Executive Director

Full Job Description – Executive Director

Elk River Youth Hockey Association (ERYHA) is seeking a visionary and hands-on Executive Director to lead our growing youth hockey community. This role blends strategic leadership, operational oversight, and community engagement to ensure every player, coach, and family experiences the best of what youth hockey can offer. If you're passionate about sports, youth development, and building inclusive programs, we’d love to meet you.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Guidance

• Serve as the primary liaison between the ERYHA Board of Directors and its members, ensuring transparency and alignment.
• Collaborate with the Board and Charitable Gambling Manager to oversee, develop, and maintain the Charitable Gambling Program in compliance with all state regulations.
• Maintain a clear understanding of ERYHA’s budget, including how financial decisions impact operations, programs, and facilities.
• Assist Board members, committees, and volunteers as needed to ensure smooth operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the association’s mission and strategic plan.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain productive relationships with Board members, coaches, volunteers, and community stakeholders to support both short- and long-term organizational goals.
• Partner with ERYHA Board leadership to maintain strong working relationships with the Elk River Area School District, the City of Elk River and surrounding hockey communities.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with key partners, such as vendors, Minnesota Hockey and District 10, Elk River Area School District, local businesses, sponsors, and neighboring community hockey programs.
• Serve as the public face of ERYHA at key events, fostering community pride and consistent brand representation.

Revenue Generation & Program Growth

• Develop and execute innovative revenue strategies, including fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and program expansion.
• Lead efforts to grow programs and facilities to meet future needs

Program Operations & Event Management

• Support the planning, execution, and evaluation of tournaments, clinics, and other events hosted by ERYHA.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and administrative functions

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience in sports administration or nonprofit leadership will be considered.
• Proven leadership and management experience, ideally in sports administration or nonprofit management.
• Understanding of the game of hockey and the needs of players, coaches, and families.
• Strong ability to collaborate with diverse groups and organizations.
• Exceptional organizational, budgeting, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with ERYHA, MN Hockey, USA Hockey and District 10 Hockey preferred.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship acquisition, and revenue generation.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance, compliance, and charitable gambling regulations.

POSITION DETAILS

• Opportunity to shape the future of youth hockey in a thriving and supportive community.
• Office located at the Elk River Arena.
• Flexible/hybrid work schedule based on association needs. Must be based in Minnesota; residency in the Elk River area preferred by not required.
• Some evenings and weekends required for events, tournaments, and Board meetings.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Flexible start date.

ABOUT ELK RIVER YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Elk River Youth Hockey Association (ERYHA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive, and development-focused hockey programs for youth in the Elk River community and surrounding areas.

Serving approximately 550 players annually, ERYHA offers competitive and recreational programs for both boys and girls. We believe hockey should be accessible, fun, and enriching for every child—regardless of background or skill level.

The Elk River area is experiencing steady population growth, with youth sports participation trending upward. This growth, combined with ERYHA’s strong reputation and increased enrollment in our hockey programs, is creating increased demand for ice time. In partnership with the city and community stakeholders, ERYHA is actively assessing the need for a third sheet of ice to support the continued growth of our programs and provide enhanced opportunities for player development.

ERYHA utilizes the Furniture and Things Event Center as our home facility. The Program Director reports to the ERYHA Board of Directors and is responsible for day-to-day operations, administrative leadership, and strategic advancement of the association. This role ensures the long-term success of ERYHA by fostering operational excellence, maximizing revenue opportunities, and leading efforts to grow programs and facilities to meet future needs.