Youth Basketball Coach - Coach II

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc•Maplewood, NJ

7d•$20 - $26

About The Position

The South Mountain YMCA is seeking a capable, enthusiastic, and dependable Youth Basketball Coach II to lead basketball programs for children of different ages and skill levels. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Youth Sports, the Coach II serves as lead instructor for assigned programs, plans and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate basketball instruction, and coordinates with supporting coaches when applicable. The role supports the growth of South Mountain YMCA Basketball across introductory and evaluation-based programs. The coach manages groups, adapts instruction to different developmental stages, and creates a positive, structured learning environment. Coaches gain hands-on experience leading programs across multiple age groups and skill levels, with opportunities to strengthen instructional, practice organization, group management, and communication skills. Additional coaching responsibilities and professional growth may become available as the program expands. This is a part-time, hourly position with weekday evening and weekend programming opportunities. Weekday programming generally runs Monday through Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with potential for additional evening hours. Weekend programming takes place Saturday and Sunday between 9:00 AM and 7:30 PM; candidates should be available for extended shifts typically ranging from 4 to 8 hours, with breaks as scheduled. Consistent weekend availability is a priority. Actual schedules and weekly hours vary based on program offerings, enrollment, and seasonal needs.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to teach basketball fundamentals and lead structured, developmentally appropriate youth instruction.
Ability to serve as lead instructor, confidently manage groups of children, and coordinate with assistant coaches when applicable.
Strong organizational and instructional skills, including maintaining an engaging pace, maximizing active participation, and minimizing downtime.
Ability to adapt coaching methods, activities, and communication to different ages, abilities, skill levels, and learning styles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to positive, supportive experiences for players and families.
Ability to provide constructive feedback, establish clear expectations, and maintain a structured, encouraging learning environment.
Dependability, punctuality, professionalism, and ability to consistently manage assigned coaching responsibilities.
Willingness to implement established basketball curriculum, instructional standards, and program-development objectives.
Ability to work collaboratively with basketball leadership, fellow coaches, and other YMCA staff.
Consistent availability for weekday evening programming and extended weekend assignments, including shifts of approximately 4–8 hours.
Commitment to the YMCA mission, core values, inclusion standards, and youth safety policies.
Ability to successfully complete required background checks, child protection training, and YMCA-required certifications.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience coaching, teaching, or leading organized youth basketball or comparable youth sports programs.
Experience working with children across multiple developmental stages, particularly ages 4–13.
Experience serving as a lead coach, instructor, teacher, or youth program facilitator.
Familiarity with organizing and facilitating youth recreational basketball leagues, practices, and game-day activities.
Experience coordinating or providing direction to assistant coaches or other supporting staff.
Experience working in a YMCA, school, recreation department, camp, or comparable youth-development setting.
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and lead age-appropriate basketball practices, instructional classes, and skill-development sessions for youth participants.
Serve as lead instructor for assigned programs, managing group instruction, activities, transitions, and participant engagement while coordinating with assistant coaches when applicable.
Maximize active participation and time on task through efficient practice organization, purposeful drill design, and effective group management.
Maintain an engaging pace, anticipate transitions, adapt activities as needed, and keep participants actively involved.
Teach basketball fundamentals, including ball handling, passing, shooting, footwork, defensive principles, and introductory team concepts.
Adapt instruction for participants of varying ages, abilities, and experience levels, emphasizing progressive skill development and individual improvement.
Implement the South Mountain YMCA Basketball curriculum and player-development philosophy, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.
Lead and support In-House Development League game-day operations, including player organization, game management, instructional coaching, and maintaining a positive competitive environment.
Communicate clearly, positively, and professionally with players, parents, and guardians; set clear expectations and provide constructive feedback.
Foster an inclusive, encouraging environment where participants feel valued, challenged, and motivated to improve.
Coordinate with assistant coaches and other program staff to maintain consistent instructional standards, efficient program delivery, and a positive participant experience.
Maintain a safe, organized, and well-supervised environment for participants.
Assist with attendance tracking, equipment organization, gym setup and breakdown, and routine program responsibilities.
Collaborate with basketball leadership to evaluate program effectiveness, identify improvements, and support the growth of youth basketball offerings.
Model and promote YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Follow YMCA policies, procedures, and child safety standards.