Specialist, Youth Basketball Programs

Job Summary The Cleveland Cavaliers are seeking a Youth Basketball Program Specialist to shape meaningful youth sports experiences across the region through high-quality coaching, strong community relationships, and operational excellence. This role will serve as a key contributor to Cavs Youth Sports by leading basketball programming, supporting strategic growth initiatives, and helping deliver impactful camps, clinics, partner activations, and community events. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, energized by relationship-building, and committed to creating positive experiences that grow both participation and fan engagement. Responsibilities Coach and lead youth basketball camps and clinics with a focus on skill development, participant engagement, fan development, and revenue generation. Serve as Lead Coach for Cavs Academy and Cavalittles camps and clinics, Jr. Cavs partner activations, community events, and corporate partner activations as needed. Assist with event staffing efforts, including assigning coaches and helping ensure smooth execution across all youth basketball programs. Execute growth initiatives by attending community events and building relationships with key schools, organizations, facilities, and local partners. Drive business development by identifying and pursuing new program opportunities, building strategic partnerships with schools and community organizations, and supporting efforts to increase enrollment, expand market reach, and generate revenue through youth basketball programming. Complete and present a bi‑weekly research plan with recommendations for new markets, facilities, and partnership opportunities to the Cavs Youth Sports Leadership Team. Process payroll for Cavs Academy coaches in accordance with required timelines, policies, and applicable laws. Manage game‑day activation plans, post‑event reporting, and kiosk scheduling during the season. Evaluate Cavaliers Academy basketball development goals and create a training curriculum aligned with a clear pathway for athlete development. Develop and implement a basketball‑focused curriculum that reflects the C.A.V.S. way and can be adapted for school, camp, clinic, and community settings. Serve as a liaison to the Corporate Partnerships team for sold assets, ensuring accurate scheduling, communication, and fulfillment. Serve as a liaison with the procurement department to fulfill orders for basketballs, jerseys, and other equipment needed for summer tour events, clinics, community programs, and Jr. Cavs initiatives. Create, complete, and execute facility agreements in a timely and organized manner. Assist with all Pep Assembly requests, including prioritization, communication, and scheduling. Champion equitable access to youth basketball opportunities by helping expand participation across diverse communities. Foster a positive and inclusive environment that promotes confidence, leadership, sportsmanship, and long‑term athlete development. Build meaningful connections with young athletes, families, coaches, and community stakeholders to strengthen the Cavaliers’ presence and impact throughout the region. Contribute to mission‑driven programming that develops not only athletes, but also future fans and lifelong participants in the game. Other duties as assigned Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 2+ years of experience in coaching, youth sports operations, community engagement, or related fields, with experience leading youth basketball or community‑based programming strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of basketball skill development and age‑appropriate curriculum design. Passion for youth development and community impact, with a strong coaching presence and the ability to engage and motivate young athletes. Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with a team‑oriented mindset and willingness to collaborate across departments. Highly organized with strong attention to detail, follow‑through, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Strong problem‑solving skills and comfort with operational execution, demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, and a high standard of accountability. Reliable transportation and willingness to travel regionally as needed. Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and other non‑traditional hours based on programming and event needs. Ability to stand, walk, or run for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse