Youth Wheelchair Training Program Coach

About NYRR

New York Road Runners (NYRR) was founded in 1958 when a small group of passionate runners vowed to bring running to the people, and has grown from a local running club into the world's premier community running organization. NYRR's mission is to help and inspire through running, aiming to empower people of all ages and abilities to improve their health and well-being through the power of running and fitness.

NYRR's year-round offerings of races, community events, programs, and training resources provide hundreds of thousands of people with the motivation, know-how, and opportunities to start running and keep running for life. NYRR's premier event, the famed TCS New York City Marathon, attracts the world's top professional runners and committed amateurs alike, while also raising millions of dollars annually for charity and driving economic impact for New York City. NYRR is equally committed to the runners of tomorrow, passionately providing youth fitness programs that educate and inspire children in underserved communities in New York City, nationwide, and around the world.

Headquartered in New York City, NYRR is a 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more, please visit www.nyrr.org.

At New York Road Runners, we are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace by finding the best candidate for the job. We understand that skills come from a variety of different backgrounds. Checking off every single requirement on our job description is not necessary to apply. If you think you are a good fit and have a passion for the work we do, please submit your application. We are eager to learn about your experience and skills! You may be the right candidate for this or other open positions.

New York Road Runners is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About the Department

The Community Impact Department encompasses our Youth Programs, Community Programs and Youth Events. NYRR is one of the largest non-profit providers of youth and community fitness programming in New York City (with a growing national/international footprint). The Youth Program team develops, administers, and supports an evolving portfolio of youth running programs and resources used by schools, community centers, and families throughout New York City and nationwide. NYRR's flagship youth program, Rising New York Road Runners, brings the benefits of physical activity to various sites to help children develop the ability, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life. The Community Program team develops, administers, and supports a comprehensive portfolio of programs including our renowned NYRR Striders walking/fitness program for older adults, our NYRR Open Run platform that provides free running and walking racing, and community-building opportunities in parks across the city, and bespoke programs such as NYRR Run for the Future and Youth Ambassadors that provide deep engagement and lifelong skills such as running techniques and public speaking. The Youth Events team oversees the development and execution of over 35 Rising NYRR events per year, including events associated with our Five-Borough Series and the TCS New York City Marathon, each serving 100-1000 or more participants, and the support of other youth and community-based efforts.

About the Position

The Rising New York Road Runners Youth Wheelchair Training Program is a free program for youth with physical disabilities ages 6 to 21. The program offers weekly training sessions on a seasonal basis, in-school resources, and competitive events on the road and track, regardless of experience or prior NYRR affiliation. The Wheelchair Training Coach is responsible for planning and executing practices under the guidance of the other coaches and Adaptive Programming Specialist.

Job Responsibilities (primary and secondary duties):

• Executes age-appropriate practice plans set by the Lead Coach(es), Adaptive Programming Specialist, and/or Director of Youth Program Development for a team of youth wheelchair athletes (ages 6 - 21)
• Support a team of youth wheelchair athletes (ages 6 - 21) through weekly practice sessions and during NYRR youth events
• Have a functional knowledge of the sport of wheelchair racing, and/or demonstrate a willingness to learn and take directions from lead coaching staff
• Support with routine cleaning and maintenance of racing wheelchairs, perform repairs as necessary, and/or demonstrate a willingness to learn how to clean and maintain wheelchair racing equipment
• Meet weekly with Lead Coach(es), Adaptive Programming Specialist, and Director of Youth Program Development regarding the execution of the program and logistics
• Proactively answer wheelchair racing related questions from athletes and their families, and provide feedback to athletes, as appropriate, during practice sessions

Job Requirements:

Experience:

• Prior work experience as a coach in any adaptive sport; prior experience as a wheelchair racing coach is a plus
• Prior experience working with youth or adults with physical disabilities preferred
• Prior experience as a wheelchair racing athlete is a plus

Skills and Attributes:

• Ability or willingness to learn how to differentiate and individualize workouts based upon the disability related needs of athletes
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse group of youth athletes with disabilities
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn racer mechanics and how to adapt program chairs to the disability-related needs of athletes
• Ability to apply feedback from athletes and their families, Lead Coach(es), Adaptive Programming Specialist, and Director of Youth Program Development
• Execute general directions set by NYRR Wheelchair Training Program staff during weekly practice sessions

Other Requirements:

• Work in-person practices on Saturday mornings from late August to late November, and from mid-April to mid-July
• Work in-person weekend practices (subject to COVID rates), or facilitate virtual practices from early January to mid-March
• Available on Tuesdays and Thursdays to facilitate virtual practice planning and sessions preferred (availability on 2 weekdays required)
• First Aid and CPR/AED certification, or willingness to obtain, preferred
• Proficiency with use of Microsoft Office
• Represent NYRR in school, community and professional meetings and events as appropriate.

Salary: $30.00/hour