Head Coach - Varsity Girls Basketball

William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, all gender, pre-K-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is "that of God" in every person. A school community that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented and valued. Our curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in us a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

As our mission states, we value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts and athletics. Through global connections, civic engagement and a focus on environmental sustainability, we inspire students to be thinkers, collaborators, innovators and leaders. We educate students to live lives that make a difference.

The Athletics program is an integral part of the educational program at Penn Charter and athletic team leadership strives to provide quality instruction to student-athletes in a manner which aligns with the school's core Quaker values.

Part of the Inter-Academic League, the Penn Charter Quakers have won countless championships and many graduates go on to play their sport in college, and some professionally. Skilled teachers and coaches help our students understand – whether on the playing field, court or in the classroom – how to collaborate and compete, how to win with grace, and how to handle challenges and setbacks.

Position Summary

In service to our student athletes, Penn Charter is looking for an experienced, energetic and enthusiastic Head Coach of our varsity girls basketball program. It is the expectation that all Penn Charter coaches embody the mission and philosophy of the School both in the way they communicate with all community members (students, parents and caregivers, colleagues, etc…) and in the manner in which they design practices and conduct themselves during competitions. Penn Charter coaches always demonstrate a primary focus on sportsmanship, model a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and demonstrate self-awareness in all interactions and relationships. In addition to working closely and compassionately with students and families, athletic coaches work collaboratively with other members of the athletic department, faculty, and staff.

Practices are each weekday afternoon from 3:30 to 6:00pm as well as Saturdays and the game schedule is published in advance with competitions occurring after the school day as well as on weekends.

Essential Functions

Athletic Coaches will:

• Comply with all Penn Charter policies and represent the School in a positive manner at all times
• Supervise and ensure student safety at all times in various environments - gymnasium, outdoors, and during athletic visits or trips, using proactive, preventative measures
• Be committed to the physical and emotional health of participants
• Value the dignity and worth of the individual in a context of common purpose and collective achievement
• Educate parents (with the assistance of the athletic department personnel) about the philosophy, policies and expectations of the athletic program
• Demonstrate an interest in student athletes and the overall athletic program
• Support multi-sport athletes
• Encourage, model and build respect, commitment, integrity, honesty, and responsibility in each student
• Clearly define and communicate standards of conduct to players, spectators and coaches
• Help students develop into mature adults and productive citizens
• Give every student a competitive team experience that will enrich their life
• Develop healthy and spirited team participation
• Foster the development of fair play and sportsmanship
• Provide leadership opportunities for student athletes
• Practice and promote positive interaction with and among student athletes, the school, prospective students, opponents, and community
• Coach in a manner that always teaches
• Design and implement activities that improve the knowledge and skills of participants
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for coaching and learning
• Build rapport and strong relationships with all student athletes on the team
• Work cooperatively with school staff
• Take responsibility for care of materials, equipment and facilities
• Maintain professional growth through attending coaching clinics and conferences
  
  

Competencies

• Ability to provide knowledge, motivation and leadership in the program in which the student can excel to their full potential while competing in an atmosphere that adds to their total education including physical well-being, moral character, and social and mental development
• Ability to remain professional and courteous while interacting with students, colleagues, and parents about athletic performance, skills, playing time, including any game errors or losses
• Excellent communication skills
• High energy, initiative, and strong work ethic
• Strong organizational skills and patience
• Ability to multi-task & prioritize work
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of the Religious Society of Friends is also highly desirable.
  
  

Physical demands

• Physical capability to frequently lift or move weight as in lifting and carrying athletic equipment.
• Repetitively bend, stretch and stoop, and work outdoors in a variety of weather when necessary
• Intermittent time periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions
  
  

Required Education And Experience

• Prior basketball coaching experience is required
• College degree (preferred)
• A love of working with students!
• Varsity or collegiate level playing experience