Lead Coach-Mentor (Middle School Partnership Program)

Organizational Overview

Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) uses the power of basketball to help young people grow into strong students, leaders, and citizens. For us, basketball is more than a sport, it is a pathway to confidence, teamwork, and the skills needed to succeed in school, careers, and life.

Our vision is a Philadelphia where every young person is supported, empowered, and thriving. PYB works to create lasting change by providing opportunities for learning, leadership, and community impact.

We believe every young person deserves voice, value, and visibility. At PYB, we create safe and inclusive spaces where young people are respected and uplifted. Guided by our values of inclusion, authenticity, growth, integrity, and care, we strive to build a culture where everyone belongs and has the chance to reach their full potential.

PYB also instills six key principles, which guide how Coach-Mentors and young people engage with one another:

• Trust – We believe in each other and work to form positive relationships.
• Safe Space – We take responsibility for creating judgment-free environments where everyone feels welcome.
• Teamwork – We find strength in our peers and honor every role on the team.
• Integrity – We value honesty and equity, and we take responsibility to repair relationships when necessary.
• Care – We show empathy by protecting the health and well-being of each other and our space.
• Respect – We honor each person and treat them with dignity, striving to treat others how they wish to be treated.

Together, these principles shape PYB’s “bigger than basketball” culture, ensuring that every program advances both athletic and personal growth.

Core Work Scope & Responsibilities

MSPP Lead Coach-Mentors serve as both a program leaders and a role model, overseeing after-school and Saturday sessions, integrating basketball instruction with SEL, literacy support, and leadership workshops. This position carries responsibility not only for athletic development but also for student well-being, family engagement, and equity-centered programming.

Reporting to PYB's Manager of Basketball Programs, he/she will be responsible for:

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Lead after-school basketball sessions two days per week at the assigned school site.
• Ensure that all practices and off-court sessions align with MSPP’s balanced model, which integrates athletic skill-building, mentorship, academic encouragement, and leadership-focused curriculum.
• Facilitate weekday off-court check-ins with students that focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), creating space for reflection, community-building, and personal growth.
• Collaborate with the Coach-Mentor to develop and deliver weekly on-court lesson plans.
• Maintain regular communication with school faculty to stay informed about student academic performance, behavior, and overall well-being, supporting a holistic approach to student development.

Mentorship & Student Engagement

• Complete in-school hours at least 4 hours before each scheduled practice.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with all student participants.
• Serve as a positive role model, promoting values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership, and personal responsibility.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful team culture that encourages effort, sportsmanship, and mutual support.

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with school-site staff, MSPP administrators, assistant coaches, and academic partners to ensure smooth program operations.
• Communicate regularly with families, school liaisons, and site partners as needed to support student participation and engagement.
• Participate in all required training, planning meetings, and debrief sessions.

Program Administration

• Complete and submit daily attendance in RecDesk and ensure students sign the district-required paper sign-in sheets.
• Collect and turn in completed sign-in sheets to the Program Coordinator each Saturday.
• Assist families with registering their children on RecDesk, helping ensure all required forms and information are submitted accurately.
• Ensure all equipment is cared for and stored properly

Safety & Compliance

• Uphold and enforce all MSPP policies, safety guidelines, and behavior expectations.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to behavioral issues and report incidents in accordance with MSPP protocols.

Our lead coach-mentors must be capable of delivering basketball training/coaching and academic curriculum. We are seeking smart, caring, and engaged adults with a growth mindset, an aptitude for our on- and off-court work, and deep passion for the upward mobility of low socioeconomic young people.

Position Requirements

• Education – Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Youth Experience – Prior experience working with young people in schools, after-school programs, summer camps, or community-based settings.
• Passion for Impact – Demonstrated enthusiasm for improving the lives of youth and families.
• Core Skills – Strong conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Collaboration – Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Growth Mindset – Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Availability – Must be available on weekdays and Saturdays for practices, games, and team play.
• In-School Commitment – Must complete at least 4 hours of in-school time before each scheduled practice. Any exceptions require prior approval from the Basketball Operations Program Coordinator or Manager.
• Training – Mandatory attendance at training sessions on September 3rd and 4th (evenings).

Clearances

All staff members must possess or obtain the following state and federal clearances prior to training and before engaging in any hands-on activities with young people participating in Philadelphia Youth Basketball programs.

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4 164)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY113)
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Background Check (Criminal History Report), if applicable.
• Mandated Reporters - Certificate
• National Sex Offender Registry Verification
• Concussion Training
• CPR/AED Certificate