Sports and Recreational Specialist

Police Athletic League, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Police Athletic League (PAL) is seeking a Part-time Sports and Recreational Specialist to develop and implement a broad range of sports and recreational activities for youth, with emphasis on outdoor programs in Harlem.

You will organize daily activities for grades 6-8, maintain safety, and collaborate with staff and volunteers to ensure engaging, age-appropriate programming. Starting 7/20/26, 10:00 am–4:00 pm, 124th Street, NYC, at $20/hour.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years in a non-profit youth or social service with supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated instructor and artist skills.
• Understanding conflict resolution, mediation, and mentoring concepts.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to speak professionally to staff, parents, community residents, NYPD, PAL partners.
• Familiarity with dress, demeanor, record keeping, reporting, confidentiality, visitors, supplies and equipment protocols.
• Position outdoors for the entire shift.

Responsibilities

• Organize and lead daily physical activity for students in grades 6-8.
• Promote active participation and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Ensure safety, structure, and learning in all activities.
• Plan and oversee diverse activities with staff and volunteers.
• Provide reports and communicate with center leadership about program progress.

Skills

Youth program supervision

Instructor skills

Artistic ability

Conflict resolution

Mentoring

Communication skills

Professional communication

Administrative protocol

Outdoor work

Job description

Position: Sports and Recreational Specialist

We are looking for a Part-time Sports and Recreational Specialist who will be responsible for developing and implementing a broad range of sports, games and recreational activities. Introduce participants to activities that promote creativity and self-expression for participants in the program. Direct and oversee all sports and recreational activities according to the curriculum and/or center needs, in preparation for displays and entertainment at the PAL Celebration events. Plan, organize and manage arts programming that is cohesive within the scope of the program. Perform administrative duties that support the above primary functions.

Who we are:

The Police Athletic League (PAL) is the largest independent youth organization in New York City that provides educational and recreational activities for children and young adults. PAL Inc. and The New York City Police Department work in partnership to provide communities with summer and after-school recreational and educational activities.

What You’ll Do

• Organize and lead daily physical activity for students, grades 6-8.
• Passion with interest in sport (Basketball, soccer, volleyball and etc).
• Have an understanding of games and spaces. Low organization and high intensity.
• Passion in coaching students regards to activities.
• Provide consistent motivation, enthusiasm, and role modeling for healthy lifestyle choices
• Model and uphold all Agency policies and procedures.
• Ensure that age-appropriate activities are implemented for youth in 6-8th grades.
• Plan, organize and oversee varied activities with the support of Center leadership staff, Group Leaders, volunteers, and other specialty staff.
• At all times, ensure safety, structure, and learning.
• Promote and stimulate interest and participation in all performing physical activities.
• Provide ideas and suggestions to the Education Specialist and Center Director for improving programs as often as possible.
• When presenting a problem or offering constructive criticism, also present an alternative solution.
• Build positive relationships with youth and adults and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
• Provide direction to staff in a manner that ensures that program areas are neat and clean and that equipment and supplies are managed appropriately.
• Quickly identify and seek to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems in consultation with the program coordinator.

Additional Responsibilities

• Plan and post-activity schedules and evidence of work in approved areas.
• Make periodic reports/announcements on program activities and evaluate participation, progress, and development of program youth.
• Responsible for the inventory, ordering, care, and maintenance of all related supplies and equipment.
• File incident reports (accidents, injuries, altercations) no later than the day of the incident.
• When directed, attend meetings with staff, parents, volunteers, and community residents as needed to assist in program delivery and promotion of programs.
• Interact with parents and keep open lines of communication to better understand and manage the children.

Qualifications

Who you are/What you bring:

• A minimum of two years of work experience in a non-profit youth or social service agency with supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated skills and competency as an instructor and artist.
• Understanding conflict resolution, mediation, and mentoring concepts.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to speak professionally to staff members, parents, community residents, visitors, NYPD officers, and PAL partner organizations.
• Familiarity with administrative protocols involving dress, demeanor, record keeping, reporting, confidentiality, visitors, use of supplies and equipment.
• Please note that this position will be outdoors for the entire shift.

Compensation:

$20 per hour

Location:

124th Street, Harlem, New York

Days & Hours:

Mon-Thursday, 10: 00 am - 4:00 pm

Start Date:

7/20/ 26 This date is Tentative

At the Police Athletic League, we seek people who are talented, creative and passionate to help create a more inclusive city and better futures for our youth. We’re devoted to empowering communities and building the best places to work, and that goes for our own teams too.

The Police Athletic League is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected characteristic including, but not limited to, an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy

Employment with PAL is contingent upon successful completion of all the Agency’s lawful pre-employment checks, which may include a background check.