Youth Wheelchair Training Program Head Coach

About NYRR

New York Road Runners (NYRR) was founded in 1958 when a small group of passionate runners vowed to bring running to the people and has grown from a local running club into the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.  

NYRR’s year-round offerings of races, community events, programs, and training resources provide hundreds of thousands of people with the motivation, know-how, and opportunities to start running and keep running for life. NYRR’s premier event, the famed TCS New York City Marathon, attracts the world’s top professional runners and committed amateurs alike, while also raising millions of dollars annually for charity and driving economic impact for New York City.  NYRR is equally committed to the runners of tomorrow, passionately providing youth fitness programs that educate and inspire children in underserved communities in New York City, nationwide, and around the world.

Headquartered in New York City, NYRR is a 501(c)(3) organization.  To learn more, please visit www.nyrr.org.  

At New York Road Runners, we are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace by finding the best candidate for the job. We understand that skills come from a variety of different backgrounds. Checking off every single requirement on our job description is not necessary to apply. If you think you are a good fit and have a passion for the work we do, please submit your application. We are eager to learn about your experience and skills! You may be the right candidate for this or other open positions.

New York Road Runners is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About the Department

NYRR is one of the largest nonprofit providers of youth and community fitness programming in New York City. The Community Impact Department includes Youth Programs, Community Programs, and Youth and Community Events.  The Community Programs team oversees a diverse portfolio, including NYRR Striders for older adults, free NYRR Open Runs in city parks, and targeted initiatives such as Run for the Future and Youth Ambassadors, which build lifelong skills through movement and leadership. 

The Youth Programs team develops and supports running programs and resources for schools, community organizations, and families in NYC and nationwide through Rising New York Road Runners. 

The Youth and Community Events team delivers more than 40 events annually—including those tied to the Five-Borough Series and the TCS New York City Marathon—reaching thousands of kids and community participants each year. 

About the Position

The Rising New York Road Runners Youth Wheelchair Training Program is a free program for youth with physical disabilities ages 6 to 21. The program offers weekly training sessions on a seasonal basis, in-school resources, and competitive events on the road and track, regardless of experience or prior NYRR affiliation. The Wheelchair Training Coach is responsible for planning and executing practices under the guidance of the other coaches and Adaptive Programming Specialist. 

Job Responsibilities (primary and secondary duties):

• Plan and execute age-appropriate practice plans that are aligned with Rising New York Road Runners standards for a team of youth wheelchair athletes (ages 6 – 21) 

• Lead a team of youth wheelchair athletes (ages 6 – 21) through weekly practice sessions and during NYRR youth events 

• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of racing wheelchairs, and perform repairs as necessary 

• Meet weekly with co-Coaches, Adaptive Programming Specialist, and Director of Youth Program Development regarding the direction of the program and logistics 

• Proactively answer wheelchair racing related questions from athletes and their families, and provide feedback to athletes, as appropriate, during practice sessions 

Job Requirements: 

Experience:  

• 5 years work experience as a wheelchair racing coach required 

• Prior experience working with youth with physical disabilities in a coaching role 

• Prior experience as a wheelchair racing athlete is a plus 

Skills and Attributes: 

• Ability to differentiate and individualize workouts based upon the disability related needs of athletes 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse group of youth athletes with disabilities 

• Knowledge of racer mechanics, and ability to adapt program chairs to the disability-related needs of athletes 

• Ability to adapt practices based on feedback from athletes and their families, Adaptive Programming Specialist, and Director of Youth Program Development 

• Provide general directions to NYRR staff during weekly practice sessions 

Other Requirements: 

• Work in-person practices on Saturday mornings from late August to late October, and from mid-April to early June 

• Work in-person weekend practice, or facilitate virtual practices from early January to mid-March 

• Facilitate in-person or virtual sessions as needed outside of regularly scheduled programming 

• First Aid and CPR/AED certification preferred 

• Proficiency with use of Microsoft Office 

• Represent NYRR in school, community and professional meetings and events as appropriate. 

Salary: $45 / hour