MetroLacrosse is a not-for-profit organization that provides sports-based character education programs for more than 700 youth and teens from Boston’s historically underserved urban communities. Its mission is to address the social and economic disparities that exist in urban settings by inspiring personal, educational and athletic success among urban youth and teens. Through its character educationcurriculum that builds upon the lessons learned while participating in team sports, MetroLacrosse highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle, focuses on developing strong teamwork and communication skills, and aims to teach participants lessons that are transferable to their daily lives. Using our core curriculum of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (Responsibility, Effort, Sportsmanship, Participation, Enthusiasm, Communication and Teamwork), MetroLacrosse staff and volunteers teach kids to take an active role in ensuring their own success in life.

Job Description: Youth & Junior Program Manager

Roles and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Program Director, the Youth & Junior Program Manager is the primary staff member responsible for the quality, growth and development of MetroLacrosse’s youth and junior programs and players.

Some primary responsibilities of the Youth & Junior Program Manager are:

• Drive all logistical aspects of lacrosse programs in the spring and fall seasons, which could include:
  • One-day lacrosse tournaments and jamborees.
  • Daily communication by phone and email with program participants, volunteers, other staff and/or community partners.
  • Data entry and paperwork management.
  • Schedule practices, games, bus transportation and referees.
  • Manage equipment and uniform inventory, ordering, and storage.
  • Organize field permitting and lining.
  • Work with other staff members to divide responsibilities and manage events.
• Act as a point of contact between youth, families and MetroLacrosse.
• Assist with the recruitment and retention of players into the program.
• Teach and model MetroLacrosse’s R.E.S.P.E.C.T. culture.
• Act as an instructor and role model during camps, demonstrations, clinics and MetroLacrosse practices and events.
• Manage volunteer coaches and/or part-time staff members in their role as direct service program providers. This requires the ability to provide professional development feedback and to provide accountability.
• Serve as a counselor or staff manager for summer programs.

The ideal candidate for the Youth & Junior Program Manager role possesses superior written and verbal communication skills, and is interested in working in a small organization where there is a strong orientation to collaboration and teamwork. The ideal candidate is an independent leader and manager who knows how to manage up, is comfortable making decisions on his/her own, but also knows how and when to communicate information to the rest of the team. He/she must be a creative problem-solver and proactive decision-maker, and is quickly able to prioritize important tasks on the fly. The ideal candidate is well-organized, detail-oriented, has strong analytical skills, and yet is still able to function with a sense of urgency at a high level in a very fast-paced environment. He/she has a positive “can do” attitude and approach to work, with a good sense of humor, and maturity for the important social impact of the work we do. He/she feels passionately about the power of sports to transform lives, and is eager to apply professional skills to a small, high-impact, fast-moving organization. He/she is independent and self-initiated, but also values a team-oriented, collaborative work environment and operates with an “everyone pitches in” attitude.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 2-4 years of professional work experience in a related field (e.g. sports-based youth development, education,
  general management).
• Experience as a team sport athlete at a competitive level.
• Passion for and demonstrated commitment to improving the quality of opportunities for children living in urban communities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects in a team-based, collaborative environment.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and organizational skills, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to monitor and manage details while also holding the larger vision.
• Friendly, engaging, and professional demeanor. Energetic, enthusiastic, and hard working.
• Must be available to work nights and weekends as special events require.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus but is not required.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Apply (HINT: All the answers should be yes!)

• Do you know how to properly use a comma and other common grammatical elements?
• Do you write clear and concise sentences?
• Do you believe that details matter?
• Can you both lead a project and follow someone else’s lead when necessary?
• Are you able to receive and accept feedback?
• Do you manage your own to-do list and meet deadlines?
• Are you one of the “go to” people in your current work environment?
• Do you proofread?
• Are you interested in learning and growing professionally?
• Do you have a sense of humor?
• Are you self-aware?

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with experience, and includes full benefits (including health, dental, disability, life, and retirement). MetroLacrosse is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds of all kinds.