Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Learn about the energetic, creative people working to ensure every kid has the chance to play every day.
ABOUT PLAYWORKS
At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.
As Playworks approaches 20 years of partnership with Boston Public Schools, we are deepening our investment in school communities through our Whole School Improvement Partnership model. This evolution of our program focuses on developing deep, aligned partnerships with schools by integrating Playworks into each school’s broader improvement goals and student support strategies.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Are you passionate about working with youth in play-based environments? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on school culture, student belonging, and youth development? If yes, Playworks has an exciting opportunity for you. We are actively seeking highly organized, relationship-driven, and dynamic Senior Program Coordinator (also known as Playworks Coaches) to support schools through both direct student programming and whole-school partnership initiatives.
This role is ideal for someone with professional experience supporting elementary-aged youth who is dependable, adaptable, and eager to become a valued and trusted partner within a school community. Strong candidates will bring experience working in youth development, confidence collaborating with school staff and administrators, and the ability to quickly build rapport in new environments. Successful Coaches are proactive communicators who can balance the energy of student-facing programming with the organization, consistency, and professionalism required to help move school improvement goals forward.
Playworks Coaches serve as collaborative school partners who help address challenges such as chronic absenteeism, discipline, disruptive learning environments, and student engagement through high-quality, play-based programming.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Core Playworks Programming
As a Playworks Senior Program Coordinator, you will lead and implement key components of the Playworks program to create a safe and engaging school environment:
- Facilitate active recess programming that promotes positive behavior, student engagement, and meaningful play experiences for all students
- Lead Class Game Time (CGT) sessions that build teamwork, conflict resolution, confidence, and physical activity through structured play
- Coordinate and mentor the Junior Coach Leadership Program for 4th- and 5th-grade students, supporting leadership development, communication, responsibility, and peer engagement
- Model strong relationship-building and positive behavior with students, staff, and families across the school community
Whole School Improvement Partnership
Support school-wide improvement efforts through collaborative, data-informed programming aligned to school goals:
- Partner with school leadership to support key school improvement priorities related to attendance, school climate, behavior, student belonging, and student engagement
- Use program and school data to inform planning, monitor impact, and support continuous improvement efforts
- Meet regularly with school administrators and Playworks leadership to review progress toward goals and program outcomes
- Participate in school-based teams, grade-level meetings, professional development sessions, family events, and community activities
- Support integration of movement and positive school culture strategies throughout the school day
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with teachers, administrators, staff, students, and families
- Adapt quickly to varying school environments and contribute positively to school culture and operations
Program Leadership & Operations
Ensure high-quality program implementation and operational excellence across all areas of service:
- Implement Playworks programming in alignment with the Great Recess Framework (GRF) and organizational standards
- Conduct program assessments and support tracking systems that measure program quality and impact
- Facilitate regular recess team meetings and maintain ongoing communication with school and Playworks stakeholders
- Manage schedules, reporting, program documentation, and other administrative responsibilities with strong organization and attention to detail
- Attend and actively participate in trainings, coaching, and professional development opportunities
- Represent Playworks with professionalism, positivity, flexibility, and a solutions-oriented mindset throughout all interactions
The scope, responsibilities, and priorities of this role may shift over time in response to organizational needs and strategic direction.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with elementary-aged students in school, youth development, recreation, camp, coaching, or educational settings
- Strong organization, time management, and communication skills
- Ability to build relationships and establish trust quickly within school communities
- Comfortable collaborating with adults across diverse teams and environments
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism and consistency
- Passion for youth development, play-based learning, and creating a positive environment for all students
- Experience supporting school culture or student engagement efforts is a plus
Requirements:
- We provide comprehensive training, so no prior experience is necessary. Our dedicated support staff will assist you throughout the year.
- Candidates must pass a National Sex Offender Public Registry check, a State criminal check, and an FBI background check.
- Successful completion of a TB test and CPR/First Aid certification upon hire.
- Reliable transportation to reach your assigned school is required. This position will be working at a Boston
- Public Elementary School
- A willingness to actively participate in games and set a positive example for the children.
The scope, responsibilities, and priorities of this role may shift over time in response to organizational needs and strategic direction.
Compensation & Benefits:
Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work, and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:
- This is a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position starting in August, with the expectation that you will work through the school year.
- Full-time position, 40 hours per week, at $23.75 - $26.59/per hour.
- A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee-funded pre-tax health, and child care spending accounts.
- Paid time off for school breaks and paid sick leave
- Opportunities for professional development
Typical physical and mental demands:
Playworks Sr. Program Coordinators are required to frequently balance, bend, climb, grasp, kneel, reach, sit, squat, stand, stoop, twist, walk, and write on a daily basis. Sr. Program Coordinators must also be able to occasionally lift and carry light to medium loads of 10 – 50 pounds and occasionally pull and push loads of 10 – 50 pounds. Requires normal hearing and vision to communicate with children and adults. Also requires flexibility to readily adapt to changing environments.
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.
