Head Coach

Serving as a head coach is the most rewarding way to get involved with Girls on the Run and learn more about our program. You get to experience the program first hand, feel a sense of accomplishment that you have made a difference in the lives of the girls and have a ton of fun with your team of coaches and incredible girls!

Summary of Role:

The head coach is a volunteer position that works with a team of coaches to facilitate the Girls on the Run curriculum to program participants. This position works closely with the Girls on the Run staff and entails approximately 3-4 hours per week for 10 weeks with additional time required on two to three weekend days for a four-hour training session, the GOTR 5k race and, if necessary, CPR/First Aid training. Each team should have no more than two head coaches.

Core Duties/Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):

  • Understanding and believing in the mission of the organization
  • Acting as a positive spokesperson for the program
  • Serving as a role model and mentor for program participants
  • Managing and communicating with assistant coaches and practice partners
  • Preparing, organizing and supervising the weekly lessons
  • Leading the program participants through each lesson (must be able to commit consistently to at least one practice per week)
  • Initiating regular communication with parents of program participants
  • Reading/reviewing weekly communication from GOTR staff and taking necessary action
  • Attending the mid-season coaches meeting with the GOTR St. Louis staff during the season
  • Coordinating a community service project
  • Participating in the Girls on the Run 5k race
  • Planning and coordinating the end-of-season banquet

Qualifications:

  • Strong desire to volunteer in the field of youth character development
  • Experience working with youth, especially girls in grade 3-8
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to be flexible and to improvise when needed
  • Willing and able to inspire and motivate others to believe in the Girls on the Run mission
  • High organizational skills
  • Ability to recognize conflict and have the skills to help resolve it
  • Capacity to work in partnership with co-coach, assistant coaches and practice partners
  • Strives to lead a healthy lifestyle
  • Previous volunteer experience with a service organization
  • Has awareness of the common and different needs of girls

Requirements:

  • CPR certification and First Aid knowledge
  • Attend a four-hour coaches training with Girls on the Run St. Louis staff
  • Consent to background check
  • Female
  • At least 21 years old

Benefits:

  • T-shirt
  • Race entry
  • Discounted fee for daughters to participate (if applicable) Note – One coach scholarship per team
  • You’ll be preparing young girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living; empowering young girls to become strong, self-confident women; and making a difference!