We welcome enthusiastic, dedicated and positive volunteers who are committed to empowering girls with valuable life lessons. Coaches are parents, teachers, school administrators, college students and other community members who are committed to developing and celebrating our girls.

coach a team

Head Coach Overview

Our Spring 2021 season runs from March 29 to May 22. 

Due to COVID-19, we will be hosting both virtual and safe in-person teams.
At each program site, 3-6 coaches work together to deliver GOTR curriculum to girls in 3rd - 5th/6th grade. Teams will meet after school twice each week for eight weeks. Practices for in-person teams are 90 minutes long while practices for virtual teams are 60 minutes long. The coach time commitment is approximately four hours per week for lesson preparation and facilitation. Coaches work closely with program participants, their families, fellow GOTR coaches, and the site liaison. 

See site schedules here. Many of our sites are waiting to hear more about school plans and other commitments before they finalize practice days/times.

 
 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. 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Head coach must be a woman
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must consent to and complete a background check
  • Attend Girls on the Run coach training
  • Attend all (two) practices per week for a weekly time commitment of approximately 4 hours
  • Have fun!

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as a role model for program participants
  • Prepare, organize and supervise weekly lessons
  • Collaborate with other coaches for successful lesson delivery
  • Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants
  • Participate in the Girls on the Run 5K
  • Plan and coordinate your team’s end of season party

Assistant Coach Overview

Our Spring 2021 season runs from March 29 to May 22. 

Due to COVID-19, we will be hosting both virtual and safe in-person teams.
At each program site, 3-6 coaches work together to deliver GOTR curriculum to girls in 3rd - 5th/6th grade. Teams will meet after school twice each week for eight weeks. Practices for in-person teams are 90 minutes long while practices for virtual teams are 60 minutes long. Coaches work closely with program participants, their families, fellow GOTR coaches, and the site liaison. 

See site schedules here. Many of our sites are waiting to hear more about school plans and other commitments before they finalize practice days/times. 


 The Assistant 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 entails approximately 3.5 hours pwer week for an 8-week commitment. 

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must consent to and complete a background check
  • Attend Girls on the Run coach training
  • Able to attend all (two) practices per week
  • Have fun!

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as a role model for program participants
  • Assist with all aspects of the facilitation of weekly lessons
  • Collaborate with other coaches for successful lesson delivery
  • Participate in games and workouts with the girls
  • Participate in the Girls on the Run 5K

Junior Coach Overview

Our Spring 2021 season runs from March 29 to May 22. 

Due to COVID-19, we will be hosting both virtual and safe in-person teams.
At each program site, 3-6 coaches work together to deliver GOTR curriculum to girls in 3rd - 5th/6th grade. Teams will meet after school twice each week for eight weeks. Practices for in-person teams are 90 minutes long while practices for virtual teams are 60 minutes long. Coaches work closely with program participants, their families, fellow GOTR coaches, and the site liaison. 

See site schedules here. Many of our sites are waiting to hear more about school plans and other commitments before they finalize practice days/times.  

The Junior Coach is a volunteer position for high school students to assist the Head and Assistant Coaches at a Girls on the Run program site. The position entails approximately 3 hours per week for an 8-week commitment.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Junior Coach must be 16-18 years old
  • Must be a high school student
  • Must consent to and complete a background check
  • Attend Girls on the Run coach training
  • Able to attend all (two) practices per week
  • Have fun!

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as a role model for program participants
  • Assist with setting up and breaking down of games and lessons
  • Provide one-on-one attention to program participants
  • Participate in games and workouts with the girls
  • Lead an activity with assistance and supervision of the Head Coach if desired
  • Participate in the Girls on the Run 5K

Coach Applications open January 11

Coach Application 2

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is coach training?

Training is a blended model, with some modules offered on demand (complete online on your own time!) and one offered live via Zoom. There will be several coach training sessions to choose from for both new and returning coaches (listed below). You'll select the session you will be attending within your coach application form. *Available until full; space is limited, register early.

What does coaching look like during COVID?

Safety is our priority, and we are hard at work to adapt as the needs of our communities change. Every coach will receive training specifically designed to help them provide trauma-sensitive, culturally relevant support for girls reeling from all of the changes and losses during this pandemic. 

This spring, GOTR teams will be practicing in person, virtual, and/or a hybrid of both. Prepare to be flexible as schools and communities needs change quickly.  Our in-person teams will practice for 90 minutes while using social distancing safety measures. We have equipped teams with hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and extra masks.  When meeting in the virtual space, teams practice for 60 minutes through a fun and interactive online meeting space.  

Dates to know

February 26: Girl registration opens

March 29: Practice starts!

May 22: Tentative Girls on the Run 5k!

Can men be coaches?

Yes! Head coaches must be women and at least 21 years old but assistant coaches can be both men and women and at least 18 years old.

Can I coach one day a week?

In order to build stronger connections with the girls, all coaches must be there for both practices. We understand that there maybe extenuating circumstances that could decrease your availability. If this is the case please contact [email protected] to discuss options prior to applying.  

Who can I talk to about learning more about being a coach?

Give us a call at 319-535-2248 or email [email protected]. Or join us at at an upcoming Coach Info Session to hear more about coaching and ask questons:

  • Times and dates via zoom TBD
Can I choose the site where I coach?

Coaches may indicate a preference for the site at which they would like to coach. If coaches do not have a preference, we will assign them to a location in need of volunteers.

Will I be reimbursed for coaching expenses?

Each team receives a site allowance. Coaches must submit all receipts related to program expenses at the end of the season and will be reimbursed for an amount not to exceed the site allowance.

I'm not a runner. Is that ok?

Absolutely! Coaches do not need to be runners, just passionate about empowering girls.

Girls on the Run Eastern Iowa
26 East Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245

(319) 535-2248

Email:
[email protected]