Waconia Hockey Association is seeking a Hockey Development Director.  This position is transitioning from a volunteer board position to a paid year round position to support greater consistency and ensure work continues to move our hockey development in a forward direction and align with our high school programs. 

Position Overview
The Hockey Director of Development (HDD) is responsible for overseeing the association's long-term player and coach development model. This role ensures alignment across all levels of play by establishing development standards, supporting coaches, improving on-ice instruction, and promoting a positive, age-appropriate hockey culture.
The HDD works closely with the Hockey Board, coaches, parents, and external partners to ensure consistent development, transparency, and continuous improvement across the association.

Key Responsibilities
The Hockey Director of Development is responsible for the overall Hockey Development Program within the WHA. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Program Development

• Recruit and lead the Hockey Development Committee as defined in the WHA Guidebook.
• Create, maintain, and oversee player development programming across all levels, including:
  • On-ice development
  • Off-ice development
  • In-season and off-season programs
  • Clinics and special training opportunities

• Make recommendations for coaching assignments at each level through a defined selection process, including:
  • Verification of required certifications
  • Interviews and review of qualifications
• Establish and oversee a WHA coach development process, including supplemental training and instruction.
• Provide development tools and resources to coaches to ensure quality programming at all levels.

• Coordinate and oversee the tryout process at competitive levels as defined in the WHA Guidebook, including:
  • Tryout dates and administration
  • Tryout rules and procedures
  • Selection of evaluators
  • Clearly defined evaluation criteria
  • Communication guidelines with parents
  • Grievance process related to tryout results

• Maintain ownership of the Hockey Development Program sections of the WHA Guidebook.
• Ensure teams are competing at the appropriate level within District 6 and make recommendations to the Board as needed.
• Ensure alignment with USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey philosophies.
• Attend WHA practices when possible to support development and consistency.
• Coordinate the end-of-season survey in conjunction with the WHA President.
• Help ensure the WHA fulfills its mission by providing a safe, positive, and fun environment for all participants.
• Perform other duties as requested by District 6, the WHA President, or the WHA Board of Directors.

• To maintain neutrality and objectivity, preference may be given to candidates without a direct parental conflict of interest within the association.

1. Resume or coaching background summary
2. Brief statement of philosophy
   (1–2 pages or short written response outlining development approach)
3. Summary of coaching and development experience
4. USA Hockey certification level
5. Two (2) references preferred

• Describe your philosophy on long-term player development in youth hockey.
• How do you support and align coaches with varying experience levels?
• How should an association balance development, competitiveness, and player enjoyment?
• How would you help ensure tryouts are fair, transparent, and development-focused?
• How do you handle parent concerns related to tryouts, development or playing time?