Position: Basketball Specialist
Who we are: 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.
We are looking for a Basketball Specialist who will be responsible for developing a broad range of sports & recreation-based activities that promote good sportsmanship, team comradery, and character development to youth at the assigned site locations. Direct and oversee all sports and team-based activities according to the summer curriculum. Plan, organize, and facilitate sports programming that is cohesive within the cluster under the direction of the Borough Coordinator. Perform administrative duties that support the above primary functions.
What you’ll do:
- Teach basketball fundamentals to youth ages 10 to 19.
- Plan, organize, and facilitate basketball skills, drills, and routines to encourage player development and team progression.
- Implement game play and tournaments in accordance with program schedule.
- Engage youth in organized social games that foster strategic and interpersonal skills.
- Exhibits excellent problem solving skills and takes initiative.
- Attend and participate in preseason training sessions.
- Communicate with the Borough Coordinator and each Site Director on a regular basis.
- Serve as a cluster liaison and work with all personnel involved with the program.
- Ensure that age-appropriate activities are implemented for youth ages10 to 19.
- Welcome and register youngsters to site.
- Set up and take down program equipment at the site daily, on time; dress in PAL-provided and approved attire (staff t-shirt, appropriate shorts/sweats, and athletic footwear).
- Coordinate and assist in teaching youngsters PAL approved social activities that counsel youth in the areas of life skills, drug prevention, and conflict resolution as needed.
- Interact with site participants, adding to the program by providing supervision for daily activities such as recreational games, and opening/closing ceremonies.
- A PAL Cardio Specialist is a role model. Encourage youth to actively participate in all available activities; promote respect, teamwork and recognition; inform youth that advice/guidance is available from staff concerning problems onsite or offsite.
- Monitor youth interactions for injuries/conflicts and treat/resolve as needed; document situations by completing forms and submit to Site Director.
- Act as a mandated child abuse reporter, being aware of the signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse; report incidents/suspicions to Site Director.
- Sign off on required paperwork such as payroll sheets and attendance log books for submission to Site Director.
- Represent the agency and program to the neighborhoods in a positive fashion.
- Engage and interact with the neighborhood business owners, parents, senior citizens, etc., representing the program and PAL in a professional manner.
- Develop clear communication and working relationships with NYPD officers as well as PAL partner organizations.
- Work closely and provide direction to Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) participants by providing guidance on arts programming, summer theme activities and projects.
Additional Responsibilities
- Plan and post all schedules in approved areas.
- Make periodic reports/announcements on program activities.
- Responsible for the inventory, care and maintenance of all supplies and equipment.
- File incident reports (accidents, injuries, altercations, etc.) no later than the day of the incident.
- Work with Site Director and Basketball Specialist on specialized projects and assignments as needed and assist with the coordination of special activities and events.
Education & Experience
- A minimum of two years of academic preparation in physical education, exercise science sports management or other equivalent training.
- A minimum of two years of work experience in a non-profit youth or social service agency with supervisory experience.
Skills/Knowledge Required
- Previous basketball coaching/playing experience.
- Demonstrated skills and competency as an instructor and coach.
- Understanding of 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.
Qualifications
Who you are/What you bring:
- A minimum of two years of academic preparation in physical education, exercise science sports management or other equivalent training.
- A minimum of two years of work experience in a non-profit youth or social service agency with supervisory experience.
- Previous basketball coaching/playing experience.
- Demonstrated skills and competency as an instructor and coach.
- Understanding of 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.
Compensation: $23.00-$ 25.00
Location: Polo Grounds Cornerstone — Police Athletic League, Inc.
Day's & Hours Saturday 5pm-9pm
Start Date: 3/21/2026
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.
Skills Required
- Minimum two years academic preparation in physical education, exercise science, sports management or equivalent training
- Minimum two years work experience in a non-profit youth or social service agency with supervisory experience
- Previous basketball coaching or playing experience
- Demonstrated competency as an instructor and coach
- Understanding of conflict resolution, mediation and mentoring concepts
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Familiarity with administrative protocols including record keeping, reporting and confidentiality
- Ability to act as a mandated child abuse reporter and follow reporting procedures
- Successful completion of pre-employment checks which may include a background check
- Availability to work scheduled hours (Saturdays 5pm-9pm) and start on 3/21/2026
What We Do
The Police Athletic League of New York City (PAL) is a non-profit organization that supports and inspires New York City youth to realize their full individual potential as productive members of society. With the support of committed staff and NYPD officers, it provides over 30,000 young people in underserved neighborhoods access to academic adventures, sports, arts, job training, and mentoring.
