Program Assistant, Section 138

Who We Are

DC SCORES is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that builds neighborhood teams to empower children with the skills and confidence they need to succeed on the playing field, in the classroom, and in life.​ Our core programming revolves around an innovative and team-based school model that combines poetry/spoken word, soccer, and service-learning into a comprehensive whole-child program. We offer these programs free of charge through our afterschool programs and summer camps.​

DC SCORES is more than just an ordinary afterschool program; we are a local leader who collaborates with various sectors and communities dedicated to positive youth development.​ Our partnerships include the DC arts, athletics, and youth advocacy communities, as well as the Deputy Mayor for Education, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), DC Public Charter Schools, and DC City Council. We work closely with administrators, principals, schoolteachers, and elected and appointed government officials associated with these entities and communities to maximize opportunities for the youth we serve.

Since our establishment in 1994, we have positively impacted over 25,000 children, serving nearly 3,000 children annually. DC SCORES has been replicated in 12 cities and is part of a collaborative affiliate network, America SCORES.

DC SCORES strives to be an anti-racist organization. We are committed to applying an intersectional approach to equity and advancing the many dimensions of equity in everything we do. ​​

DC SCORES is an organization that values teamwork, leadership, and commitment – these traits permeate all aspects of what we do and how we do it. Ultimately, we seek individuals who are fun, driven, passionate about our work, and uphold our values.

About Section 138 

DC SCORES is the official community partner for D.C. United and the Washington Spirit: DC’s professional men’s and women’s soccer teams. DC SCORES teams have access to a community partner experience that is unique to DC! Section 138 involves DC SCORES poet-athletes attending every single DCU and Spirit game for FREE in section 138, right next to the supporters’ section.  This partnership is essential in providing our poet-athletes access to role models and opportunities to experience a professional game that shows them that becoming a professional athlete is possible. 

What You’ll Do

As the Program Assistant, Section 138 at DC SCORES, you will be vital in leveraging our status as the official community partner of both D.C. United and the Washington Spirit. This partnership provides unparalleled opportunities for DC SCORES stakeholders to attend professional soccer matches, featuring enhanced engagement with the clubs, fan groups, and players. Your mission is to facilitate these experiences, ensuring they are not only enjoyable but also deeply impactful, aligning with our commitment to youth development and community building. In this role, you will orchestrate logistics, coordinate activities, and serve as the primary liaison for game day events, embodying the spirit of DC SCORES and our collaborative efforts with these esteemed soccer clubs.

This position reports directly to our Senior Manager, Programs and will work closely with the program team to coordinate with DC SCORES ticket holders. 

Key Responsibilities

• On-Site Coordination: Serve as the DC SCORES staff member in section 138 for all D.C. United and Washington Spirit games. Lead engagement activities and ensure all ticket holders have a positive experience. 
• Stakeholder Communication: Coordinate with the DC SCORES program team to have all relevant stakeholder information for each game. Communicate with ticket holders on the day of the game and before their arrival.
• Game Day Activities: Facilitate various activities during Washington Spirit and D.C. United games, including community corners, banner making, musical instrument setup, on-screen appearances, poet-athlete engagement, and post-game ceremonies.
• Washington Spirit Games: 
• Pre-game - Community corner and banner making; set up musical instruments with Spirit Staff; on-screen appearance of DC SCORES poet-athletes
• During game - Poet-athlete engagement with Spirit Squadron, musical instruments, and flags; choose player of the match, make poster, and communicate with Spirit Staff
• Post-game: Player of the Match ceremony and prep poet-athletes
• D.C. United: 
• During game: Poet-athlete engagement with Screaming Eagles; shirt distribution
• Transportation Management: Ensure that all DC SCORES ticket holders using DC SCORES bus transportation arrive and depart safely from the games.
• Emergency Response and Troubleshooting: Handle any challenges or emergencies that arise during the games in collaboration with DC SCORES and Audi Field staff.
• Reporting and Training: Complete Audi Field game day reports and undergo all necessary Section 138 training prior to attending game days.

Requirements

Experience, Skills, and Attributes

These are ideal, but not all required – if you don’t have direct experience in any of these areas, feel free to let us know how other experiences have equipped you to succeed in those parts of the role.

• Experience and Skills: Prior involvement working with youth (especially the DC SCORES community) is ideal. Strong organizational and logistical planning skills are essential. You should be able to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Attributes: A high level of responsibility, commitment to positive engagement, a teamwork mindset, and the ability to work cooperatively are crucial.
• Alignment with Values: A commitment to DC SCORES’ values, including a team-first mindset, youth-centric approach, and dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
• Passion for Soccer: While not mandatory, a passion for soccer will be considered a plus.
• Commitment to Schedule: attend 70% or more of the D.C. United and Washington Spirit games.

Position details

• Start Date: Your start date will be as soon as possible!
• Duration of Employment: This temporary position is expected to last until October 30, 2024 or longer if either team makes the playoffs.
• Work Hours: Washington Spirit games require arrival 1.5 hours before kickoff until the entire game is complete and DC SCORES ticket holders have left Audi Field. D.C. United games require arrival 1 hour before kickoff until the entire game is complete and all DC SCORES ticket holders have left the Audi Field.  
• Compensation: Your compensation will be $20 per hour. You will also be given a $20 meal stipend for each game.
• Reporting Structure: You will report directly to the Senior Manager, Programs.
• Benefits: As a temporary employee, you will be eligible only for those employment benefits that are legally required.
• At-Will Employment: Please be advised that your employment with DC SCORES is on an at-will basis. This means either you or DC SCORES can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.
• Other Conditions: This position requires a successful completion of a background check and your agreement to abide by our confidentiality agreements.