ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Established in 2001, PeacePlayers is a global peacebuilding nonprofit organization that uses sport as a vehicle to unite, educate and inspire young people living in divided communities. Based on the premise that “children who play together can learn to live together,” PeacePlayers has become a worldwide leader in the use of sport to build a more peaceful world, reaching more than 75,000 youth in 15 countries.
By offering equitable basketball programming, peace education, leadership development and professional training, PeacePlayers challenges the status quo of hatred and fear that grips societies in conflict – making cross-community cooperation desirable and giving young people practical skills to deal with conflict and grow into advocates for peace in their communities. The organization operates year-round programs in the Middle East, South Africa, Northern Ireland and Cyprus, internationally and Baltimore, MD, Brooklyn, NY, Detroit, MI, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA in the United States.
PeacePlayers’ Chicago
Our mission is to unite divided communities through sport, contributing to more peaceful and thriving communities. PeacePlayers Chicago knows that basketball (and the lessons learned within) has the power to be a catalyst for change; and in harnessing the transformative power of sports to unite, educate and inspire young people, we create equitable opportunities, and build peaceful societies. Through our sports programming, peace education, and leadership development, we empower youth in communities facing conflict, challenging fear-driven hate and bridging divides.
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:
Since 2017, PeacePlayers Chicago has used basketball as a tool to unite youth from diverse backgrounds across the city. We currently operate in the Roseland/Pullman community, the Austin community, and the Cabrini Green community. Our intervention is sustainable, long-term and works with youth through a pipeline journey, supporting them as they become coaches and leaders within the program and in their communities over time. Through partnerships with the Chicago Park District, charter school systems, local youth-serving organizations, and sports facilities, we engage over 500 youth through year-round after-school and summer programs. Our year-long after-school programs use the game of basketball as a tool to create safe spaces for youth to explore who they are and develop the confidence to lead – both within the program and in their lives outside of PeacePlayers.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Program Coordinators key responsibilities and specific duties will include, but are not limited to:
● Lead the implementation of all Chicago Programming activities; including weekly leadership and basketball sessions, Peace Education sessions, community service projects and field trips.
● Run programming that focuses first and foremost on creating fun, safe spaces for youth to grow as people and secondly, improving basketball skills
● Lead in the recruitment strategy of Program Participants in both Peace League (Middle School) and Leadership Development (High School) Programs.
● Build and maintain relationships across a variety of stakeholders (schools, community orgs, volunteers, coaches, etc.)
● Support implementation and execution of neighborhood and city-based events
● Supervise, support and empower coaches
● Coordinate trainings and workshops for local network
● Oversee the collection of necessary data, testimonials and other information to assess program success
QUALIFICATIONS
● Growth mindset and entrepreneurial attitude
● 1-3 years experience in community development or a youth serving organization
● 1-3 years experience coaching sport (preferably basketball)
● Proven ability to build relationships across a variety of sectors
● Demonstrated passion for using sport as a tool for social change
● Intimate knowledge of the local community
● A proven ability to multitask and meet deadlines
● Knowledge of and/or experience in sport-based youth development philosophy
● Personal sporting experience at the high school or collegiate level preferred
● Experience in group facilitation and/or training preferred
● Ability to work independently
● Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Compensation & Benefits: Salary of $45,000- $55,000 based upon experience. The Program Coordinator position is a full-time salaried position with benefits, including health insurance and an employer retirement plan matching program. The Program Coordinator position will be based in Chicago, IL. To apply for this position, please email a resume to syoung@peaceplayers.org with the subject header “PeacePlayers Program Coordinator- Chicago”
It is the policy of PeacePlayers to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. PeacePlayers evaluates all candidates on a merit basis.
