Job Description

Organization Overview

Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.

At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status - deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.

About our Team

Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.

About the Role

Athletics are an integral part of the high school experience. All members of the school community interact with the athletics program whether it be as participant, manager, spectator, coach, or friend. The programming impacts all students. The goal of the athletics program at Excel Academy Charter School is to provide students with the opportunity to experience leadership, overcome adversity, build character, and make a positive impact on their high school experience.

In order for students to achieve our mission it is essential that coaches uphold our values and expectations. Student athletes look to coaches as their exemplar and rely on them for their physical and emotional safety, expertise, and mentorship.

Dates: November 1 - March 15

Stipend:

• Head Coach: $3,000 per season, plus postseason bonuses

Hours: 4 - 6 days/week for approximately 10-16 hours per week (afterschool time and weekends)

Your Impact

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, organize, and lead team practices that focus on skill development, strategy, communication, sportsmanship, and preparation for competition in approved esports titles.
• Coach and supervise student competitors during all scheduled matches, tournaments, playoff contests, and school-approved events, including evenings and weekends as required
• Maintain consistent communication with the coaching staff to support player development, program alignment, and smooth progression within the esports program
• Manage team rosters, eligibility requirements, and participation in accordance with school policies, athletic department expectations, PlayVS requirements, and RIIL esports regulations.
• Uphold and enforce all school, league, and athletic department policies, including expectations related to conduct, attendance, eligibility, sportsmanship, and appropriate online communication. RIIL regulations prohibit taunting, inappropriate communication, and abusive dialogue between participants.
• Serve as a positive role model for student competitors by promoting academic responsibility, respectful behavior, teamwork, digital citizenship, and good sportsmanship.
• Assist with equipment management, gym setup and breakdown, and maintaining a safe and organized practice and competition environment.
• Coordinate with the Athletic Director regarding roster submissions, scheduling, score reporting, and postseason qualifications as required by the RIIL and PlayVS platform.
• Ensure all participating students complete required esports participation documentation and acknowledgements in accordance with RIIL guidelines

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Understand how your identity markers (including race, class, and gender) impact your role;
• Demonstrate understanding and respect for the cultures and languages of our communities;
• Solicit and welcome collaboration and feedback from colleagues, students, families and the surrounding community;
• Understand the impact of historical and structural racism and use this lens in your decision-making; and
• Take action to demonstrate personal reflections and growth/be responsive to feedback and lessons learned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework or degree preferred
• Previous competitive experience in esports, gaming clubs, organized leagues, or demonstrated knowledge of esports titles, competitive strategy, team development, and league operations
• Working knowledge of popular scholastic esports titles such as Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8, and other approved competitive titles
• Ability to work effectively with high school-aged student competitors and support their academic, personal, and competitive growth
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate with athletic staff, school administrators, parents/guardians, and students
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and development-focused team culture.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including afternoons, evenings, and weekends as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior coaching experience in a public or charter school setting at the youth, club, middle school, or high school level
• Experience managing students in online competitive environments and promoting positive digital citizenship
• Knowledge of esports league operations, PlayVS competition structures, and RIIL esports regulations
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain prior to the start of the season)
• Familiarity with school athletic department policies, league regulations, and eligibility requirements
• Experience supporting player development pathways and collaborating with Varsity coaching staff

Mission Alignment

• You share a commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• You are committed to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
• You work effectively in a team environment and have a willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
• You are open to change, are willing to problem-solve, and seek feedback for your own professional growth and improvement.

Preference will be given to applicants who share points of intersection with our students, such as speaking Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, or a language commonly spoken by our students and families at an advanced level, being first generation college graduates, or having grown up low-income.