Reports to:                 Operations Coordinator

 Job Category:            Part-time, non-exempt

 Summary:

Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (AAYTE), a long-standing nonprofit organization in the City of Philadelphia, is in search of a highly capable and energetic part-time Front Desk Staff.

Our organization is currently in the midst of an exciting time of change and growth.  The Front Desk Staff must bring a high level of competency, motivation to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, and the ability to learn and grow professionally. More importantly, the candidate must share a passion for young people.

The Front Desk Staff will work as a member of the Front Desk Staff team to provide courteous and efficient customer service in person and on the phone to young people, families, staff and visitors. The ideal candidate will be adept and trustworthy with cash management and data entry and capable of multitasking with special attention to detail. This position also involves assisting other departments with relevant tasks as deemed necessary. The Front Desk Staff must be able to represent the organization in a professional and respectful manner.

 Required Skills and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least two years of relevant work experience with customer service and cash management
• Data entry and basic computer skills required
• High level of reliability and work ethic
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Passion for young people, especially those from under-served communities
• Experience working with youth in an educational/recreational setting preferred
• Impeccable integrity

 Hours and Compensation:

This position is a part-time position requiring approximately 15-25 hours/week. Primary hours will be some weekdays from 1:00pm to close (9:00pm-10:00pm), with the probability of some weekend work.

Compensation will be $10.00/hour.

How to Apply:

Send your resume and cover letter to Christine Matulewicz at christine@ashetennis.org.  The deadline for all applicants is Friday, May 11, 2012.  Applicants should be prepared to start employment no later than June 4, 2012.

Job Category:            Part-time, non-exempt

Summary:

Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (AAYTE), a long-standing nonprofit organization in the City of Philadelphia, is in search of experienced, fun and energetic part-time and seasonal Tennis Instructors for a number of our neighborhood-based programs including National Junior Tennis and Learning, Love 2 Serve, and After-School Tennis, Tutoring and Youth Leadership. Programs are located at schools and recreation centers throughout Philadelphia. Tennis Instructors must bring a high level of competency and motivation to work in a recreational tennis environment. More importantly, candidates must share a passion for young people.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide on-court tennis programming
• Deliver life skills or leadership discussion curriculum
• Promote enthusiasm among participants and help ensure quality programming
• Demonstrate good judgment and resolve disciplinary problems
• Complete program administrative duties and maintain equipment
• Participate in evaluations of programs and participants as needed

Required Skills and Experience:

• 3 years of tennis coaching experience or competitive tennis play required
• Certification with PTR or USPTA preferred
• Experience working with youth in a recreational setting
• Ability to manage groups efficiently and effectively
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to be a positive role model to participants
• Demonstrated reliability and responsibility
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car strongly preferred

Hours and Compensation:

Positions available for afterschool and summer programs. Hours vary from 4 hours per week to 35 hours during the summer, depending on candidate’s availability. Compensation ranges from $10.00/hour to $18.00/hour depending on program budget and candidate’s experience.

How to Apply:

Send your resume and cover letter including tennis qualifications and availability to Christine Matulewicz at christine@ashetennis.org.  Positions will be filled on a rolling basis.

I’d like to provide further clarification around our name change. We have received many messages from concerned kids, parents, alumni, and members of our wider family expressing either questions or disbelief about our decision to change our name.

We do not for one second believe we have “outgrown” the use of Arthur Ashe’s name, an icon who in my estimation did as much as Jackie Robinson did “on the field” for racial equality and civil rights than any other American athlete in history, and did significantly more “off the field” when one considers his political activism and humanitarian efforts in South Africa, Haiti and the United States.

We wish we had the ability to keep Arthur Ashe’s name for our organization and our center forever. We however do not own the name and had the privilege to use it only by virtue of a licensing agreement from Arthur Ashe, Inc., which is a corporation controlled by Arthur’s family.  The licensing agreement began in 2002 and, by its own terms, had a scheduled end date of December 31, 2011.

More specifically, the name “Arthur Ashe” is trademarked.  This means that it can only be used with the expressed permission of the owner/licensor of the trademark.  In 2002, Arthur Ashe, Inc. licensed the name “Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education” to Philadelphia Youth Tennis for the sole purpose of changing its name to Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education.  In doing so, our organization was allowed to call itself Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education, or the acronym AAYTE.

Over the past 10 years, we have grown tremendously in terms of the breadth and depth of our programming.  We now have a robust youth leadership and education program, as well as a range of recreational and competitive tennis programs, in neighborhoods across Philadelphia and Camden, and in our Center in East Falls.  We serve 4,500 kids and provide a holistic set of programs to help young people reach their potential as students, athletes and active citizens.  With this growth has come more positive recognition and awareness of our efforts, both locally and nationally.  What also has been generated by our growth is an increasing tendency of the public to simply call us “Arthur Ashe” or “Ashe.”  Legally, a reference to the organization as just “Arthur Ashe” can be deemed inconsistent with the licensing agreement and a violation of the licensing agreement.

