About Up2Us Sports
Founded in 2010, Up2Us Sports is a national nonprofit organization that is focused on the power of coaches to transform the lives of our nation’s most vulnerable youth, and the communities they live in, through sports. Up2Us Sports is based on a simple premise: That highly trained coaches can be among the most transformative adults in young people’s lives and inspire their success on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
About KEEN Chicago
At KEEN Chicago, we strive to provide an atmosphere where all youth have equal opportunities for recreation, fitness, and friendship, creating a space where youth of all abilities and backgrounds are accepted and included. We work with youth with disabilities age 5-21 providing a safe space for movement. To learn more about KEEN Chicago and our current programming, visit https://www.keenchicago.org/.
Established in 2004, KEEN Chicago has and continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Today, we’re proud to be one of the biggest supporters of Chicago’s youth with disabilities working to improve physical, social, and mental health outcomes throughout our community. We’ve gone as far as we can without expanding our team. And that’s where you come in.
We’re seeking a part-time AmeriCorps Assistant Program Coordinator to help manage our program growth. This is a 20 hour/week AmeriCorps role. This member will be responsible for managing 3-4 programs each month, furthering our volunteer recruitment and engagement, and a number of behind-the-scenes program improvement logistics.
Responsibilities
-
Develop and implement plans to add new programs in areas of high need including: programming for the young adult age group, programs on Chicago’s south side, and more.
- Recruit, train, and retain volunteer coaches for in-person recreation sessions.
- Assist programs team to enhance KEEN’s Volunteer Recruitment and training strategy, ensuring all youth who need a 1:1 to participate in sessions have access to one.
- Build upon existing and develop new relationships with key volunteer stakeholders in the city of Chicago (i.e. private high schools, Chicago Cares, Universities etc.)
- Develop program marketing materials, especially newsletters and social media imagery.
- Attend and lead KEEN programs and special events.
- Maintain accurate records and database of Coaches and Athletes during KEEN sessions.
- Respond to inquiries from parents, volunteer coaches, and local community groups as relevant.
- Manage a number of behind-the-scenes program logistics required for safe program execution.
- Assist KEEN Chicago’s Programs team to maintain highest standards of safety and fun during KEEN events.
- Collaborate with key committees including KEEN Chicago Parents Committee, KEEN Chicago Coaches Committee, and the Executive Board of Directors.
- Other duties as assigned and relevant to the role.
Site-Specific Eligibility & Qualifications
-
Proficiency in ZOOM, Microsoft Word/Excel, Google Drive.
- Comfortable using a database.
- Familiarity with the disability community a plus.
- Detail oriented and strong organizational skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills; able to successfully interact with diverse group.
- Positive and energetic approach to job responsibilities.
- Able to put in time independently with off-site supervision.
- Ability to put in time on weekends, weekdays, and evenings.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in social media including Facebook and Instagram a plus.
- Must have reliable transportation to and from KEEN program sites.
- First aid and CPR certification or willingness to be certified as a part of the onboarding process.
Additionally, the Up2Us AmeriCorps Coach will:
- Encourage participants to gain and develop life skills, knowledge, and techniques through sport,
using lessons learned at Up2Us Sports’ best in class training events.
- Perform data collection activities, as directed by your Up2Us Sports Program Manager.
- Act as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of the community and youth served.
Up2Us AmeriCorps Coaches must complete the following requirements to ensure successful completion of
the AmeriCorps program:
- Completion of the minimum required hours of service and training by last day of coach contract.
- Attendance at the Up2Us Coach orientation.
- Completion of bi-weekly timesheets.
- Attendance at days of community service.
- Attend/participate in Up2Us Sports trainings, meetings, and special initiatives.
- Attend Coach Training Institute (date to be announced by Program Manager).
Uniform Policy:
Coaches must wear Up2Us Sports branded t-shirts provided by Up2Us Sports with AmeriCorps logo when
coaching and at program sessions and events.
Eligibility & Qualifications
-
AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have, or be working towards High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Must have access to reliable transportation.
- Successful completion of criminal history background checks.
- Ability to perform all job requirements satisfactorily.
- Other requirements as required.
Living Allowance: $12,150 (half time)
Segal Service Award: $3,697 (half time)
Minimum Hours Requirement: 900 (20 hours per week)
Start Date: August/September 2024
End Date: May/June 2025