ABOUT PLAYWORKS: At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by partnering with schools, districts, and after-school programs through services including digital engagement, on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support play, and consultative partnerships.
ABOUT THE POSITION, in the role of Site Coordinator, you provide on-site and virtual consultation by teaming up with schools and youth partners to provide consultation and professional development to staff that foster social thinking and increase physical activity through play-based learning. You will work directly with a designated school’s administration, teachers, and recess teams to provide expertise on Playworks best practices, as well as model and teach the strategies, games, and systems to develop and sustain a positive classroom and recess culture. In partnership with the school, Site Coordinators create opportunities where students and school staff are active, learn leadership skills and conflict resolution tools, and practice respectful and inclusive behavior.
This position is expected to be a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension contingent upon future district and school contract decisions. The anticipated start date for this position is August 1, 2025.
JOB DUTIES
Program Implementation
- Plan and implement a consultative play-based program at four public elementary schools.
- Coordination with administration, educators, and recess teams for scheduling programmatic delivery in person or virtually. Including the collecting and maintaining of paperwork, organizing and keeping current on daily, weekly, monthly schedules, meeting agendas, notes, and data.
- Maintain communication between Playworks staff, school staff, teachers, and volunteers.
- Plan and implement the learning units and recess staff trainings for program components.
- Deliver onsite and/or virtual coaching, consultation, and modeling to School Personnel regarding implementation of the following components-
- Recess - With school personnel, create and coach recess staff to develop a safe and inclusive recess experience.
- Student Leadership Program – with school personnel organize an in-person or virtual “Junior Coach” student leadership program by facilitating training as well as coaching staff to supervise and manage Junior Coaches roles in the classroom and at recess.
- Instructional Classes - coordinate and lead instructional classes in person and with elementary grade levels students and their teacher in skill building, cooperative games, and activities to increase awareness of rules, boundaries, skills utilized, and cultural expectations at recess.
Coaching:
- Model Playworks core values, program implementation, group management, and rapport-building strategies for school personnel.
- Provide school personnel with action plans and feedback regarding program implementation.
- Lead monthly meetings with school personnel to discuss best practices for program implementation and program quality goals.
- Provide Playworks Program Manager with observation notes and program strategy for program quality consultation priorities to the school.
- Facilitate training(s) with the Program Manager for school staff.
School Partnership:
- Consistently represent Playworks’ brand in a professional manner.
- Design program schedule with input and support from the school administration.
- Communicate with school administration regarding program implementation logistics and management support needs.
- Facilitate school’s transition to other Playworks training, programs, and products in preparation for the future school year.
- Showcase Playworks services in additional prospective schools to assist with an existing school recruitment strategy for growing TeamUp services within the region.
- Participate in opportunities to become a certified trainer in Playworks Pro services.
Administrative Tasks:
- Provide timely client communication, proactive internal Playworks communication, and timely reporting.
- Collect and maintain paperwork, including organizing daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, timesheets, and mileage reports.
- Support school recruitment administration that may include school contact research, analyzing outreach data, attending local conferences, and resource fairs.
- Provide Playworks Program Manager with weekly observational updates on program quality and partner in consultation priorities to schools.
WHO YOU ARE
- Self-starter. You set clear goals and follow through with flexible and creative problem-solving. You can work independently with minimal supervision. You also seek and incorporate feedback from your colleagues.
- You are not afraid to ask questions. You openly communicate with teams and departments that are different from yours, facilitating collaboration and serving as a thought partner for members of the entire organization.
- Relationship Builder. You have the ability to manage, motivate, and develop diverse individuals and teams, knowing how to meet an individual's unique needs. You also thrive in situations where you develop and maintain external relationships and partnerships.
- Highly Organized. You are great at multitasking and able to manage your time across multiple priorities.
- Detail Oriented. You catch the little things and think it’s a big deal. You understand that every word you write to an external audience is a reflection on Playworks.
- Growth Mindset. You thrive in an environment characterized by significant growth, diversity, and constant change.
- Mission Driven. You are committed to Playworks’ mission and vision to improve outcomes for children and schools. You are also committed to recognizing that equity learning is a journey that will require a willingness to participate in organization-wide learning and development.
Required Skills & Experience
- Proven organizational skills in meeting or exceeding expectations in the production of timely planning and deliverables such as program plans, reports, and observational notes.
- Extensive knowledge of youth development principles and practices, especially relating to the role of play in fostering learning, growth, and engagement.
- At least 2 years of experience working directly with small/large groups of K-5 children.
- Experience working collaboratively with adults and facilitating trainings for adults.
- Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills with the ability to facilitate small and large group presentations.
- Experience in establishing and maintaining professional relationships with internal leadership and teams and external clients through excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism.
- Experience interacting with diverse communities and the ability to integrate into school communities.
- Knowledge of computer and internet-based programs, especially Google Drive, and virtual meeting platforms such as Google Meets and Zoom.
- This position may require travel to various regional locations. School sites may be widely dispersed in the city/region therefore daily access to reliable transportation is required.
- This role is primarily based at school sites. Occasional work from home may be permitted with prior approval. As there is no designated office space provided, employees must have access to a dedicated workspace when working remotely.
- Requires flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.
- Spanish speaking is highly desired.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work and an opportunity to grow professionally.
- This is a full-time, exempt position with an expected salary of $44,300
- A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plans with employer match of up to 1% of salary, life insurance, employee-funded pre-tax health, and child care spending accounts.
- Generous flexible paid time off policy with paid sick and holiday leave
This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges, and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!
Please include:
- Resume
- References will be requested.
Service Environment: This position operates in both a school and office environment both indoors and outdoors. The position interacts with children on playgrounds and in classrooms on a daily basis. A significant portion of the interaction with schools may occur virtually.
Physical and mental demands: This position requires sufficient physical ability and mobility to stand for extended periods at times; walk on a school site in various weather conditions; to climb stairs at some sites; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist and, dependent on assignment the employee may occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds.
As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities, or board service on a merit basis.
