Director, Crusader Athletics Program

Catholic Youth Organization (C.Y.O.)

Position Overview

The Director, Crusader Athletics Program provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program excellence across all C.Y.O. athletic and seasonal sport initiatives.

The Crusader Athletics Program is a cornerstone initiative of the C.Y.O., with a legacy spanning decades of community impact. Built on a strong foundation of volunteer leadership, the program delivers over 25,000 annual participation opportunities for youth—removing financial barriers by offering programming at no cost to participant families.

The Director is responsible for sustaining and strengthening this high-impact, volunteer-driven model while ensuring long-term program viability. This includes leading innovative strategies to balance program costs, enhance operational efficiency, and develop complementary revenue-generating initiatives that support and sustain free access to sport.

This role plays a key leadership function in advancing the C.Y.O.’s mission of fostering youth development, inclusion, leadership, and community through sport.

Core Areas of Leadership

1. Athletic Program Strategy & Delivery

Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all Crusader Athletics programming, including:

• Boys’ & Girls’ Basketball

• Boys’ & Girls’ Volleyball

• Boys’ & Girls’ Flag Football

• Cross Country Meets (Fall & Spring seasons)

• Annual Track & Field Meet (June)

• Grade 7–8 Leadership Development (L.C.A.P.)

• Summer Programming: Athletes in Action Sports Camp

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage an annual, 12-month athletics calendar

• Deliver high-quality, inclusive, and safe programming aligned with C.Y.O. values

• Sustain and grow a large-scale, volunteer-driven sport delivery model

• Recruit, train, and retain coaches, officials, and community volunteers

• Oversee registration, scheduling, and event logistics

• Ensure strong participant, coach, and stakeholder engagement

• Lead conflict resolution and uphold a Zero Tolerance standard for conduct

• Maintain key community and municipal partnerships

• Oversee equipment, facilities bookings, and program resources

2. Sustainability & Revenue Development

Ensure the long-term sustainability of a free-to-access athletics model by introducing innovative approaches to cost recovery and revenue generation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies to offset program delivery costs

• Identify and launch complementary revenue-generating programming (e.g., camps, clinics, tournaments)

• Explore sponsorship, grant, and partnership opportunities

• Collaborate with the Executive Director on financial planning and funding strategies

• Continuously evaluate program efficiency while maintaining accessibility and quality

3. Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise Program Assistant(s), seasonal staff, and student placements

• Build a positive, accountable, and mission-driven team culture

• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and performance evaluation

• Support and empower a large network of volunteers as critical program leaders

4. Summer Camp & Seasonal Programming

• Lead the delivery of Athletes in Action Sports Camp

• Support broader camp operations at Camp Brébeuf and Camp Marydale

• Contribute to outdoor education and day camp programming as needed

5. Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director on:

  • Annual planning and budgeting

  • Staffing models and organizational priorities

  • Agency-wide program development

• Support facility operations at Camps Brébeuf and Marydale, including:

  • Maintenance coordination

  • Safe and effective use of facilities

  • Program readiness

• Contribute to overall agency operations in a collaborative, team-based environment.

6. Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, volunteers, families, and partners

• Promote the value and impact of Crusader Athletics within the community

• Support fundraising initiatives, events, and partner reporting (e.g., United Way)

• Represent C.Y.O. as a community leader in youth sport

7. Digital & Communications Leadership

• Oversee athletics-related communications across digital platforms

• Ensure schedules and program information are accurate and up to date

• Lead social media and digital storytelling to promote engagement

8. Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Co-chair the Joint Health & Safety Committee (management representative)

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and safety standards

• Promote a strong culture of safety across all programs and facilities

• Lead incident response, reporting, and risk mitigation practices

9. Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor participation, impact, and program outcomes

• Evaluate staff, volunteers, and program effectiveness

• Identify opportunities for innovation, growth, and enhanced sustainability

Qualifications & Experience

• Post-secondary education in Recreation, Sport Management, Education, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 3–5+ years of progressive leadership experience in sport, recreation, or nonprofit programming

• Demonstrated experience working with volunteer-driven program models

• Experience in budgeting, cost management, and/or revenue generation

• Strong communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills

• Knowledge of health & safety and risk management practices

• Proficiency in digital tools, scheduling systems, and social media platforms

Certifications & Requirements

• Valid G-Class Driver’s License in good standing

• Standard First Aid & CPR-C Certification (current or willingness to obtain/maintain)

Working Conditions

• Fluctuating work schedule including evenings and weekends, aligned with program delivery (e.g. occasional weekend tournaments throughout the year, and routine weekend tournaments for our flag football season late September / October – November)

• Average 40-hour work week with lieu time for additional hours worked

• Active, on-site and in office presence required across multiple program locations and events

Compensation & Benefits

C.Y.O. offers a competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and long-term financial security of our team:

• Salary Range: $65,000 – $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience

• Benefits: Comprehensive health and benefits package

• Pension: Employer-matching Defined Contribution (DC) pension plan

• Vacation: Three (3) weeks paid vacation to start

• Time Off: Lieu time provided for evenings and weekends worked beyond regular hours

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, conferences, and continued learning

Total Compensation Value:
Beyond salary, this role offers meaningful long-term value through pension contributions, benefits coverage, paid time off, and the opportunity to lead a legacy community program with significant social impact.

Why This Role Matters

The Crusader Athletics Program is one of the region’s most impactful and accessible youth sport models—serving thousands of young people each year through a free to the participant, volunteer-powered system built over decades.

This role is critical to protecting and evolving that legacy—ensuring that financial barriers never prevent participation, while introducing thoughtful, sustainable strategies that allow the program to grow and thrive for generations to come.

Diversity is Strength:

The Catholic Youth Organization  of the Diocese of Hamilton (C.Y.O.) is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.

We believe that sport is a powerful vehicle for belonging and personal growth, and we are dedicated to removing barriers to participation for all youth—regardless of ability, background, identity, or financial circumstance.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and equity-deserving communities. We are committed to equitable hiring practices and will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment process in accordance with applicable legislation.

Interested applicants, please apply below before May 30th, 2026.