Director, Para Wheelchair Basketball

Company Description Apex Para Athletics is a nonprofit elite para-athletics development program focused on high-performance coaching and competition pathways for athletes with disabilities. The organization connects development to collegiate, national, and Paralympic levels, creating clear routes for long-term athletic progression. Athletes are supported with specialized technology, sport science resources, and individualized development plans to reach peak performance. Apex Para Athletics collaborates with partners across the para-sport ecosystem to advance inclusive, competitive opportunities. The environment is mission-driven, athlete-centered, and committed to excellence in adaptive sport.

Role Description The Director, Para Wheelchair Basketball is a part-time, hybrid role based in the Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul Area. This role leads the Apex Para Athletics Wheelchair Basketball Program, including designing and delivering training plans, overseeing daily practices, and coordinating competitive schedules and events. The Director manages athlete development pathways, provides on-court and virtual coaching and feedback, and collaborates with medical, technology, and support staff to optimize athlete performance and safety. Responsibilities include recruiting and retaining athletes, building relationships with schools, clubs, and community partners, and representing Apex Para Athletics within regional and national wheelchair basketball networks. The Director will also manage program operations such as budgeting, equipment and technology needs, compliance with relevant regulations, and reporting to organizational leadership, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high performance-focused team culture.

Time & Schedule Expectations

• Weekly Commitment: 8–12 hours per week (varies by season)
• Term Length: 1-year minimum commitment (2-year preferred for leadership continuity)
• Seasonal Breakdown:
  • In-Season (Oct – Apr): ~10–12 hrs/week (Weekly practices, weekend games, tournament travel)
  • Off-Season (May – Sep): ~4–6 hrs/week (Strategic planning, recruitment, grant writing, equipment maintenance)
• Key Schedule Requirements:
  • Practices: Twice weekly (e.g., Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
  • Games/Events: Select Saturdays or Sundays
  • Meetings: Monthly board/leadership syncs (60 mins, remote)

Work Location & Flexibility

• Format: Hybrid
• In-Person Expectations: On-site presence required for all practices, home games, local tournaments, and equipment management sessions at [Insert Gym/Facility Name].
• Remote Flexibility: Administrative tasks (scheduling, roster management, budget tracking, player communications, fundraising) can be completed remotely on your own schedule.

Core Responsibilities & Milestone Commitments

Responsibility Area = Specific Commitment

Program Management: Oversee practice schedules, game logistics, facility permits, and referee coordination.

Equipment & Safety: Conduct quarterly inspections of sports wheelchairs, maintain gear inventory, and enforce safety standards.

Player Engagement: Lead recruitment drives, manage athlete onboarding, and ensure accessible communication.

Financial Oversight: Partner with leadership to draft annual budget and assist with equipment grant applications.

Requirements

• Clearances: Mandatory background check (standard for sports/youth programs) and SafeSport certification prior to start date and or working with athletes.
• Orientation: Attendance at a 2-hour leadership onboarding session and a hands-on equipment safety walkthrough.

Preferred Experience: Background in adaptive sports, wheelchair basketball rules (NWBA guidelines), or athletic program administration.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in wheelchair basketball or para-sport coaching, including practice planning, game strategy, and athlete development.
• Knowledge of adaptive sport technology and equipment relevant to wheelchair basketball, with the ability to work collaboratively with technical and medical staff.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to guide athletes, coordinate staff and volunteers, and build community and institutional partnerships.
• Experience with program management, including budgeting, scheduling, event planning, and basic data tracking or performance analysis.
• Commitment to inclusive, gender-neutral, and non-discriminatory practices, with sensitivity to the needs and rights of athletes with disabilities.
• Ability to work on-site in the Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul Area, including evenings and weekends as required by training and competition schedules.
• Prior work in nonprofit, collegiate, or high-performance sport environments is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, coaching, kinesiology, education, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.