About Urban Initiatives

Founded in 2003, Urban Initiatives is a nonprofit organization that runs youth development programs in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Urban Initiatives’ mission is to use the power of sport and play to empower Chicago’s youth to achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and build social capital. Currently, Urban Initiatives serves an estimated 85 schools throughout the City of Chicago.

Recess Coach

Are you passionate about youth development? Have a knack for coaching and leading activities with young people? Do you enjoy working in a school setting?

Our Recess Coach position may be PERFECT for you! 

The Recess Coach is responsible for implementing the recess schedule for all K-8 school-age youth, expanding SEL knowledge school-wide, and being a proactive team member within their school environment. Recess schedules include but are not limited to, structured play, transitions, and lunchroom support. 

Our Culture: Our healing-centered approach to youth development helps young people reach their full potential and puts YOU right in the middle of making an impact that will shape generations of Chicago youth. We are coaches by trade and we bring this expertise into our work environment. You can expect us to deliver ample learning opportunities, growth mindsets, a culture of feedback and transparency, and fun as a core value. Our first-in-class benefits- including competitive salaries and fully-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance - are guaranteed to keep you in the game. 

Are you ready to put passion into action to build a stronger Chicago?

What you would do: 

• Organize the recess schedule in partnership with school administration
• Implement20-minute  recess sessions for all K-8 students throughout the school day
• Oversee a team of school staff to support recess
• Build relationships with school staff and students 
• Lead recess activities with Urban Initiatives-provided curriculum based on play and social-emotional learning (SEL)
• Manage student transitions to and from the lunch and recess spaces
• Support school SEL needs as needed

What we look for in a candidate: 

• Passion for Urban Initiatives’ mission
• Strong time management, administrative, analytical, and organizational skills
• Superior communication skills, both spoken and written
• Commitment to restorative practices
• Strong group facilitation and coaching skills
• Quick learner and problem solver, experienced in managing conflicts
• Self-directed while balancing multiple tasks within a team-based work environment 
• Ability to be flexible and manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality work
• Commitment to interrupting all forms of oppression in the workplace
• Commitment to supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for youth
• Demonstrated experience working with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in underserved neighborhoods
• Spanish Speaking is a plus

COMPENSATION PACKAGE: 

• Competitive hourly rate of $23
• Biannual merit bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums are paid 100% by Urban Initiatives (for employees and for their children)
• Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance paid 100% by Urban Initiatives
• Option to contribute to a 401K with up to a 3% match of your salary after one full year of employment
• Paid Time Off 
• Comprehensive Training 
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Support for Community Involvement

Urban Initiatives is dedicated to intentionally fostering a climate of purposeful inclusion in our workplace, and candidates of diverse backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Urban Initiatives is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This is in accordance with federal and state law.