Sports & Leadership Program Instructor

Job Details

Job Location:

Chicago , IL 60619 Salary Range: $21.00 - $21.00 Hourly

• Contributes to the organization and implementation of special activities/events and out of school time camps (e.g. winter break)
• Keeps abreast of current best practices, research, and trends in youth development and education to contribute to the development of staff and advancement of organizational practices
• Responsible for managing and executing deliverables and compliance for grants assigned
• Plans and implements programming in accordance with overall organizational goals, methods and objectives (e.g. Quality Program Outline, Daily Program Plan, etc.). Utilizing and creating evidence-based and researched curriculum, lesson plans, and educational materials
• Manages classroom through positive youth development practices
• Ensures the timely and accurate entry of data into internal data systems (e.g. Salesforce)
• Responsible for special projects assigned by direct supervisor, the Center Director, or Executive Director.
• Recruits and retains youth to programs in their program area to ensure 100% enrollment and 80% average daily attendance
• Ensures program delivery is equitable for all members – considering all age groups, genders, races, abilities and sexual orientations feel welcomed, supported, represented, and have access to all programs and services

• Plan, implement, and facilitate sports and recreation programming year-round, including but not limited to basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, fitness, conditioning, and teambased activities.
• Use sports as a platform to teach leadership, self-regulation, teamwork, communication, accountability, and resilience.
• Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and positive youth development principles into all activities.
• Serve as a mentor and positive role model, building strong, trusting relationships with youth ages 11–18.
• Create inclusive, engaging, and age-appropriate lessons that meet youth at varying skill and ability levels.
• Manage groups using strengths-based behavior guidance and conflict resolution strategies.
• Foster consistent youth participation and support recruitment and retention goals (target ADA >= 80%).

• Maintain accurate attendance records, participant documentation, and data entry in required systems for grant and program compliance.
• Draft and submit program reports, statistics, assessments, and narratives as required.
• Support program marketing and communication, including flyers, newsletters, announcements, and outreach materials.
• Maintain sports equipment and supply inventory, ensuring materials are safe, organized, and available.
• Collect, organize, and submit permission slips, waivers, and required compliance paperwork.
• Support operational needs, including room setup, cleanup, supervision transitions, and adherence to schedules.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Follow all GCYC policies, procedures, safety guidelines, and employee handbook expectations.

• Work collaboratively with all staff and partners
• Support cross-department collaboration for specialty programming, events, and camps.
• Assist with community outreach, school engagement, and family communication as needed.
• Seek out and maintain mission-aligned partnerships that enhance youth sports, leadership, and enrichment opportunities.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in youth development, after-school programming, coaching, or recreation.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and facilitate multiple sports and physical activities.
• Strong understanding of positive youth development (PYD) and SEL frameworks.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and follow-through skills.
• Comfortable balancing direct youth engagement with administrative responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, manage groups independently, and respond to youth needs appropriately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).

• Youth-centered, culturally responsive, and equity-minded…