Who we are?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves an inclusive community of about 1,700 students on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. The Fieldston Middle and Upper campus located in Riverdale has approximately 400 students in 6-8th grades and 600 students in 9-12th grade.
What is essential about working at our school?
The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of inclusion and belonging deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace all aspects of an individual, including their ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self.
We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a Varsity Field Hockey Assistant Coach for the 2026-2027 school year. The applicant will have knowledge of Field Hockey and the ability to teach fundamental skills, tactics, and strategies of the game to ECFS students.
Our program competes in the IVY Preparatory School League, the Athletic Association of Independent Schools of NYC, and is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools. The school has fielded a highly competitive program for many years and continues to strive for excellence in its coaches and players.
This is a seasonal position that begins with pre-season practice, as required by the seasonal calendar. The candidate should be available during the week in the late afternoons.
This position begins on August 24th, 2026 and runs through November 9, 2026, and the hiring range for this position is $3,981- $7,207.
Please note that this is an onsite role and not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.
Responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities of the Assistant Coach will include:
- Developing effective coaching;
- Communicating with students to understand their goals and ambitions;
- Assisting students to discover and overcome their personal barriers and set goals;
- Assessing the strengths of individuals and teaching them to use them effectively;
- Helping in the development of motivation and skills;
- Monitoring and evaluating the progress of students' skills in the sport;
- Appropriately addressing student behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in order to maintain a safe environment and a sense of calm in such situations;
- Keeping records and documentation, and preparing appropriate reports;
- Fostering positive relationships with team members and various stakeholders;
- Motivating and inspiring the team and coworkers to achieve goals;
- Maintaining compliance with all school policies, state regulations, and educational standards; and
- Performing other related projects and duties as needed and assigned.
Position Requirements:
The successful incumbent will possess:
- Previous experience playing or coaching field hockey is a preferred;
- Prior experience working with students in grades 6-12;
- The ability to identify issues quickly and problem solve accordingly, and to remain calm in stressful situations that may arise;
- The ability to work collaboratively in group settings, as well as independently,
- The ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, and prioritize required tasks;
- Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills to effectively communicate initiatives and facilitate discussions;
- Ability to inspire and motivate;
- Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance;
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities;
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, administrators, parents, and community partners;
- Positive attitude with the ability to listen effectively and respond constructively to feedback;
- Commitment to maintaining compliance with school policies, state regulations, and educational standards;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive student information;
- Ability to cultivate a welcoming culture in which all members of the community feel valued and respected.
To Apply:All candidates should visit our employment page at
www.ecfs.org to apply. Please send a resume, and contact information for three references.
EEO:
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to be a welcoming community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to hiring practices that ensure all candidates are given fair consideration in alignment with our institutional mission and goals.