ASSISTANT PREP HOCKEY COACH

Job Details: Job Location: Upper School - Albany, NY, Salary Range: $2500.00 - $2500.00Salary,

ASSISTANT PREP HOCKEY COACH

Albany Academy is an independent Pre-K through Grade 12 school in Albany, New York, fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and strong character in each student. 

At the heart of our school is a passionate and highly skilled faculty, deeply committed to the academic, social, and emotional development of every student. Our educators go beyond classroom instruction; they serve as mentors, role models, and advocates who support the growth of the whole child. Through small class sizes and individualized attention, they challenge students with a rigorous, engaging curriculum while nurturing confidence, creativity, and resilience. 

Albany Academy's dynamic community values and celebrates diverse perspectives and life experiences, enriching the learning environment for all. Aligned with our Mission and Core Values, we are steadfast in our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and academically excellent school culture—one where students are inspired to lead lives of purpose, empathy, and integrity. 

Position Summary:

The Assistant Preparatory Hockey Coach supports the Head Preparatory Hockey Coach in developing and sustaining a highly competitive, student-centered hockey program that reflects the mission and values of the school. This individual is committed to fostering athletic excellence, character development, sportsmanship, and academic success while helping student-athletes reach their full potential both on and off the ice. The Assistant Coach also plays a vital role in recruiting talented student-athletes who will contribute positively to the school community and hockey program

Essential Responsibilities:

Coaching and Player Development

Assist the Head Coach in planning and conducting practices, skill development sessions, and game preparation.
Coach student-athletes during practices and competitions, providing technical instruction, tactical guidance, and constructive feedback.
Support individual player development through ongoing evaluation, goal setting, and mentorship.
Assist in implementing team systems, game strategies, and special teams.
Promote a culture of accountability, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect.
Assist with video analysis, opponent scouting, and player evaluations.
Support off-ice training, conditioning, and wellness initiatives in collaboration with athletic performance staff.
Supervise student-athletes during practices, competitions, team travel, and other program-related activities.
Encourage and monitor student-athletes' academic progress, personal growth, and leadership development.

Recruiting

Partner with the Head Coach to identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes who align with the school's academic standards, character expectations, and competitive goals.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with junior, youth, prep, AAA and club hockey coaches, advisors, billet families, and other key contacts to expand the program's recruiting network.
Attend showcases, tournaments, combines, camps, and other recruiting events to evaluate prospective student-athletes.
Build meaningful relationships with prospective students and their families while effectively communicating the school's academic programs, residential experience, athletic philosophy, and community values.
Work collaboratively with the Admissions Office throughout the recruitment and enrollment process, including prospect communication, application support, campus visits, and admissions events.
Assist in organizing prospect skates, recruiting weekends, open houses, and other events designed to showcase the hockey program and school.
Maintain accurate recruiting databases, player evaluations, communication records, and recruiting timelines.
Collaborate with the Head Coach to develop annual recruiting strategies that support both the immediate and long-term success of the program.
Serve as a positive ambassador for the school and hockey program within the hockey community.
Conduct all recruiting activities ethically and in accordance with school policies, league regulations, and applicable governing body guidelines.

Program Administration

Communicate effectively with student-athletes, families, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Assist with equipment management, travel logistics, scheduling, and other operational aspects of the program.
Support fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach initiatives as requested.
Ensure compliance with school policies, league regulations, and safety protocols.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head Coach, Director of Athletics, or school administration.

Required Qualifications:

Collegiate hockey playing experience and/or collegiate, junior, or prep school coaching experience preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of player development, game strategy, and practice design.
Strong recruiting background or demonstrated ability to build recruiting relationships.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to mentor adolescents in an independent school environment.
Clean and valid NYS driver's license and ability to travel extensively during the hockey season.
USA Hockey coaching certification (or ability to obtain).

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree.
Experience coaching in an independent or boarding school environment.
Established recruiting network within junior, prep, AAA, or elite youth hockey.
Experience assisting student-athletes with advancement to junior, collegiate, or professional hockey.
Familiarity with video analysis and player evaluation software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

A passion for independent school education and student success.
Exceptional customer service and hospitality skills.
Professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
Initiative, flexibility, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
The ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
A positive attitude, resilience, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Commitment to Albany Academy's mission, values, and inclusive community.

Physical Requirements

This position requires extended periods of standing and skating, lifting and carrying hockey equipment, frequent travel, and the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and school breaks throughout the hockey season

Disclaimer

Must be capable of fully performing all duties described herein, either without or with reasonable accommodation
Albany Academy reserves the right to alter this job description
Employment with Albany Academy is at-will

Qualifications: