lives.

Kids in the Game sport and enrichment-based programs can be found in schools and communities across New York City, serving thousands of children every year. Our goal is to provide positive experiences and opportunities through sports and creative play. We inspire kids to embrace new experiences, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and build integrity. Our work is focused on achieving four ultimate impacts:

• Enhancing emotional intelligence

• Creating a positive sense of self

• Developing NYC into the nation’s top talent hub Integrating our communities

• Narrowing the income inequality gaps

Kids in the Game is a Certified B Corporation and we’re committed to doing business for good. We are striving every day to have a positive impact in the lives of our youth, and we believe that it all starts with being the best part of their day. To learn more about our programs and our team, visit www.kidsinthegame.com.

We are actively seeking coaches, college students, and youth development specialists to join our dynamic team of after-school coaches and activity specialists from September 2026 through June 2027. As a valued member of Kids in the Game, you will be able to help us follow and model our 5 organizational core values through action:

• Positivity: Create an energetic and uplifting environment where kids feel excited to participate.
• Empathy: Show understanding and support for each child’s unique needs and emotions.
• Commitment: Be dependable and deliver consistent, high-quality programming.
• Ambition: Strive to continuously improve as a coach and inspire youth to set and achieve personal goals.
• Inclusivity: Ensure every child, regardless of ability or background, feels welcomed and valued.

The After-School Coach is responsible for leading sports and physical activity sessions that engage youth in fun, safe, and inclusive play. Coaches serve as role models, fostering positive relationships and encouraging skill development, teamwork, and confidence. This role requires a passion for youth development, strong coaching skills, and a commitment to creating an environment where all participants feel valued and supported. Additionally, you may also provide assistance with homework and school work during breaks between games and activities. Depending on your availability and skill set, you can expect to work between 10 to 15 hours per week, earning a competitive hourly rate. Our coaches and specialists typically work in various schools throughout the weeks.

As an After School Coach, your key responsibilities will include:

• Plan and facilitate age-appropriate sports, games, and physical activity sessions focused on skill development, teamwork, and fun.
• Lead pre-designed and themed activities in art, STEM, sports, games, and movement.
• Support and engage with participants during homework help, snack time, and structured activities.
• Adapt lessons to accommodate various skill levels and ensure full participation.
• Promote sportsmanship, resilience, and a growth mindset through consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement.

• Build meaningful relationships with participants, demonstrating care, patience, and enthusiasm.
• Encourage all youth, including those less confident or reluctant, to engage and feel included.
• Serve as a positive role model, reinforcing respect, empathy, and fair play.
• Use positive reinforcement and positive language at all times when engaging with the students.

• Ensure a safe and structured environment by actively monitoring participants, equipment, and facilities.
• Respond appropriately to injuries, behavioral challenges, or conflicts, following organizational policies.
• Maintain awareness of emergency procedures and act quickly when needed.

• Work closely with site directors, other coaches, and program staff to ensure quality programming.
• Communicate effectively about participant progress, incidents, or program needs.
• Attend required trainings, team meetings, and performance check-ins.

• Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to actively engage with youth.
• Lateness and absences will be tracked through our call out policy
• Excessive tardiness and absences could result in reduced schedules or more.
• Be prepared in proper uniform for every day of program.
• Company shirt or sweater (log visible at all times)
• Sneakers / Close-Toed walking shoes
• No Crocs or sandals
• Athletic shorts or sweatpants
• Uphold the organization’s mission and values both in and out of the program.
• Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

At Kids in the Game, our coaches are active, engaged, and present with kids—on the playground, in the gym, and out in the community. The physical requirements below reflect the essential functions of our coaching roles and the dynamic environments in which our programs take place. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions.

Physical activity levels may vary by coaching placement (recess, PE, after school, or summer camp), but all roles involve active supervision, movement, and hands-on engagement with children.

Active supervision & physical requirements include:

1. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during outdoor activities, playground supervision, gym classes, or park-based programming.
2. Ability to walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supervising children.
3. Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level, assist with activities, or provide support as needed.
4. Ability to climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.
5. Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 pounds, including sports equipment, activity supplies, or personal belongings (weight may vary by role).
6. Ability to participate in active games and movement-based activities, including running, jumping, throwing, and demonstrating basic sports skills.
7. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs.
8. Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness to supervise children effectively and ensure safety in active environments.

Our ideal coach would meet some or all of the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in the areas of K-12 Education, Sports Management, Physical Education, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Possess at least two years of prior coaching experience or several years of experience playing specialized sports in competitive or recreational settings.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills to relate to younger children, work with different age groups, and partner with school staff to support children’s physical and emotional needs.
• Be available to work Monday through Friday during after school hours (3-6pm).
• Up-to-date physical exam and tuberculosis test documentation will be required before starting.
• You must pass Federal and NY State background checks and be willing to complete Department of Education fingerprinting before starting.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are a plus.

At Kids in the Game, you can expect to be welcomed into an engaging and spirited environment that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. We are proud to foster an inclusive environment where our team members feel respected by and connected to one another. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and passions of our employees, and we look forward to adding dynamic personalities to our team.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment for all of our interns and employees. We recruit candidates from across the city, state, and country, from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We have developed partnerships with organizations that allow us to target our hiring practices to include chronically discriminated against or low-income groups, and improve their access to high-quality employment opportunities.