Director Player Development Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reports To: Director Jazz Youth

Location: Utah and surrounding States

Travel Required: 30-50%

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager of Boys Basketball is a visionary leadership position responsible for creating, implementing, and managing the most comprehensive and robust boys basketball development initiative any state has ever seen. This individual will oversee all aspects of competitive boys basketball programming from 3rd through 8th grade, with particular emphasis on middle school

development.

This role requires an innovative leader who can establish strategic partnerships, build strong relationships with high school and middle coaches, secure facilities, and create a nationally recognized model for boys basketball development that prioritizes both athletic excellence and holistic player growth.

*COVER LETTER REQUIRED* 

(maximum 2 pages) addressing:

• Your vision for building the most robust boys basketball development program in the state.
• Specific examples of your experience managing teams, events, or programs.
• Your coaching philosophy and approach to youth athlete development.
• Why you are passionate about boys basketball and this opportunity.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic vision for boys bantam basketball programming across the state (3rd -8th grade), with emphasis on middle school competitive pathways.
• Design and implement a multi-year roadmap to establish the state's premier boys basketball development initiative, setting new standards for program quality, accessibility, and competitive excellence.
• Establish clear player development pathways from elementary through high school levels, ensuring seamless progression and age-appropriate skill development.
• Create and maintain program quality standards including curriculum development, coaching education requirements, and athlete performance benchmarks.
• Lead innovation initiatives to differentiate the program through cutting-edge training methodologies, technology integration, and evidence-based athletic development practices.

Operations & Event Management

• Secure and manage facility agreements for practices, games, camps, and tournaments across multiple venues.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining program quality and accessibility.
• Implement registration and team management systems for efficient program administration and communication.
• Create operational procedures and safety protocols for all programming, ensuring compliance with youth sports best practices.
• Manage event day operations including staff coordination, facility setup, game administration, and participant services.
• Establish quality control measures and gather feedback to continuously improve the participant and family experience.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Help Develop and implement comprehensive coach education curriculum focused on age-appropriate development, positive coaching practices, and technical/tactical progression.
• Conduct regular coach evaluations and provide ongoing professional development opportunities to elevate coaching quality across the organization.
• Create and maintain coaching standards and certification requirements to ensure consistency and excellence throughout the program.
• Build leadership capacity by identifying and developing assistant directors, program coordinators, and emerging coaching talent.
• Foster a collaborative coaching culture that prioritizes player development, inclusive practices, and gender equity in sports.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as primary point of contact for families, participants, high school coaches, school athletic directors, and community partners.
• Build strategic partnerships with schools, coaches, clubs, community organizations, and businesses to expand program reach and sustainability.
• Develop marketing and recruitment strategies to grow participation and raise program visibility throughout the region.
• Engage with parents and families through regular communication, parent meetings, and transparent program management.
• Represent the organization at conferences, coaching clinics, and state/national youth basketball events.
• Advocate for basketball development in the broader sports community, promoting equity, access, and opportunity.

Financial & Business Management

• Develop and manage annual program budget including revenue projections and expense planning.
• Identify and pursue revenue streams including registration fees, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Monitor financial performance and adjust strategies to ensure program sustainability and growth.
• Manage vendor relationships including facility contracts, equipment suppliers, uniform providers, and service contractors.
• Prepare financial reports and program analytics for leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility across all program operations and events.

Player Development & Curriculum Design

• Design age-appropriate player development curriculum aligned with Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles.
• Establish technical and tactical skill progressions for each age group from kindergarten through high school.
• Create training standards and practice frameworks that coaches can implement consistently across the program.
• Integrate modern athletic development principles including injury prevention, mental skills training, and recovery protocols.
• Monitor player progress and program effectiveness through assessment tools and performance tracking systems.
• Ensure inclusive and empowering environment that addresses the unique needs of female athletes at each developmental stage.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required in Sports Management, Physical Education, Kinesiology, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred in Sport Management, Athletic Administration, Education, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5-7 years of basketball coaching experience at competitive youth, high school, or collegiate levels.
• Minimum 3-5 years in program management, operations, or administrative leadership within youth sports or athletic organizations.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale tournaments or events with 200+ participants.
• Proven track record of staff recruitment, training, and supervision.
• Experience with budget development and financial management of sports programs or events.
• Expert-level understanding of basketball fundamentals, technical skills, and tactical concepts across all age levels.
• Deep knowledge of age-appropriate player development and Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles.
• Understanding of boys basketball development including unique considerations for female athlete growth, participation, and retention.
• Strong grasp of competitive basketball landscape including AAU, club, high school, and interstate tournament structures.
• Commitment to positive coaching culture that prioritizes holistic athlete development, sportsmanship, and inclusive practices.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities with proven capacity to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Outstanding leadership and team-building skills with ability to inspire, motivate, and develop coaching staff.
• Strategic thinking and visionary planning capabilities to build innovative, sustainable programs.
• Strong decision-making skills with ability to navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences including athletes, parents, coaches, and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with families, schools, community organizations, and vendors.
• Conflict resolution and customer service excellence in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Public speaking and presentation skills for parent meetings, coach trainings, and community events.
• Cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in youth sports.
• Proficiency with sports management software including registration platforms, scheduling systems, and communication tools.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
• Budget management and financial tracking capabilities.
• Facility management knowledge including contracts, logistics, and safety protocols.
• Understanding of liability, risk management, and insurance requirements for youth sports programming.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to pass background check and comply with youth protection requirements.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred but not required.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel for tournaments and competitions.
• Physical ability to be active on basketball courts for extended periods during events and practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience specifically with youth basketball programs at the youth, high school, or collegiate level.
• Previous experience launching or scaling youth sports programs from early-stage to established operations.
• Coaching certification through USA Basketball, Positive Coaching Alliance, or similar organizations.
• Network of contacts within the basketball community including coaches, tournament directors, and athletic administrators.
• Background in athletic training, sports science, or athlete development to enhance program curriculum.
• Marketing or social media experience to promote program growth and engagement.

COMPETENCIES:

• Vision & Strategic Planning - Ability to develop long-term strategic vision, set ambitious yet achievable goals, and create actionable plans to build transformational programs.
• Operational Excellence - Strong attention to detail, process-oriented thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality events and programming consistently.
• Leadership & Influence - Capacity to inspire teams, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and drive organizational change through positive influence.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability - Creative thinking and flexibility to navigate challenges, pivot when necessary, and find solutions in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Relationship Building - Genuine care for people, ability to connect authentically with athletes and families, and skill in cultivating lasting partnerships.
• Results Orientation - Data-driven approach to measuring success, accountability for outcomes, and continuous pursuit of improvement and excellence.
• Commitment to Youth Development - Deep belief in the power of sports to develop character, leadership, and life skills beyond athletic performance.
• Equity & Inclusion - Demonstrated commitment to creating accessible, welcoming programs that serve diverse communities and promote gender equity in athletics.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand and be active for 8-12 hours during tournament days.
• Capacity to set up/break down equipment and move materials.
• Comfortable working in gymnasium environments with varying temperatures and noise levels.
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous activities in fast-paced, high-energy settings.

The Utah Jazz provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and the Utah Jazz reserves the right to do so at any time. Employees shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description.