Director of Player & Coach Development
Organization: Airdrie Minor Basketball Association (AMBA)
Position Type: Casuall Contract. Paid monthly from August to May.
Scope: Technical Lead (Jr. NBA, Mini House, and U11-U18)
Reporting to: AMBA Board of Directors
Time Commitment: Average 15 hours per month
The Role
AMBA is seeking a Technical Lead to serve as the Director of Player & Coach Development. The core purpose of this role is to ensure that every athlete and coach in our association (from Jr. NBA to U18 Travel) receives the support, training, and mentorship they need to succeed.
As the association's technical authority, you are responsible for the "on-the-court" integrity of our programs. You will help lead evaluations, mentor new coaches through direct observation, and ensure that our coaching standards remain high across all levels.
Core Responsibilities1. Technical Mentorship & On-Court Accountability
- Lead Mentor: Act as the primary technical resource for coaches in Jr. NBA, Mini House, and Travel programs.
- Game & Practice Observations: Mandated to visit all teams (Jr. NBA through Travel) 1–3 times per season depending on need. You will evaluate coaching standards, monitor player progress, and provide hands-on training assistance.
- Targeted Support: Provide intensive mentorship for first-time or "new" coaches to ensure they feel confident and supported in their roles.
- Continuing Education: Research, coordinate, and execute additional training clinics and learning opportunities for both players and coaches throughout the season.
2. Evaluation Integrity & Team Formation
- Technical Lead for Evaluations: Collaborate with the Directors of Travel and House to plan and execute pre-season evaluations. You are responsible for leading evaluation drills (or coordinating a coach volunteer to ) and ensuring every player receives a fair, data-driven assessment.
- Roster Development: Support the Travel and House Directors in finalized team formations, ensuring accurate player placement based on technical evaluation data.
- Coaches’ Meeting: Develop and chair the pre-season coaches’ meeting to establish expectations, distribute support materials, and provide technical guidance.
3. Volunteer & Conflict Management
- Issue Resolution: Work directly with coaches to help address technical parent or player concerns, ensuring a professional environment.
- Quality Control: Create, distribute, and summarize a Coach Evaluation Questionnaire at the end of the season to measure program success.
4. Meeting Participation & Attendance
- Meeting Mandate: Attend 70% or more of monthly AMBA Committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- Reporting: Provide regular updates to the Board regarding coaching standards and player development milestones.
Preferred Qualifications
- Basketball Expertise: Extensive experience as a high-level basketball player or coach is essential.
- Leadership Traits: Must be out-going, patient, and a skilled communicator capable of giving constructive feedback to adult volunteers.
- Availability: Must be willing to attend evening practices and games at various locations (Airdrie, Balzac, and Crossfield).
- Compliance: Must possess a clean Vulnerable Sector Check and reliable transportation. Possession of NCCP certification Learn 2 Train or higher and Safe Sport Certification are considered an asset. Standard CPR and First Aid considered an asset.
Estimated Timeline of Deliverables
- August: Research clinics; plan evaluation schedules and drills; recruit technical evaluators.
- September: Facilitate evaluation sessions and lead the pre-season coaches’ meeting.
- October – February: Conduct team visits (1–3 per team); mentor new coaches; address on-court concerns.
- January: Assist in planning for the Spring season (if applicable).
- March – May: Distribute and analyze Coach Evaluation results; present findings to the Board.
Experience:
- Basketball Coaching: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Vulnerable Sector Check or Police Background Clearence (preferred)
Location:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Airdrie, AB