Regrettably, we were informed by Arthur Ashe, Inc. near the end of 2011 that our license agreement would not be extended beyond the period of the agreement.

Our Board of Directors and President met on numerous occasions to understand this decision and to deliberate an appropriate course of action. The Board was pleased to reach an agreement with Arthur Ashe, Inc. whereby we may still use the tagline “Inspired by the legacy of Arthur Ashe.” Our organization will continue to honor the great Arthur Ashe by using his life’s work as a humanitarian, an activist for social justice and racial equality, and a tennis champion who paved the way for young people, especially for those who lacked access to the sport and to society based upon race, ethnicity or lack of financial resources as a framework for who we are and what we do.

Our Board and staff team are 100 percent committed to the mission of serving children primarily from under-resourced families and communities, and will stay true to this mission after our upcoming name change.

Please know that my door, telephone and email box are always open to young people and adults who care deeply about our organization.  I hope this explanation provides some clarity to this somewhat complex set of events.

NEWS RELEASE
March 2, 2012

PHILADELPHIA – Since 2002, Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (“AAYTE”) has been privileged to license the name “Arthur Ashe” from Arthur Ashe, Inc. AAYTE has since flourished, expanding the services it provides and growing the organization to provide tennis, education and life skills to an ever increasing number of youth throughout Greater Philadelphia. After 10 years, the licensing agreement has ended. Now AAYTE, in consultation with Ms. Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, president of Arthur Ashe, Inc., has agreed to update its name to reflect AAYTE’s more holistic approach to providing programming for children on and off the tennis courts to support their development. The updated name of the organization will be announced later in 2012 and will include the tagline “Inspired by the Legacy of Arthur Ashe.”

Until his passing in 1993, Arthur Ashe was an active participant in the development of the “Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center” (originally based in Manayunk and now housed in East Falls) bearing his name. “I have appreciated the great work AAYTE has accomplished for children in Philadelphia and wish them nothing but continued success,” said Moutoussamy-Ashe.

“We have been honored to maintain a unique affiliation with the Arthur Ashe name for the past 30 years,” said Jerry Johnson, chairman of the board of directors of AAYTE. “The name has helped enable us to grow from a playground tennis program with a small facility based in Manayunk to developing more holistic tennis, education, life skills, and leadership development programming to help young people, especially those from underserved families and communities, reach their full potential as students, athletes and active, responsible citizens.”

Johnson noted that while AAYTE is updating its name what will not change is the organization’s mission. “We will honor Arthur Ashe’s legacy by continuing to serve the 4,500 children in and around Philadelphia through conducting after-school tennis and tutoring programs at 25 sites, operating the region’s National Junior Tennis and Learning League at 45 sites throughout Philadelphia and Camden, and running tennis and other youth development programs at our center. Our programs continue to expand, while our mission and focus on providing opportunities for underserved children remain rock solid.”

“Our organization is stronger and more secure than at any time in our 60-year history,” said Kenny Holdsman, AAYTE’s president. “Our programs are more accessible and more relevant to the lives of kids and communities than ever before. Our staff team of coaches and administrators is outstanding, our board is filled with individuals who care deeply about our mission and programs, and our many volunteers and supporters are 100 percent behind our work and the young people in and around Philadelphia we serve each year. We are excited about our future and look forward to a new and exciting chapter in our history.”

About Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education

Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (www.ashetennis.org) is a national model for innovative youth tennis, leadership development, and educational enrichment programs. Providing new opportunities to an at-risk and diverse population, AAYTE delivers first-class tennis instruction, fitness, equipment, tutoring, and life skills to young people ages 4 to 18, the majority of whom come from underserved communities. The Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center, 4842 Ridge Ave. in East Falls, is dedicated to serving young people, the only Center of its type in the country. In addition to its programs at the 16-court Center, programs are held in over 45 schools and recreation centers in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ.

Grand Slam Patrons

Champion Patron

• Dennis Alter & Bridgette Mayer

Top-Seed Patrons

• AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan
• Cozen O’Connor
• Mary Walto & James Fernberger
• J & J Snack Foods

Challenger Patrons

• The Addis Group
• BizEquity
• Blank Rome LLP
• Sibby and Bob Brasler / Brasler Properties
• Bill Buck
• Capital Management Enterprises
• Melissa Kaschak and Friends of Linda and Ian
• Harvey Goodstein Charitable Foundation
• ICG
• K10 Kids Foundation
• Kohn, Swift & Graf, P.C.
• Kolsby, Gordon, Robin, Shore & Bezar
• Lindy Property Management
• Merrill Lynch
• NDH Capital Corporation / Structured Growth Capital
• PRWT Services, Inc.
• Replica Creative
• Saul Ewing LLP.
• Irene & Fred Shabel
• Hope Berman and Eric Spieler (Young Friends)
• United States Tennis Association

*List of sponsors as of February 21, 2012

Program Start/End Date: June 25, 2012 – August 9, 2012

Site Manager/Head Coach
Position serves as lead instructor and manager of site operations including registration, payments, equipment, on-court instruction, transportation, and communications. Candidates must be 18 years or older and have experience teaching tennis. Valid drivers license and access to a registered, insured car strongly preferred.

