The Player & Coach Development Officer is the hands-on development lead within the Keilor Thunder High Performance team. The role improves the quality of coaching and player development across the representative pathway, from academies and camps through to the junior and senior representative programs.

The role coaches in Keilor's development programs and also supports and develops coaches and players across the representative program, giving Keilor one consistent development approach across the pathway. The Officer provides regular support and development across the junior representative program, mentors coaches, delivers domestic coach courses, and assists the High Performance Manager to deliver the association's development framework.

Player development

• Coach in the Keilor Development Program (KDP) and Keilor Performance Program (KPP) academies.
• Plan and deliver junior representative camps.
• Deliver the Rep Ready program.
• Deliver individual, small-group and skill-specific development sessions, such as shooting programs.
• Develop age-specific development curriculum and skill resources aligned with the Keilor Thunder pathway.
• Conduct player evaluations, provide feedback, and monitor athlete development and progression.

Coach development

• Deliver domestic coach courses and coach education programs.
• Mentor coaches across the representative pathway, with a focus on new and developing coaches.
• Coordinate mentoring opportunities between experienced and developing coaches.
• Attend games and trainings to observe coaches and provide constructive feedback.
• Assist the High Performance Manager with coach evaluations and reviews.
• Support coaches to implement Keilor's coaching philosophy and standards consistently across boys and girls programs.

Representative program support

• Provide regular support and development across the junior representative program, attending Friday night games, midweek training sessions and Sunday age-group trainings.
• Provide on-court support to coaches, including specialist skill instruction at representative trainings.
• Work alongside the coordinators so that every team receives regular support, and provide cover where needed.
• Provide a visible staff presence at trainings and games, supporting a safe environment for players and families.

Talent identification and pathway

• Assist with talent identification across domestic, academy and representative programs.
• Support junior and senior representative tryouts and selections.
• Help players progress from academies, camps and Rep Ready into the representative program.
• Contribute to pathway alignment from junior representative through to VBL, Youth League and NBL1.

Performance analysis

• Assist coaches with game review and analysis.
• Share development insights with coaches and the High Performance Manager.

General

• Attend High Performance staff meetings so that messaging and standards stay consistent across programs.
• Keep records of visits, sessions and mentoring, and report to the High Performance Manager as required.
• Comply with KBA policies, including the Child Safeguarding Policy, and with Basketball Victoria and Basketball Australia requirements.
• Undertake other duties within the High Performance portfolio as reasonably directed by the High Performance Manager.

Required

• Current Victorian Working with Children Check.
• Satisfactory National Police Check.
• Current Basketball Australia coaching accreditation.
• Current first aid certificate, or willingness to obtain one.
• Proven coaching experience in junior representative or high performance basketball.
• Strong knowledge of player skill development and the ability to run sessions for a range of ages and abilities.
• Ability to mentor coaches and give clear, constructive feedback.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with players, coaches and parents.
• Strong organisation and planning skills.
• Understanding of child safeguarding obligations in sport.
• Availability for evenings, weekends and school holiday programs.

Desirable

• Higher-level Basketball Australia coaching accreditation.
• Experience coaching in VJBL Championship grades, Basketball Victoria state programs, VBL, Youth League or NBL1.
• Experience designing or delivering coach education or courses.
• Experience with video analysis tools.
• Knowledge of the Keilor Thunder pathway and community.
• Current driver's licence.