Youth Program Director & Assistant Rink Manager

Youth Program Director & Assistant Rink ManagerAngola, Indiana SummaryThe Youth Program Director will lead Thunder Youth Hockey and Skating programs, with a focus on teaching life lessons through the game. These programs emphasize teamwork, respect, accountability, and having fun while fostering a positive environment for all participants. The program is built on long-term athlete development, preparing players and coaches to succeed both on the ice and in life. This role also supports daily rink operations and game event management to ensure a safe, organized, and high-quality experience for all participants and patrons.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesYouth Program Director Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term vision and objectives for Youth Hockey Programs, working closely with the community, YMCA, and local schools.
• Develop and implement annual revenue and expense budgets for youth programming.
• Assist in the recruitment of volunteer coaches and facilitate participation in the coach selection process.
• Facilitate and participate in coach development within the Youth Hockey Program.
• Ensure the Youth Hockey Program promotes age-appropriate skill development at all levels.
• Assist in the assignment of ice times across all teams and levels within the Youth Hockey Program.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and coaching of summer hockey camps.
• Oversee Learn to Skate programs, including communication with participants and staff.
• Hire and train work study students to assist in teaching hockey and skating during the school year.
• Direct, manage, implement, and develop ongoing policies and procedures for all youth hockey programming, with emphasis on risk management and safety of all participants and staff.
• Oversee all hockey-related equipment used within the Youth Hockey Program, with an emphasis on safety and quality.
• Direct the planning and execution of marketing efforts for all youth programs.
  
  

Assistant Rink Manager Responsibilities

• Assist the Rink Manager with daily rink operations and overall facility management.
• Open and close the rink as assigned, ensuring proper setup, safety checks, and secure shutdown procedures.
• Operate, or be willing to learn to operate, ice resurfacing equipment (Zamboni).
• Perform, or be willing to learn, skate sharpening and basic equipment maintenance.
• Assist with game operations for youth, high school, ACHA, and NCAA hockey events, including scorekeeping, clock operation, and event setup/breakdown.
• Support supervision of rink staff and part-time employees during assigned shifts.
• Perform duties with limited supervision and make sound independent decisions.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Education, Recreation, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant Experience:
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in ice-related youth sports programs, including hockey and/or skating instruction, or coaching.
• Hockey & Skating Knowledge:
• Strong understanding of youth hockey development models (e.g., age-appropriate skill progression, long-term athlete development) and basic skating instruction principles.
• Leadership & Program Management Skills:
• Demonstrated ability to lead programs, manage staff/volunteers, and coordinate multiple schedules and events effectively.
• Operations & Facility Experience (Preferred):
• Experience with or willingness to learn ice rink operations, including ice resurfacing (Zamboni), skate sharpening, and general facility maintenance.
• Communication & Organizational Skills:
• Excellent communication, organization, and customer service skills, with the ability to work with athletes, parents, coaches, university staff, and community partners.
  
  

Outstanding BenefitsTrine University offers a comprehensive benefit package designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit your needs and the needs of your family. Some benefits offered include:

• Health – medical, dental, vision, flex spending, HSA accounts
• Life Insurance – a variety of voluntary life options are available along with an employer paid employee life policy valued at 1½ times annual salary
• Financial Insurance – employer paid Long Term Disability and voluntary Short-Term Disability, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness options are available
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Retirement – after one year of full-time service you are eligible for an employer contribution of 5% and up to an additional 5% employer match
• Education – after 6 months of full-time service, undergraduate education benefits are available for employee, spouse, and dependent children
  
  

SalaryThe salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.