Athletic Director
Administrative leader responsible for managing athletic programs, coaches, and student-athlete activities
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The Athletic Director provides leadership and management for all interscholastic athletic programs and activities. This senior administrative position requires expertise in athletic program administration, coach supervision, budget management, and compliance with state athletic association rules. The athletic director ensures that athletic programs support student development, promote sportsmanship, and operate in compliance with all regulations. The role involves hiring and supervising coaches, managing athletic budgets, coordinating events, ensuring student-athlete eligibility and safety, and building positive relationships with students, families, coaches, and community stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Budget Management
- Develop, monitor, and manage annual budgets in alignment with district priorities and strategic goals
- Allocate resources effectively to support instructional programs, operations, and student needs
- Monitor budget expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance
- Prepare budget reports and present financial information to stakeholders as needed
- Collaborate with district finance office on budget planning, reporting, and compliance
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities and alternative funding sources when applicable
- Ensure compliance with state and federal fiscal regulations and reporting requirements
- Make data-informed decisions about resource allocation to maximize impact on student outcomes
Athletic Program Administration
- Provide leadership and direction for all interscholastic athletic programs
- Develop and implement athletic program policies and procedures
- Ensure athletic programs align with school and district goals
- Monitor program effectiveness and student participation
- Lead continuous improvement efforts for athletic programs
- Coordinate with district leadership on athletic program matters
Coach Hiring, Supervision & Evaluation
- Recruit, hire, and retain qualified coaches for all athletic programs
- Supervise and evaluate coaches on their performance and program management
- Provide coaching and feedback to support coach development
- Coordinate professional development for coaches
- Address coach concerns and support conflict resolution
- Ensure coaches have necessary training, certifications, and clearances
- Support new coach orientation and mentoring
Compliance & Regulations
- Ensure full compliance with state athletic association rules and regulations
- Monitor student-athlete eligibility and academic requirements
- Ensure compliance with Title IX and gender equity requirements
- Coordinate with state athletic association on compliance matters
- Respond to compliance inquiries and investigations
- Stay current with changes in athletic association rules and regulations
- Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for eligibility and compliance
Student-Athlete Eligibility & Safety
- Monitor and verify student-athlete eligibility including academic and transfer requirements
- Ensure compliance with age, residency, and academic eligibility rules
- Coordinate physical examinations and health clearances
- Ensure proper safety protocols and emergency procedures are in place
- Monitor and address concussion protocols and injury management
- Coordinate with school nurse and medical staff on student-athlete health
- Ensure proper supervision and safety at all athletic events and practices
Budget & Resource Management
- Develop and manage athletic program budgets
- Allocate resources effectively across athletic programs
- Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility
- Coordinate fundraising activities and booster club relationships
- Manage athletic equipment, uniforms, and facility needs
- Coordinate with district finance office on budget planning and reporting
- Make data-informed decisions about resource allocation
Event Scheduling & Coordination
- Schedule athletic contests, tournaments, and events
- Coordinate with other schools and athletic associations on scheduling
- Arrange transportation for away games and events
- Coordinate officials, scorekeepers, and event staff
- Manage facility use and scheduling for practices and games
- Coordinate with district transportation and facilities departments
- Ensure proper event management and supervision
Facility & Equipment Management
- Oversee athletic facilities including fields, courts, and equipment
- Coordinate maintenance and improvements to athletic facilities
- Manage athletic equipment inventory and purchasing
- Ensure facilities meet safety and accessibility requirements
- Coordinate with facilities and maintenance staff
- Plan and coordinate facility improvements and capital projects
- Ensure proper storage and security of athletic equipment
Communication & Community Relations
- Communicate regularly with students, families, coaches, and community members
- Promote athletic programs and celebrate student-athlete achievements
- Build positive relationships with booster clubs and community partners
- Respond to concerns and inquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Coordinate media relations and publicity for athletic programs
- Represent the school positively in the community and at athletic association meetings
- Support parent and community engagement in athletic programs
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Sports Management, or closely related field (Master's preferred)
- Valid state administrative credential/license or eligibility (may vary by state/district)
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in coaching, athletics, or education
- Knowledge of state athletic association rules and regulations
- Understanding of Title IX and gender equity requirements
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Experience with budget management and fiscal responsibility
- Knowledge of student-athlete eligibility and safety requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Sports Management, or related field
- Previous experience as an athletic director or assistant athletic director
- Valid state teaching certification or administrative credential
- Experience coaching at the high school or college level
- Training in athletic administration or sports management
- Experience with diverse athletic programs and student populations
- Knowledge of facility management and event coordination
- CPR and first aid certification
- Bilingual skills (as applicable to district needs)
- Membership in state or national athletic director associations
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of state athletic association rules and compliance
- Athletic program management and organizational skills
- Budget management and fiscal responsibility
- Staff supervision and evaluation capabilities
- Event planning and coordination
- Facility and equipment management
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation)
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations
- Knowledge of student-athlete safety and injury management
- Technology proficiency for scheduling, communication, and data management
- Commitment to student-athlete development and sportsmanship
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during athletic seasons
Work Environment
For Administrators
This position works primarily in school and district office settings, including private office spaces, conference rooms, and various school locations. The role involves frequent collaboration with teachers, staff, district administrators, families, and community stakeholders. The position requires attendance at evening events, parent meetings, school board meetings, and district activities. The administrator works as part of a leadership team and reports to district-level administrators. The position follows the school calendar schedule with additional responsibilities during summer months and may involve travel between school sites and district offices as needed.
For Athletic Directors
The athletic director works in school and athletic facility settings with frequent movement between office, fields, courts, and gymnasiums. The position requires extensive evening and weekend work during athletic seasons to attend games, tournaments, and events. The athletic director may need to travel to away games and athletic association meetings. The position follows the school calendar but requires work during athletic seasons and summer months.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard and mouse, and communicate effectively via phone and video conferencing. The position involves occasional standing, walking, and lifting of light objects (up to 10 pounds). Employees must have sufficient vision and hearing to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
For Athletic Directors
While primarily office-based, the position may require light physical activity for facility inspections, equipment management, and event supervision.
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Administrative staff receive:
- Competitive salary aligned with education and experience
- Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
- School calendar schedule with extended responsibilities during athletic seasons
- State retirement system participation
- Professional liability coverage
- Opportunities for advancement and district-level leadership roles
- Access to professional learning communities and networking opportunities
- Administrative leave and professional development funding
- Athletic association membership and conference attendance
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.