Youth Wheelchair Training Program Head Coach

(NYRR) New York Road Runners, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,104 - 68,880; Part time

Job summary

New York Road Runners (NYRR) is seeking a Rising NYRR Youth Wheelchair Training Coach to plan and execute age-appropriate practices for youth wheelchair athletes (ages 6–21). You will work under guidance from the Adaptive Programming Specialist and other coaches to foster inclusive, competitive sessions.

Responsibilities include leading weekly practices, maintaining racing wheelchairs, meeting with coaches and director to coordinate logistics, and answering questions from athletes and families

Qualifications

• 5 years work experience as a wheelchair racing coach.
• Experience working with youth with physical disabilities.
• Experience as a wheelchair racing athlete is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute age-appropriate practice plans aligned with Rising NYRR standards for youth wheelchair athletes (ages 6–21).
• Lead a team of youth wheelchair athletes 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 during practice sessions.

Skills

Differentiated workouts

Clear communication

Racer mechanics knowledge

Adaptable to feedback

Staff direction

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

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 Developmentregardingthe direction of the program andlogistics
• Proactively answer wheelchair racing related questions from athletes and their families, and provide feedback to athletes, as appropriate, during practice sessions

Job Requirements:

Experience:

• 5yearswork experience as a wheelchair racing coachrequired
• 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, orfacilitatevirtual 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
• Proficiencywith use of Microsoft Office
• Represent NYRR in school, community and professional meetings and events as appropriate.

Salary: $45 / hour

New York Road Runners is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To learn more, please visit www.nyrr.org.