Job Description

Associate Director of Sports Ministry

Emerald Youth is hiring a leader to build and grow its emerging and other youth sports ministry programs in Knoxville.

This is a direct-supervision, program-building role — you'll lead sport directors and coaches, develop scalable program models, and grow participation across EY's emerging sports portfolio, all in service of a clear mission: raising urban youth who love Jesus and lead Knoxville.

The right candidate brings:

• Experience leading or scaling programs preferably in an urban area
• A discipleship-first approach to sports ministry
• Strong people development and team-building instincts
• Operational competence — success measures include growth in sports participation and retention; increased number and quality of mission-aligned coaches and other volunteers; strong program quality and participant satisfaction; and measurable faith, leadership, relationship, and health outcomes for participants
• Relational credibility with youth, families, and community partners

Essential job duties:

• Communicate, model, and uphold the mission and values of Emerald Youth Foundation and its Sports Philosophy.
• Provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction for Emerald Youth's emerging and expanding sports programs.
• Develop and implement a scalable program model for assigned sports with progressive offerings that advance through each stage of participant and program growth. Establish measurable goals, track key performance indicators, and evaluate program outcomes. Ensure programs maintain high standards of safety, supervision, and risk management.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate mission-aligned staff and volunteers and build a culture of excellence, accountability, discipleship, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement growth strategies that increase participation in Emerald Youth's defined geographic area. Monitor recruitment, participation, retention, and engagement across all assigned sports programs.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage parents as volunteers and encourage other ways of family involvement and connection.
• Develop and manage program budgets, equipment inventories, and operational resources.
• Build relationships with schools, churches, community organizations, and sports partners to expand ministry opportunities.
• Collaborate with other Emerald Youth programs to increase participants' comprehensive engagement.
• Manage additional projects and tasks as assigned and participate with any assigned groups or committees.

The portfolio of sports reporting to this position includes basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, track, golf, flag football, tennis, and performance training.

Success will be measured by:

• Growth in sports participation and retention.
• Increased number and quality of coaches and volunteers.
• Strong program quality and participant satisfaction.
• Measurable faith, leadership, relationship, and health outcomes for participants.
• Effective staff development and leadership pipeline growth.
• Consistent operational excellence, safety compliance, and budget stewardship.

Minimum qualifications:

• Dedicated Christian with clear knowledge of the Gospel and a passion for the mission of Emerald Youth Foundation; connected to a church community; possesses a strong reputation for honesty, integrity, and high moral standards.
• Bachelor's degree in sports-related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience developing, refining, and evaluating sports programming – preferably in an urban setting.
• Experience managing people.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize tasks. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to achieve results under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to work extended hours.
• Ability to work efficiently in a collaborative setting.

It is the policy of Emerald Youth Foundation (EYF) to provide employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, sex, age, or national origin.

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