Assistant Instructor
Candidates must be 18 years or older and have substantive experience teaching or playing tennis. Experience with children is preferred.

Junior Instructor
Employment opportunity for high school students age 14 or older. Candidates must have experience playing tennis and knowledge of teaching basic tennis strokes. Experience with children is preferred.

Linda and Ian Swain

Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (AAYTE) in Philadelphia announced today that Linda and Ian Swain, of Haverford, will serve as co-chairs for the 29^th Annual Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education “Court of Dreams” Benefit on Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m. at the AAYTE Center, 4842 Ridge Ave.

The Swains, both long-time supporters and active members of AAYTE, are founders and operators of Swain Tours, located in Ardmore, PA, the USA’s leading provider of exotic vacation experiences since 1987. This year, the Swains are donating an exotic luxury trip to the Trisara Resort in Phuket, Thailand, and Amankora in Bhutan, as an auction item.

Linda and Ian Swain will oversee all aspects of the annual Benefit, which this year coincides with AAYTE’s 60^th anniversary. Proceeds from the Benefit support the nonprofit organization’s tennis, leadership development and educational enrichment programs.

The Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Benefit Committee also announced the appointment of 12 Vice Chairs for the 2012 Benefit. They are: Jill and Phil Plotnick of Lafayette Hill, PA; Meredith and Michael Carter, Bryn Mawr, PA; Brooke and Barry Edelstein, Bryn Mawr, PA; Shari and Robert Hunn, Blue Bell, PA; Dr. Hope Berman and Eric Spieler, St. David’s, PA; and Ilyce and David Benton, Media, PA.

The Benefit features one of the largest and most diverse silent auctions items of any fundraising event in the city; a live auction with high-quality and unique items; a welcome reception with delicious hors d’oeuvres and tasty beverages; and a full-course dinner.

“Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education is delighted to have Linda and Ian Swain as our co-chairs for this year’s Benefit,” said Kenny Holdsman, AAYTE President. “Linda’s many creative and operational contributions as an AAYTE Board member, including featuring our kids and families on her TV show, “Moms on the Move,” and producing a compelling video that includes Arthur Ashe’s last video interview, have been greatly appreciated for many years. She and Ian are planning on making this big 60^th Anniversary Benefit the most spectacular and enjoyable event of its kind in Philadelphia.”

Individuals and companies wishing to become sponsors of the event or people who want to serve as volunteers or people who want to purchase tickets should call AAYTE’s Philadelphia offices (215-487-3477) or visit www.ashetennis.org. 

“Because its programs have a positive effect on shaping the lives of potentially at-risk children, Citizens Bank has a strong, ongoing partnership with Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education,” said Henri G. Moore, senior vice president and director of public affairs for Citizens Bank and a member of the AAYTE Board of Directors. “The $30,000 Citizens Bank Foundation grant will help keep unsupervised children off the streets or at home alone for two afternoons every week throughout the school year and focus their energies on homework and learning the great sport of tennis.”

“We’re grateful for the ongoing participation and contributions from Citizens Bank,” said Kenny Holdsman, president of Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education. “We’ve reached many more children in recent years in large part because of Citizens Bank’s financial support. Our students are getting the chance to develop not only as student-athletes, but also as leaders and good citizens.”

The goal of the Camden program is to provide low-income children with the skills that are required to improve themselves both on and off the tennis court. The program seeks to create a positive and safe space for children to build their cardiovascular capacity, strengthen their educational and athletic achievement and develop a lifelong love of tennis. The program aims to lower the body-mass index in 90 percent of the program participants, while maintaining student attendance at 70 percent.

John McGinty, who oversees the Camden operation for AAYTE, believes that keeping an eye on children after school is important because violent juvenile crimes triple between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Parent-student tennis nights are held monthly to introduce parents to the game of tennis. In addition to watching their children play, parents are encouraged to pick up a racquet. Parents also learn about the benefits of physical exercise and the emotional discipline that organized sports, such as tennis, can provide.

About the Citizens Bank Foundation

Citizens Bank Foundation is a subsidiary of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, which is a charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. The foundation’s support is focused on human services, affordable housing, and economic development. CFG’s website is citizensbank.com.