June 27, 2011-Squash
Canada is currently seeking applications
to fill the position of Performance
Director. This dynamic leader will
work closely with the Executive
Director and Board of Directors to
deliver a performance system, which
is capable of producing international
level squash players (junior /
senior) and delivering the potential
for podium finishes in major
international competitions. This
proven leader will be responsible
for leading the design and
implementation of all Squash Canada
performance programs, national team
selection criteria’s, policy development,
developing talent identification strategies and
developing training competencies for
international excellence. The ideal
candidate will have sound national & international squash
coaching / playing experience.
The successful candidate will enjoy
working in a team environment and demonstrate a professional attitude
and ability to work under minimal supervision.
ABOUT SQUASH CANADA Founded in 1913, Squash Canada is a non-‐profit, national sport association responsible for the development of athletes, coaches and
officials and sets the standards
for Canadian Squash. Squash Canada
is a proud member of the Pan-‐ American and World
Squash Federations and participates in
the Panamerican Championships, Commonwealth
& Pan-‐ Am Games as well as World Championships at the junior and senior level. Each year Squash Canada hosts nine national championships across
the country and works with its
provincial and territorial partners to
promote the growth and development of squash across the country. JOB DESCRIPTION / RESPONSIBILITIES: The position is
intended to provide national/international
professional technical/coaching expertise
(specializing in the Train to Train – Train to Win
stages) of Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development Strategy.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track
record in developing players,
coaching/managing professional players and
national teams. The ideal candidate will
have an international playing &
coaching background and the candidate
will have the organizational leadership required to deliver Squash Canada programs with excellence.
The Director of
High Performance will report directly
to the Executive Director of Squash
Canada and will work closely with Board of Directors of Squash Canada.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide
leadership and technical expertise to
design and implement a comprehensive
performance system which fosters excellence at all levels (junior / senior) Work with
Executive Director to develop / maintain Squash Canada’s
Performance strategic & operational plan’s, assist national coaches in the development of annual plans for athletes Develop a talent
identification program for Squash Canada which identifies coaches /
players for national teams & squads Develop a player monitoring program, and use of support services (sport science & medicine) as required
Review/refine Squash Canada National Team
selection process, criteria, athletes
agreement, Government of Canada Athlete Assistance Program
& other high performance policies, handbook as required Work closely
with national coach / High
Performance Committee (HPC) to select
players for national teams / squads Help
in the preparation of the various
Canadian National Teams and players
for University competition & PSA/WISPA events Accompany teams to international competitions if/when required Work closely
with club & national coaches to
help insure athletes have proper
training programs, competitive structure planning, and athletes are meeting performance targets To effectively communicate the goals and objectives of Squash Canada to various partners and stakeholders. To lead, manage and effectively conduct national/regional and provincial camps and regroupings To have on-going communication with squad athletes, parents and coaches Work
with Squash Canada and
Provincial / Territorial
Associations to deliver
Squash Canada LTAD & performance strategies Assist in the preparation of government grants, budgets and team travel Manage National Coach contracts, player agreements, as required Develop
and manage Squash Canada fundraising
initiatives for Performance, National
Teams & Organizational priorities
Establish and coordinate
advisory working groups
/ High Performance
Committees to assist
with the implementation of projects or activities Develop
policies and improve the
organization’s competitive structure -
including but not limited to: rankings,
competition strategies and event management
Periodically conduct coach and player
reviews during and at the end
of each season; develop evaluation procedures
for coaches, athletes and all other elements of the high performance
program SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS: Ideal
candidate has a University Degree
or equivalent in Physical Education,
Physiology or Sport Science, minimum Squash Canada
Level 3 or 4 coaching certification and/or International Equivalent. Proven
track record as a player or
coach at the national &
international level, coaching players on
the PSA/WISPA/Collegiate levels An established network of respected squash professionals, coaches, technical leaders and personnel Knowledge of the CS4L LTAD principles (Canadian Sport for Life - Long Term Athlete Development) Ability to work independently, maintain tight work schedules and work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends. Ability to travel regionally, nationally or internationally with squads, teams or attend meetings as technical delegate as required.
Exceptional technical
skills and
analytical skills.
Proven ability to
develop international level
competencies/training standards for both developing and professional
athletes Excellent
communication skills (verbal, written).
Ability to deal effectively with
all program partners (Squash Canada
staff, Board of Directors, Provincial
/ Territorial staff, committees, donors,
sponsors, club leaders, partners, and athletes). Willingness
to make a long term commitment
to Squash Canada National Team
program to ensure the successful design and
implementation of this program A
demonstrated results oriented,
excellence driven leadership
style as shown by
setting and achieving challenging program
objectives over time Ability
to effectively influence and cooperate
with internal & external partners
(coaches, parents, players and provincial/national
staff) Over time,
develop a proven international level junior / senior development system
which measurably increases both the depth and quality of Canadian
players internationally Computer literacy with MS Office and email Experience in negotiating sponsorship and developing fundraising initiatives Financial & budgetary knowledge and understanding of business, non-profit sport and government
COMPENSATION: Squash Canada offers a competitive salary and benefits package (commensurate with applicant’s qualifications and experience)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The successful candidate will be a part of the senior management of Squash Canada
The position will be ideally based in Toronto, Ontario; however, from time
to time the successful candidate will be required to travel within Canada and/or abroad. Contact: Danny Da Costa, Executive Director