Chess Coach & Program Coordinator

Chess Coach & Program Coordinator (starting June 1, 2026)Location: Indianapolis, IN (IndyChess.org) Position Type: Full-time, SalariedAbout Indy ChessIndyChess is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making chess accessible to all people in the Indianapolis area. We believe chess is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, patience, and confidence. We are looking for a dedicated Chess Coach & Program Coordinator to help us manage our growing fee-for-service school programs (with 30%of spots reserved for scholarships) and deliver high-quality instruction to our students.The RoleThis is a dual-threat position designed for someone who loves both being on the "front lines" coaching school-aged students and working behind the scenes to ensure our programs run smoothly. You will be a primary face of Indy Chess in schools and at our summer camps.  There is no office to report to, as it is a hybrid role.  The “workplace” are the schools and event venues, with other administration work done from home on a laptop.  The position works a lot of evening and weekends, and a lot of mornings and afternoons, making the middle of the day (approximately 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) very flexible and open, especially during weeks when there is a weekend tournament.  Here is a sample weekly schedule: Sample 40-hour/week Schedule during School Year:Monday:7:00a-9:00a School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)10:00a-2:00p: Work from home coordinating programs/planning lessons2:30-4:40p School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)Tuesday:7:00a-9:00a School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)2:30-4:40p School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)6:15-8:15p Weekly Chess Night Kids AreaWednesday:7:00a-9:00a School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)2:30-4:40p School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)6:00-8:00p Evening Beginner Chess Class (includes travel)Thursday:7:00a-9:00a School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)10:00a-2:00p: Work from home coordinating programs/planning lessons2:30-4:40p School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)Friday:7:00a-9:00a School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)10:30a-12:30p Homeschool Chess Club Teaching (includes travel)2:30-4:40p School Teaching (includes travel to/from school)Saturday: No obligationsSunday: 12:30-6:30p Monthly Kids TournamentKey ResponsibilitiesInstruction & CoachingSchool Year: Lead chess instruction at approximately 12 school-based programs per week (one hour each).  This would approximately be five before school programs, five after school programs, and two additional lunch or evening programs.Summer: Serve as a lead coach for IndyChess summer camps, including providing care at either before or after care (not both).Weekly Events: Manage and coach the kids’ area during Indy Chess Weekly Tuesday Chess Nights for approximately forty times per year (6:30-8:00p).Curriculum  Development: Assist in developing curriculum for camps and schools.Program Coordination & OutreachSchool Relations: Serve as a primary point of contact for schools; managing outreach, data collection, and regular email communication to administrators.Administration: Create and maintain student rosters and coordinate logistics for each school site, including consistent email communication to parents.Marketing: Create and distribute promotional fliers for programs and events.Digital Presence: Assist in keeping school-specific information and registration links updated on the IndyChess website.Tournament Organization & DirectionAssist annually with the weekend event organization and tournament direction of ten Scholastic Sunday chess events, ten monthly tornado events, the Club Championship (three days).Co-tournament direct regional qualifier events hosted by Indy Chess for Scholastic Chess of Indiana (two one-day tournaments in January and February)Direct weekly league nights approximately 20 days per year.QualificationsChess Proficiency: Strong understanding of chess tactics and strategy (USCF rating of 1400+ preferred; must be able to teach beginners through intermediate players).Tournament Direction: While Indy Chess will help train a candidate to become a certified USCF tournament director, already having such certification and experience is preferred.  The candidate is expected to pursue–through Indy Chess tournaments–eventual certification as a FIDE Arbiter.Teaching Experience: Proven ability to manage a classroom and engage elementary/middle school students is a plus, but training is provided.Organizational Skills: High attention to detail for roster management and scheduling.Communication: Professional email etiquette and the ability to represent Indy Chess to school administrators and parents.Computer Proficiency: Proficiency in the following sites and applications are a plus: Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Lichess Studies, Chessdotcom ClassroomDigital Design: Basic graphic design (e.g., Canva.com) skills are a plus.Transportation: Reliable vehicle and driver’s license required for travel between school sites in the Indianapolis area.Physical: Must be able to carry 30 lbs. up and down stairs to take chess supplies into school and event venues.Compensation & BenefitsIndyChess offers a comprehensive and competitive nonprofit compensation package:Salary Range: $40,000 to $45,000 per year (based on a 40-hour work week).Generous Paid Time Off: Six weeks of scheduled paid vacation (two weeks in August; two weeks in Dec/Jan; one week Spring Break; one week Fall Break), plus sick days.Health Benefits: $500/month health insurance reimbursement via a QSEHRA account.Retirement: SIMPLE IRA account with a 2% employer match.Travel Reimbursement: $200/month mileage reimbursement.Cell Phone/Internet Stipend: $25/month reimbursement for cell; $25/month reimbursement for Internet ($50 total).Free membership and free entry to any Indy Chess event.How to ApplyPlease send a resume and a brief cover letter outlining your chess background and experience working with children to Mike Chapuran, Executive Director at info@indychess.org as soon as possible.  Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis.  EOE.