Senior Program Coordinator

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 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 prio…