RecSports Ministry Director (North)

Emerald Youth Foundation•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The RecSports Ministry Director develops, plans, and manages neighborhood recreation programs for Emerald Youth Foundation and connects neighborhood participants to city-wide sports teams and leagues. The role recruits children and youth for recreational, high-adventure, and organized sports activities, and recruits coaches and volunteers—ideally from the neighborhood—to support those programs. The director also serves as the liaison for the urban FCA ministry in the neighborhood. This position helps Emerald Youth engage with the community and broaden its reach through day-to-day recreation and sports ministry. Its aim is to help young people become comprehensively engaged in faith, learning, and health activities and achieve youth-development outcomes.

Requirements

Dedicated Christian with clear knowledge of the Gospel, a passion for Emerald Youth Foundation's mission, and a connection to a church community.
Strong reputation for honesty, integrity, and high moral standards.
Three to five years of experience in a similar role.
Experience managing people.
Proficiency in using technology for management reporting and communication.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and business acumen.
Ability to achieve results under pressure and meet deadlines.
Good driving record.
Ability and willingness to obtain a CDL with a P endorsement and drive large vehicles or buses.
Willingness to work extended hours.
Ability to work efficiently in a collaborative setting.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Sports Management or a related field.
Experience as a collegiate athlete.
Experience working in business or nonprofit management.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement neighborhood recreational activities for youth, including activities such as biking, hiking, pickleball, kayaking, and other sports and outdoor events.
Recruit neighborhood participants for Emerald Youth middle-school and city-wide sports programs, attend tryouts and organizing events, and visit teams during their seasons.
Assist City-Wide Sports staff in managing teams for assigned middle schools, including recruiting players and coaches, collecting fees, distributing uniforms, organizing teams and parent meetings, and coordinating celebrations.
Work with assigned schools to support the organization of sports teams.
Oversee competitive neighborhood sports teams, working with coaches to assemble and train teams, enter competitive leagues, and support long-term participation.
Coordinate or arrange transportation for sporting events while ensuring safety guidelines and procedures are followed.
Support recreational activities in Emerald Youth afterschool and summer programs as assigned.
Connect participants to other Emerald Youth programs and partner organizations, identify barriers to comprehensive engagement, and collaborate with others on solutions.
Develop relationships that encourage family engagement with Emerald Youth Foundation and help family members participate in recreational offerings.
Identify coaches, volunteers, and FCA chaplains; coordinate with HR on required background screenings and tracking volunteer participation.
Encourage neighborhood participation in volunteering and employment, and foster spiritual disciplines, high standards, discipleship, and modeling of Christian teachings.
Serve as the neighborhood liaison for the urban FCA partnership, develop huddles at identified schools, and ensure coaches and chaplains are trained in and use FCA curriculum.
Work with program development to align FCA and Emerald Youth themes and values, and uphold the Emerald Sports Philosophy.
Coordinate with communications staff on program promotion, consistent branding, team and uniform branding, and recruitment materials for participants and coaches.
Manage sports and recreation budgets for the assigned area, ensure compliance with organizational policies and budget requirements, and submit budget recommendations as required.
Track and report participation, BMI, and outcome data; provide measurements and analyze reports to develop improvement plans.
Implement and ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and procedures for participants and volunteers.
Participate in area ministry and organizational events, sports meetings, and network activities such as camps, including working outside the normal schedule as needed.
Obtain a CDL and drive large vehicles or buses as needed.
Liaise with other community sports programs as assigned by the Director of Area Ministry.
Deliver effective and timely communication and ensure staff do the same.
Manage additional assigned projects and tasks and participate in assigned groups or committees.