Chicago Run – Lace Up Internship – Junior Coach
Website https://twitter.com/chicago_run Chicago Run
Every step counts
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Closing date: March 31, 2026
Job Title: LACE UP Intern – Junior Coach Intern
Hours per week: 10 hours
- Program operates Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5:30pm
- Occasional evening and weekend work will be required as job duties demand
**. Chicago Run will work with hired employees to establish a schedule within this window of work time. Staff meetings currently take place in person once a week.
Modality: Field base job with occasional office or remote work
Wage: $17
Start date: June 1st, 2026
End date: June 2027
About Chicago Run
Since 2007, Chicago Run has empowered thousands of Chicago’s young people, from Pre-K through high school, with access to inclusive running and physical activity programs. Chicago Run’s programs meet young people where they are, partnering with schools and community organizations to provide regular opportunities for trauma-informed and non-competitive physical activity. Through these partnerships, Chicago Run’s program utilizes the power of sport to improve academic performance, positive relationships, development of social-emotional skills, and growth in physical and mental health.
In a typical year, Chicago Run reaches approximately 10,000 youth participants by working with 45+ schools within Chicago Public Schools (“CPS”) and 7 community partners/parks, across 30+ diverse Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on programming in historically disinvested communities on the South and West sides.
Job Summary:
Chicago Run seeks to engage emerging leaders, helping them to serve in communities, and develop leadership, professional, and coaching skills that will prepare them for post-secondary success. The LACE Up! Intern is responsible for implementing Chicago Run’s running and physical activity programs, including supporting daily program operations, maintaining relationships with schools and site partners, and providing logistical support across the team. This position implements programming during and after school. This role works closely with the Chicago Run Program Team.
Responsibilities
- Program Implementation (80%)
Lead running and physical activity sessions with early childhood and elementary school students during the school day, throughout the summer and full school year.
Co-lead weekly running practices with Running Mates teams. These practices take place before or after school depending on the program site, and occur in 8–10-week seasons:
- Summer: July – August
- Fall: September – October
- Winter: January/February – March
- Spring: April – May/early June
- Help identify and troubleshoot any issues with program delivery
- Aid in the development and enhancement of the overall health and wellness environment at schools/sites and implement innovative physical activity
- Makes exercise FUN for students and school staff!
- Event & Other Support (15%)
Attend and provide support for seasonal Chicago Run program events (i.e. races and field
trips), typically occurring twice per season and taking place on a Saturday.
Participate in occasional activations outside of core programming
Capture anecdotal program data and highlights
Support the Program Team and broader staff as needed on additional tasks and projects
- Program Logistics (5%)
Support delivery of program incentives and participant gear/equipment to schools
Work with program staff to develop new and innovative indoor fitness activities, resources,
and trainings
Qualifications:
- An ideal candidate has interest in coaching with sport-based youth development programming and/or experience working directly with youth
- Demonstrates a passion for Chicago Run’s mission, a commitment to equity in alignment with Chicago Run’s core values, and desire to impact youth health and wellness through equitable, inclusive programming
- Has familiarity and enthusiasm for working in Chicago Public Schools
- Must be able to pass a background check through Chicago Public Schools
- Spanish language proficiency preferred, not required
- Access to reliable transportation to travel to program sites throughout Chicago
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Physical demands include handling the storing, packing, and setting up of program equipment and supplies, weighing up to 25 pounds and climbing up and down stairs
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses flexibility
- Has strong interpersonal skills and able to build relationships and communicate with a diverse array of stakeholders
Education:
- High School diploma
- Current CCC student pursuing an Associate Degree.
- On track to graduate with at least one semester of coursework completed.
Working Conditions
- Individuals who are members of Chicago Run’s priority communities (Austin, Greater Garfield Park, Lawndale, Englewood, Auburn Gresham) are encouraged to apply.
- Chicago Run is committed to being an equal opportunity organization, and providing employment opportunities regardless of identity, including race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, or veteran status.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
We also suggest that you contact the Career Development Department at your campus for assistance with your résumé, cover letter or interviewing workshops:
Contact through Navigate
- Daley College –Lisset Diaz – on Navigate
- Harold Washington College – Jasmin Dobson OR Ashley Smith – on Navigate
- Kennedy-King College – Ingrid Prioleau Byrd – on Navigate
- Malcolm X College – Darwin Pettis – MXC-Careers@ccc.edu
Contact via Email
- Olive-Harvey College – Charlene Haymond-Bussell – chaymond-bussell@ccc.edu
- Truman College – Meredith Gallo-Murphy – mgallo-murphy@ccc.edu
- Wilbur Wright College – Joe Reaves – jreaves@ccc.edu
How to Apply:
-
- Review this job description
- Attend the Information Session: Register here
- Update your Resume and Cover Letter (templates above)
- Click the link below to Apply
- After completing the application link, your resume and cover letter will be screened by CCC to determine IF you meet the requirements for the position.
- CCC will communicate with you if you are moved forward in the process so you can continue the process with the employer.


