Athletic Director

Job Title: Athletic Director Reports To: Head of School

Location: Carden Conejo School, Thousand Oaks, California

Carden Conejo School is a private, coeducational, independent day school serving students in Preschool through 5th Grade, with plans to expand into Middle School beginning with 6th Grade in the 2026–2027 academic year. The school will be a full Preschool – 8th Grade nestled in the heart of Thousand Oaks, California, Carden Conejo School offers a close-knit, values-driven educational environment rooted in the timeless principles of the Carden Method. At Carden Conejo School, we believe in cultivating both the intellect and the character of each child. The Carden approach emphasizes joyful learning, strong moral values, and the development of critical thinking and communication skills from an early age. As we grow into middle school, we remain committed to upholding the Carden legacy while thoughtfully evolving to meet the needs of young adolescents. We are excited to welcome dynamic leaders who are passionate about shaping the future of our expanding program and who are eager to join a mission-driven community that values purpose and lifelong learning.

Position Overview

The Athletic Director role is a newly created position and represents a unique opportunity to build an athletics program from the ground up, with the long-term vision of developing Carden Conejo into a strong, competitive, and values-driven school. Our program should value effort, growth, teamwork, and integrity, teaching life lessons through sport while maintaining high expectations for conduct, preparation, and community pride. Competitive success is pursued thoughtfully, with an emphasis on the journey of athletic development, not solely outcomes.

The Athletic Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and day-to-day management of Carden Conejo School’s athletic program. This individual will design and implement a cohesive athletics vision aligned with the school’s mission, fostering physical wellness, competitive excellence, leadership, and character development. This is a foundational, builder role. The Athletic Director will establish the philosophy, systems, expectations, and culture of athletics at Carden Conejo, laying the groundwork for a program that grows intentionally from elementary through middle school. Athletics are viewed as an extension of the classroom, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, resilience, sportsmanship, and joy in physical activity. The Athletic Director will work closely with school leadership, faculty, families, coaches, and league partners to build a respected, values-driven, and increasingly competitive athletic program. The ideal candidate is a visionary and proactive builder who brings a collaborative, relationship-oriented approach to leadership. They are calm, confident, and decisive, serving as a strong role model for students while fostering trust with families, coaches, and colleagues. This individual is deeply passionate about youth athletics and character development and is committed to using sports as a powerful vehicle for growth, leadership, and lifelong skills. This position may include afternoon, evening, and weekend commitments based on practice and competition schedules. The role may evolve in scope and time commitment as the athletics program grows into middle school.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Vision

•Design and implement a comprehensive athletics program aligned with Carden Conejo’s mission, values, and long-term strategic plan

•Establish short-term and long-term goals for athletic growth, competitiveness, and student participation

•Develop athletic pathways that evolve from elementary through middle school

•Create and uphold standards for sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and character

Team & League Management

•Launch, oversee, and grow school athletic teams and intramural opportunities

•Manage athletic scheduling, league registration and participation, and competition logistics

•Build relationships with athletic leagues, schools, referees, and governing bodies

•Ensure compliance with league rules, safety standards, and school policies

Coaching Leadership & Staffing

•Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate coaches aligned with Carden Conejo’s mission and values

•Mentor coaches in instructional best practices, team culture, communication, and player development

•Observe practices and games to provide constructive feedback and support growth

•Facilitate regular coaches’ meetings to promote consistency, collaboration, and shared standards

•Develop and maintain a Coaches’ Handbook outlining expectations, policies, and best practices

•Serve as team coach on an as-needed basis

Student-Athlete Experience

•Foster an inclusive, supportive, and challenging athletic culture that encourages broad student participation

•Emphasize physical wellness, confidence, resilience, leadership, and teamwork

•Teach life lessons through athletics by valuing growth, effort, and sportsmanship

•Support multisport participation and balanced student schedules

•Collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure alignment between academics, wellness, and athletics

Parent & Community Engagement

•Establish, communicate, and uphold clear expectations for student-athletes and families

•Lead preseason and program meetings to outline roles, responsibilities, and behavioral expectations

•Serve as a primary point of contact for athletic concerns, following clear and professional protocols

•Build strong, respectful relationships with families, parent volunteers, and league partners

•Design and launch summer sports camps and clinics to extend athletic programming, support student development, and build program visibility

•Support enrollment growth by engaging with the broader community to identify and attract student-athletes who are a strong fit for Carden Conejo’s mission and culture

Operations & Administration

•Develop and manage the athletics budget in collaboration with school leadership

•Oversee equipment purchasing, uniforms, facilities usage, and inventory

•Establish systems for athletic registration, eligibility, physicals, and waivers

•Ensure student safety, risk management, and appropriate supervision at all athletic events

Community & School Culture

•Build school spirit, pride, and traditions through athletics

•Serve as a visible ambassador of Carden Conejo School athletics on campus and in the broader community

•Support school-wide events, admissions activities, and community gatherings through athletics programming

•Collaborate with school leadership to integrate athletics into the broader life of the school

Facilities, Safety & Growth Planning

•Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all student-athletes at practices, games, and events

•Oversee athletic facilities usage, equipment inventory, and maintenance

•Collaborate with school leadership on future athletic facilities planning and program expansion

•Support off-season training opportunities aligned with school and league guidelines

Qualifications & Experience

•Bachelor’s degree required

•Prior experience in athletic program leadership, coaching, or athletic administration

•Demonstrated experience building or growing an athletic program

•Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills

•Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic school environment

•Commitment to student development, sportsmanship, and whole-child education

•CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

•Coaching certifications and/or athletic administration credentials preferred

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits may include health benefits, professional development opportunities, and tuition remission, in accordance with school policies.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their experience and vision for building an athletic program at Carden Conejo School. All resumes and cover letters should be sent to Colleen.Mendez@CardenConejo.com.

Carden Conejo School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.