Do you love basketball and enjoy creating positive experiences for young athletes? The Plaistow YMCA is looking for an enthusiastic Basketball Specialist to lead and grow our youth basketball leagues, including oversight of our Jr. Celtics League.
Our basketball programs serve approximately 100–150 youth, providing opportunities for players to develop their skills, build confidence, and learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship.
🏀 What You'll Do- Oversee the day-to-day operations of youth basketball leagues, including the Jr. Celtics League.
- Coordinate league schedules, games, practices, teams, and program logistics.
- Recruit, support, and communicate with coaches, officials, players, and families.
- Create a positive, inclusive environment that promotes skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun.
- Monitor participant experience and help ensure leagues meet the needs of youth and families.
- Communicate league information, schedules, expectations, and updates to families and staff.
- Ensure basketball courts, equipment, and program areas are safe, organized, and ready for use.
- Address program needs and concerns promptly and professionally.
- Work with YMCA leadership to strengthen participation and grow basketball league programming.
- Demonstrate the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
- Passion for basketball and youth development.
- Previous experience coaching, officiating, or managing basketball leagues preferred.
- Experience working with children and youth in sports or recreational programs.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with youth, families, coaches, and staff.
- Dependable, energetic, and comfortable managing multiple program needs.
- FREE YMCA membership
- Employee discounts on YMCA programs and services
- Paid training and professional development
- Opportunities for growth across the YMCA of the North Shore
- A fun, supportive team environment
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on youth through basketball
Ready to lead the next generation of basketball players? Join the Plaistow YMCA team and help make our leagues a place where every young athlete can learn, compete, and thrive! 🏀
QualificationsWe're looking for an enthusiastic team member who is passionate about basketball, youth development, and creating positive experiences for participants of all ages.- Associate degree or coursework in Recreation, Education, Health Sciences, Youth Development, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant coaching or program experience will be considered.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience coaching basketball, leading youth sports programs, or delivering recreation-based programming.
- Previous experience working with children and teens in a sports, recreation, camp, or educational setting preferred.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to engage participants and families from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive, organized, and participant-focused environment.
- Passion for teaching basketball fundamentals while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence.
- Must have or be willing to obtain required YMCA certifications.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move sports equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to actively lead basketball practices, clinics, leagues, and other sports activities, including running, demonstrating drills, bending, reaching, and standing for extended periods.
- Visual and auditory ability to effectively supervise participants, maintain awareness of surroundings, and respond promptly to emergencies.
- Ability to react calmly, appropriately, and effectively in unexpected situations while ensuring participant safety.
- Ability to work in an active, fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran's status.
Skills Required
- Minimum of two years of experience coaching basketball, leading youth sports programs, or delivering recreation-based programming.
- Associate degree or coursework in Recreation, Education, Health Sciences, Youth Development, or a related field, or equivalent education and relevant coaching or program experience.
- Experience working with children and teens in a sports, recreation, camp, or educational setting.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a positive, organized, participant-focused environment.
- Passion for teaching basketball fundamentals while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence.
- Must have or be willing to obtain required YMCA certifications.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move sports equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to actively lead basketball practices, clinics, leagues, and sports activities, including running, demonstrating drills, bending, reaching, and standing for extended periods.
What We Do
The YMCA of the North Shore Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities, nurturing the potential of children, and promoting healthy living in spirit, mind, and body. As an inclusive association comprising several local YMCAs, it provides a wide range of programs, including fitness classes, youth development, and childcare services, to foster social responsibility and community wellness across its service area.
