Director, CityParks Soccer

ABOUT CITYPARKS SOCCER

CityParks Soccer teaches kids of all levels the basics of soccer in NYC parks through informal play and free instruction. Use of all equipment is provided. At the end of the season, select participants are invited to compete in a one-day tournament. This year’s summer program will take place from 9am -12 pm on weekdays from July 2 to August 9, 2024 at 9 sites throughout the five boroughs.

This year CPF plans to launch an initiative to increase female participation and coaching opportunities in the program this summer, including a new session geared for girls ages 13-16.  The program will expand for the first time in the fall, through new sessions held from September - October after-school and on weekends. 

COMPENSATION:  $35 - $50 per hour (21 to 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday)

SEASON:  May 20, 2024  - November 15, 2024 (potential to extend beyond this date)

POSITION SUMMARY

CPF is seeking to hire a Program Director to oversee CityParks Soccer this summer and fall.  The program director will work closely with CityParks Play leadership to develop and refine the CityParks Soccer curricula, organize the program, train seasonal coaches and promote the program to parents, schools and the community. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Lead and implement curriculum of soccer instruction for up to 50 children per class in an orderly and safe manner
• Hire & train 20+ staff to deliver the CityParks Soccer curriculum in citywide parks
• Supervise coaches and periodically visit sites to ensure curriculum is followed and students  are organized in an efficient and safe manner
• Monitor and maintain accurate weekly attendance records from coaches
• Address  questions from parents and assist with CPFs promotion to the community 
• Oversee distribution and storage of equipment by coaching staff

REQUIREMENTS  

• Experienced player or coach with knowledge of soccer and/or the youth sports landscape
• Current or former College athlete and/or coach, PE teacher or person with extensive sports-based youth development experience (strongly preferred)
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies, both internal and external to CPF
• Exceptional communication skills and work-ethic
• Prior group-teaching experience preferred, preferably with children 

• Willingness and ability to carry and transport sports equipment as needed
• Applicants will be subject to a background check and SafeSport training

ABOUT CITY PARKS FOUNDATION

At City Parks Foundation (CPF), we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming New York City parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through arts, environmental education, sports, and community building programs for all New Yorkers. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks mean thriving communities.

Community engagement includes Partnerships for Parks, a public-private program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks, which supports and champions a growing network of community leaders who care and advocate for the transformation of our neighborhood parks and the Parks and Open Space Partners-NYC coalition of conservancies and alliances. We also administer the NYC Green Fund, a regranting program for parks and open space nonprofits and grassroots organizations.

We produce SummerStage, the iconic free, outdoor performing arts festival in NYC, presenting world-class artists from across the globe and our own neighborhoods on our mainstage in Central Park and in local parks in all five boroughs, and our Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and roving PuppetMobile present marionette puppet theater throughout New York City.

We connect youngsters to nature in the urban environment through progressive, experiential teaching. Using parks as classrooms, we provide learning experiences and hands-on activities in urban forests, coastal areas, and gardens.

Free golf, tennis, track & field, soccer, and fitness programs bring high-quality instruction and equipment into areas where few organized athletic opportunities exist. We offer leveled training, year-round scholarship coaching, and special pro events.