Coaches’ Institutes & Summits

Background — Strive

Strive is a non-profit organization dedicated to character-driven leadership development. Strive offers a research-based, customizable curriculum that begins with self-knowledge, moves into culture creation, and ultimately instills the habit of rigorous leadership practice in its program participants. At Strive, we believe that "how you lead matters". We partner with young people and adults across the United States — in schools, community organizations, and athletic departments — to develop character-driven leadership skills and build unique, and intentionally positive culture.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Strive is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals to apply regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, and/or any other characteristics unrelated to merit.

If you feel energized by what you read here, but aren’t sure you meet every qualification, please apply! We believe diverse backgrounds lead to innovative thinking, making our programs better for the students and educators we serve. Above all, we’re looking for the right person to grow with us!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

How we define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Strive

Diversity: 

The understanding that each individual is different; the recognition of our differences as it relates to the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.

Equity: 

The presence of structural factors that benefit all individuals, groups, and communities; an intentional effort to transform the status quo by providing opportunity and resources for those who have historically not had access.

Inclusion: 

A state of belonging and connection; the act of including and supporting people who have historically been marginalized or excluded.

How You Lead Matters

Strive’s mission is to spread the power of character-driven leadership. We know that effective and successful leaders are self-aware and bring their full identities and values to any situation. Through social emotional learning and character development, we believe that anyone can become a character-driven leader, and that when everyone brings their differences and individuality to the table, we are all more motivated, innovative, and collaborative.

Strive is committed to ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to become character-driven leaders through our intentionally designed social-emotional learning curricula and programs. 

We are equally committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment for our employees.

Click here to view Strive’s full Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

Director of Sports Challenge Position

Sports Challenge develops character-driven leaders on and off the field, applying the rigor of sports training to the practice of leadership. We consciously bring together 100 high school student-athletes from all types of schools, regions and backgrounds to play basketball, soccer and potentially volleyball and/or lacrosse in a competitive and collaborative environment. The Director of Sports Challenge is responsible for recruiting and organizing up to 100 high school student-athletes and up to 20+ coaches to reinvigorate our mainstay program, Sports Challenge. 

Roles & Responsibilities:

Pre- Sports Challenge:

• Recruit
  • Identify and attend events (conferences, tournaments, etc.)
  • Follow up calls, emails, meetings
  • Present at recruiting opportunities (school assemblies, team practices, etc.)
  • Build contact lists (Coaches & Students)

• Build an Action Plan including:

• Marketing Strategy (Collaborate w/Director of Marketing)
• Development/Fundraising Strategy (Collaborate w/Director of Development)
• Building new partnerships with schools and organizations
• Organizing student-athlete registration, scholarships, paperwork and all travel
• Communication with student-athletes, parents, and nominators

During Sports Challenge:

• Serve as administrative support with the planning and execution of Sports Challenge.
• Distribute, manage, and effectively keep record of equipment including t-shirts, jerseys, sports gear, and classroom supplies. 
• Coordinate technology for evening presentations and serve as support for technology in classrooms.
• Assist in general set-up for program operations including staff training, registration, sports practices, and Sports Challenge games. 
• Other administrative duties
• Participate in all staff training sessions and preparation time. 
• Doing prep work before and during the training to ensure maximum preparation for coaching and classroom teaching. 
• Assist in cleaning up the facilities at the conclusion of our program.

Post- Sports Challenge:

• Follow Up!  Follow Up!  Follow Up!
• Create and send partnership packets
• Close out projects

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Former athletic experience, ideally at club, high school and college levels
• Background in sales, recruitment, outreach and/or program management 
• Demonstrated effective and collaborative interpersonal and professional relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated autonomy and organization
• Ability to multi-task and take initiative 
• Self-motivated team player with the ability to meet deadlines, remain flexible, and adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment 
• An enthusiastic leader with a zest for learning and a strong commitment to impacting others
• Proficiency in Google Platform (Docs, Sheets, Gmail)
• Experience with HubSpot, Canva, and Milanote a plus
• Please be prepared to use your personal laptop

Location & Schedule

• Part-time, 20 hours per week (flexible)
• During Sports Challenge Staff Training & Program, you will be expected to stay on campus at Haverford College:
• Sports Challenge Staff Training:  TBA 
• Sports Challenge Program Dates: TBA

Our Core Values & Principles

Strive upholds the following core values, and expects all employees to do the same.

• to know thyself by focusing on self-care, self-awareness, and personal growth
• to be fair and honest in the ways in which we communicate and inclusively interact
• to appreciate our space (sport, school, community organization) and the learning opportunity that it provides
• to find the best in ourselves so we can inspire the best in those around us

Understand We Strive:

• to actively listen to others, verbally and non-verbally
• to embrace differences by bringing empathy and curiosity to dialogue
• to brush it off & grow by celebrating/welcoming failure 
• to create an equitable experience in every facet of our organization

Connect We Strive:

• to appreciate and celebrate our self and one another
• to fill tanks by consistently checking in on our self and one another
• to ask and receive feedback in a productive manner
• to choose laughter and take ourselves lightly so that others can do the same

Transform We Strive:

• to take the time to reflect on our decisions and actions
• to practice mindfulness and gratitude
• to focus on SMARTER goals
• to stick with it, to practice grit

How to Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter to Belle Koclanes, President, belle@striveleadership.org by July 15th.