Director, Para Wheelchair Basketball

Apex Para Athletics; Mounds View (MN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Apex Para Athletics seeks a part-time Director, Para Wheelchair Basketball to lead our wheelchair basketball program and deliver training plans. You will oversee daily practices, coordinate schedules, and build relationships with schools, clubs, and regional networks to advance para sports opportunities.

This hybrid role requires budgeting, equipment coordination, compliance with safety standards, and commitment to inclusive, high-performance environments for athletes with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in wheelchair basketball or para-sport coaching.
• Knowledge of adaptive sport technology and equipment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work on-site in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area.

Responsibilities

• Oversee practice schedules, game logistics, and referee coordination.
• Conduct safety inspections and maintain equipment inventory.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and athlete engagement.
• Draft annual budget and assist with equipment grants.

Skills

Wheelchair basketball coaching

Athlete development

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in sports management or related field

Job description

We fuel our athletes with equipment, data-driven coaching, and unstoppable confidence. From youth athletes to elite athletes, we drive performance that crushes expectations. Here at APEX Para Athletics you can expect to see training programs, and cutting-edge analytics that turn raw talent into game-day domination. Stop settling. Start winning.

Apex Para Athletics is an upcoming and pending 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting para athletes in para-athletic development skill growth. Operating as a year-round program, we serve families and athletes across Minnesota and Independent/ Unattached para athletes, providing consistent opportunities to train, compete, and grow.

"Apex Para Athletics is one of the fastest-growing para athletic development programs in Minnesota."

Through regional partnerships, dedicated instructional facilities, and community contributions, we provide life-changing sport access to athletes of all background levels.

We emphasize teaching foundational values that serve our athletes both on the track and throughout their lives

• Courage & Persistence
• Honesty & Integrity
• Responsibility & Loyalty

What We Provide

• Elite High-Performance Coaching Specialized technical coaching and structured training pathways built specifically for competitive Para track &field, and multi-sport disciplines.
• Refurbished Specialized Competition Equipment Supplying Refurbished high-performance adaptive gear and travel support to remove systemic barriers for dedicated athletes.
• Developmental Pipelines Creating clear, structured pathways that elevate high school and college-aged athletes into post-secondary, collegiate, and professional para sports platforms.

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

• 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.