Youth Empowerment Sports Coach

YES (YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SPORTS) COACH

Flint Center for Educational Excellence

Position Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt (Grant-Funded Position)

Reports To: Thrive Sports Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Empowerment Sports (YES) Coach serves as both a coach and mentor, utilizing athletics as a vehicle to develop leadership, confidence, accountability, resilience, positive decision-making, and strong character among youth participants.

Reporting to the Thrive Sports Coordinator, YES Coaches are responsible for creating safe, engaging, and inclusive sports experiences while intentionally building positive youth-adult relationships that strengthen students' connection to school, Thrive Sports, and their broader community.

YES Coaches are youth development professionals first and sports coaches second. Coaches are expected to facilitate programming across all Thrive Sports offerings, including Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, and Track & Field. Sport-specific training, curriculum resources, and coaching support will be provided through Thrive Sports and RCX Sports partnership.

Through consistent mentorship, leadership development, attendance support, and relationship building, YES Coaches help cultivate a thriving ecosystem where young people develop confidence, character, leadership, and a lifelong connection to positive opportunities.

Sports are the platform.

Relationships are the strategy.

Youth empowerment is the outcome.

ABOUT THE FLINT CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

The Flint Center for Educational Excellence works to ensure Flint children thrive in school, community, college, career, and beyond. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative programming, and data-driven strategies, the Flint Center creates opportunities that support academic achievement, positive youth development, and family engagement.

The workplace culture reflects a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where team members are empowered to innovate, solve problems, build systems, and create meaningful impact for youth and families.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & KEY TASKS

Coaching & Sports Development

• Facilitate high-quality practices, games, clinics, and sports activities.
• Teach age-appropriate sports skills and fundamentals.
• Create safe, inclusive, and engaging athletic environments.
• Model sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and accountability.
• Ensure all youth have meaningful opportunities to participate and succeed.
• Support implementation of all Thrive Sports curricula and league expectations.
• Assist with game-day operations, tournaments, showcases, and special events.

Youth Mentoring & Leadership Development

• Maintain positive relationships with assigned student-athletes.
• Serve as a trusted mentor and role model.
• Conduct intentional mentoring conversations with participants.
• Support youth in setting personal, academic, athletic, and leadership goals.
• Reinforce positive behavior and decision-making.
• Promote confidence, responsibility, perseverance, and resilience.
• Create opportunities for youth leadership and peer mentoring.
• Encourage youth voice and participation in program activities.

Student Engagement, Attendance & Retention

• Recruit and retain youth participants.
• Support site-level enrollment and attendance goals.
• Utilize relationship-building strategies to increase participation and retention.
• Monitor student attendance and engagement.
• Communicate concerns regarding participation or attendance to supervisors.
• Utilize sports as a strategy to improve school-day attendance and student connection.

Data Collection & Program Documentation

• Track participant attendance daily.
• Complete required documentation and reporting accurately and on time.
• Assist with data collection related to program outcomes.
• Utilize organizational technology platforms and communication systems.
• Maintain accurate participant records and documentation.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Build positive relationships with families and caregivers.
• Communicate schedules, expectations, and program updates.
• Support family participation in program events and activities.
• Serve as a positive representative of Thrive Sports and the Flint Center.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure participant safety at all times.
• Maintain compliance with all Flint Center policies and procedures.
• Follow all emergency response protocols.
• Ensure proper participant check-in and check-out procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all LARA Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Report incidents, injuries, concerns, and safety issues promptly.
• Maintain required certifications and documentation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Education, Recreation, Sports Management, Youth Development, Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• Previous coaching, mentoring, youth development, recreation, education, or related experience preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory criminal background check.
• Must meet all LARA and unsupervised childcare licensing requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience coaching youth sports.
• Experience working in afterschool or out-of-school time programs.
• Experience mentoring youth.
• Knowledge of Positive Youth Development principles.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Experience supporting student engagement and attendance initiatives.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Passion for youth development and mentorship.
• Strong leadership presence.
• Excellent classroom and group management skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Highly motivated and self-directed.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Technology proficient.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and engage youth.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive youth development.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to run, kneel, bend, squat, reach, and demonstrate athletic movements.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to actively participate in sports-related activities and demonstrations.
• Full range of motion and mobility required.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

• This is a contracted position, working 3 hours a day Mon – Thur and up to 4 hours on Saturdays. Position is not to exceed 16 hours per week. 
• Must be available to work afternoons, evenings, and weekends based on programming schedules and seasonal needs.
• Hourly rate: $20.00 per hour paid on a monthly basis.