AOA Athletic Director

Organization: Alpine Ontario Alpin

Title: Athletic Director

Position: Full Time, 1 year term

Location: Collingwood, ON

Immediate Supervisor: AOA Executive Director

Date: May 2024

Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) is the Provincial Sport Organization recognized by Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), Canadian Snowsports Association, Ontario Winter Games, Canada Winter Games, and the Ontario Government. Made up of a dynamic and passionate team of professionals, AOA is responsible for bringing the joy of ski racing to athletes, families, coaches, and clubs – from start gates and podium finishes to careers and community. And we're on a pathway to empower a safe, inclusive, and integrated alpine sport ecosystem, for everyone.

General

The Athletic Director (AD) will report to Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA)'s Executive Director and oversee the creation and implementation of the organization's long term athletic development plan from U8 to the Ontario Ski Team. He or she will also provide leadership, guidance and direction to create a stronger high-performance pathway for athletes in Ontario. The AD is responsible for supporting Member Clubs, and strategic program development throughout the year. The AD will liaise with AOA team members, club coaches and key stakeholders (e.g., Athletic Committee) on growing alpine racing with inclusivity and diversity, program development, and project delivery.

Some of the amazing work you'll do:

• Elevate and manage Ontario's athlete development pipeline from U8 to the provincial ski team within all aspects of ski racing (e.g. Alpine, SX, Para)
• Promote Alpine Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Plan, and ACA's new SnowStars program, and provide training and support to clubs on their implementation.
• Support clubs, coaches, athletes, parents, and stakeholders on the path to athletic excellence.
• Oversee key AOA programs, initiatives and events that support the performance pathway
• Collaborate with the Alpine Ontario Athletic Committee, and AOA HP Manager on development pathway and planning

While the AD is responsible for the overall athlete development system, energy is expected to be focused (a) first and foremost on athletic development within the competitive and high-performance end of the spectrum, and (b) seamlessly for grassroots athlete development programming.

Specific Responsibilities

Athlete Development

• Lead and develop initiatives to assist in strengthening Ontario's athlete pipeline
• • Assist AOA HP Manager in execution of AOA Athletic Committee and deliverables.
• Lead implementation of the LTAD, ACA SnowStars, Athlete Development Model, ACA Fitness Combine, ACA Skills Combine, and Gold Medal Profile
• Create and execute a club athlete development audit process

High Performance (HP)

• Develop and Lead the HP Plan to consistently prepare athletes with a broad base of skills to win at the highest levels for as long as possible
• Lead the AOA HP Working Group which will consist of the AOA HP Consultants, Regional team head coaches and OST/ODST coaches
• Meet with HP Working group as needed for status update on each members portfolio and operational plan
• Lead criteria creation and coach selection for HP projects and interfaces
• Liaise with staff on provincial U14-FIS calendar
• Study and analyze international alpine ski racing developments and performance trends

U16 High Performance Program (HPP)

• Oversee U16 HPP including creating yearly plan, descriptions, dates, selection, timelines, fitness standards and monitoring, budget and outcomes
• Collaborate and meet regularly with U16 HP Consultant and conduct performance review

Para-Alpine

• Oversee the AOA PARA program and Ontario Para Alpine Ski Team (OPAST) including creating yearly plan consisting of description, dates, selection, staffing, timelines, fitness standards and monitoring, budget and outcomes
• Collaborate and meet with OPAST coach and/or PARA consultant to develop strategies for grants and projects and conduct performance review
• Monitor the integration of PARA athletes to HP PARA specific programs
• Work to integrate PARA in all AOA programming

Skier Cross (SX)

• Oversee the AOA SX programming including creating yearly plans consisting of competitions, SX camps, descriptions, dates, monitoring and outcomes.
• Communicate the SX pathway for athletes to HP programs such as ACA Next Gen
• Work to integrate SX development and programming in Ontario appropriate at all levels

Events

• Collaborate with the AOA team members on all provincial events including OCUP Finals, coach education, skills camps, training projects, and camps to optimize athlete and coach development
• Collaborate and drive the creation of mutually agreed upon provincial rules and policies supporting all levels of competition
• Lead AOA representation at U14/U16 OCUP Finals, U14 Can-Am, and U16 Eastern Regional Championships

Alpine Ontario Athletic Committee (AOAC)

• Lead discussions on the AOAC surround gap analysis, and strategic initiatives surrounding development and HP.
• Provide periodic updates to the AOAC on the system progress being made, and updates from the AOA HP Working Group

Communication

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to benefit current and long-term programming:
  • ACA, AOA Divisions, Member Clubs, athletes, and families
  • Strategic Partners: Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO), Coaching Association of Canada, Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario (CSIO), etc.
  • Solicit feedback of key stakeholders as part of an objective, data-driven approach to your decision making process
• Communicate the vision and goals of Alpine Ontario's development and high-performance plan, serving as a key AOA brand ambassador for alpine ski racing in Ontario
• Ensure timely and effective communication to AOA staff, athletes and parents
• Ensure athletes and other coaches are made aware of all pertinent regulations and policies affecting the team including FIS rules, policies on performance enhancing drugs, CAST and OST selection criteria, and the athlete code of conduct
• Provide a written mid and end of season report to the Executive Director
• Provide annual season in review presentation to board of directors
• Provide content to Marketing and Partnerships Director in regard to program updates and photos for updates across all on-line platforms

Partnerships and Relationships

• On an interim basis, represent Ontario in ACA PSO Athletic Directors discussions, calls and meetings
• Work collaboratively with the Provincial/Territorial Governing Bodies
• Develop positive working relationships with high performance coaches and seek their input and feedback where appropriate
• Contribute and participate in annual parent education sessions

Qualifications

Our successful candidate will possess some of the following attributes. This is just a starting point – if you feel you don't meet the suggested experience and/or skills, we still encourage you to apply

Who you are:

• Performance level certified and/or level 4 Canadian Ski Coach certification, in good standing
• Experience at club, provincial and national team level will be prioritized
• Understanding of Long-Term Athlete Development and ACA SnowStars program
• Ability to understand, write and speak in professional contexts
• You thrive in working in a collaborative environment, bringing energy and passion
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, achieve deadlines and prioritize
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability in building and maintaining relationships
• Proven planning and decision-making skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Position involves significant amount of provincial and domestic travel throughout the winter season, and some international travel through the summer and fall.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume to . Note that only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you very much for your interest in working at Alpine Ontario. We look forward to meeting you

Alpine Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment within an exciting and challenging work environment.