Lead Academy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) uses the power of basketball to help young people grow into strong students, leaders, and citizens. For us, basketball is more than a sport, it is a pathway to confidence, teamwork, and the skills needed to succeed in school, careers, and life.

Our vision is a Philadelphia where every young person is supported, empowered, and thriving. PYB works to create lasting change by providing opportunities for learning, leadership, and community impact.

We believe every young person deserves voice, value, and visibility. At PYB, we create safe and inclusive spaces where young people are respected and uplifted. Guided by our values of inclusion, authenticity, growth, integrity, and care, we strive to build a culture where everyone belongs and has the chance to reach their full potential.

PYB also instills six key principles, which guide how Coach-Mentors and young people engage with one another:

• Trust – We believe in each other and work to form positive relationships.
• Safe Space – We take responsibility for creating judgment-free environments where everyone feels welcome.
• Teamwork – We find strength in our peers and honor every role on the team.
• Integrity – We value honesty and equity, and we take responsibility to repair relationships when necessary.
• Care – We show empathy by protecting the health and well-being of each other and our space.
• Respect – We honor each person and treat them with dignity, striving to treat others how they wish to be treated.

Together, these principles shape PYB’s “bigger than basketball” culture, ensuring that every program advances both athletic and personal growth.

The Lead Academy Coach serves as the primary leader for a PYB Academy grade-level cohort and is responsible for delivering a high-level basketball and youth development experience aligned with PYB standards, culture, and philosophy. Lead Academy Coaches create structured, organized, energetic, and development-focused environments while supporting player growth both on and off the court.

• Lead and facilitate Academy team practices and training sessions
• Oversee assigned grade-level cohort structure
• Serve as Head Coach for Team A and support Team B/C development
• Implement PYB curriculum, practice structure, and player development standards
• Support player skill development, confidence building, and basketball IQ growth
• Assist with player evaluations, assessments, and placement recommendations
• Create a positive, competitive, and disciplined team culture
• Communicate consistently and professionally with families and PYB leadership
• Complete player evaluations and report cards as assigned
• Support off-court development programming and Academy culture initiatives
• Attend mandatory tournaments, evaluations, showcases, coach huddles, and Academy events
• Ensure practice setup, breakdown, attendance tracking, and equipment accountability
• Collaborate with Associate Coaches, Volunteer Coaches, and Coordinators to maintain PYB standards
• Support player retention and family engagement efforts
• Serve as a positive ambassador for PYB Basketball Programming
• Reinforce PYB philosophy of development over winning and building the whole person, not just the player

HR / Implementation Notes

• Confirm exempt/non-exempt classification and overtime implications before posting
• Align final hourly rate to approved compensation structure
• Include mandatory event attendance in offer materials

• Previous basketball coaching experience required
• Strong understanding of basketball fundamentals, player development, and team concepts
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Ability to positively manage and motivate youth athletes
• Ability to maintain professionalism with families, staff, and participants
• Reliable transportation and flexibility for evening/weekend programming

Clearances

All staff members must possess or obtain the following state and federal clearances prior to training and before engaging in any hands-on activities with young people participating in Philadelphia Youth Basketball programs.

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4 164)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY113)
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Background Check (Criminal History Report), if applicable.
• Mandated Reporters - Certificate
• National Sex Offender Registry Verification
• Concussion Training
• CPR/AED Certificate