Athletic Director

Title: Athletic Director – position begins 1 August 2026 or earlier

An opportunity to inspire, teach, and mentor young men (and coaches) in lessons that will guide them through a successful life through the rubric of competitive athletics. Fishburne Military School (FMS), the oldest and smallest all-male military boarding school in Virginia, seeks a new Athletic Director to build its athletic program as the school grows enrollment. FMS currently plays competitively in a dozen sports with some variations from year to year with enrollment. The varsity wrestling program has a national reputation under Coach Terry Waters. After careful review, in 2024 the school is transitioning to 8 man football. With the addition of 6th grade in fall 2024, 6th & 7th grade will have a PE curriculum with plans to grow to interschool athletics. All boys in grades 9 – 12 are required to play at least two seasons of sports, precluding the need for PE. FMS serves young men in grades 6 – 12 with an optimal enrollment of 175 cadets. Day students comprise one quarter of the student body. FMS is a member of the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference (BRAC) and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA). This is a senior administrative position and reports to the president.

The Athletic Director has overall responsibility of the school’s dozen sports offerings, assigned coaches, players, part-time athletic trainer, and communication of sports information school-wide. The Athletic Director oversees the athletic facilities in conjunction with the operations manager. The director coordinates all logistics related to sports to include scheduling, transportation, meals, referees, and supporting personnel. As FMS is a small school, the director is also expected to teach a reduced load of classes, coach two seasons, and engage in other administrative duties which are a good fit for the candidate. Director and department at all times demonstrate professionalism and character in keeping with FMS tradition.

Other duties include full participation in league activities, especially scheduling, and staying abreast of changes in rules and regulations, and also direct intramural program. Regular communication with parents, the league, and other schools on matters ranging from cadet performance to scheduling and facilities. Maintain uniforms and athletic equipment. Develop and submit budget for the Athletic Department. Mentor FMS coaches through regular meetings and annually evaluate all coaches. The director may share support staff with another administrator. In addition to Athletic Director role, candidate would be expected to take on additional teaching or staff duties.

As a boarding school, broad participation in the life of the school is an expectation to build relationships with cadets and employees to be successful. Participation in weeknight and weekend duty rotations is expected. Transportation of cadets in school vehicles is a requirement. If a veteran, the director may wear their appropriate service uniform and rank.

The ideal candidate is a mid-career professional with significant athletic director or coaching experience preferably in a private school and a passion for working with boys. An undergraduate degree is required. Military experience is not essential. Compensation and benefits are consistent with other small boarding schools. Housing is a possibility. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and resume to Colonel Randal E. Brown (VA), President at rbrown@fishburne.org

Fishburne Military School:________________________________________________________________

Located in downtown Waynesboro, Virginia, in the bucolic Shenandoah Valley 30 minutes from Charlottesville, Fishburne Military School is a private non-profit non-sectarian boarding school for boys in grades 6 – 12. Fishburne is the oldest military boarding school in Virginia (1879) and the board is committed to its small scale and all male mission. When founded, FMS was modeled after nearby Virginia Military Institute and Fishburne’s iconic barracks quadrangle reflects this. As a non-sectarian school, FMS hosts Army JROTC which is part of US Army Cadet Command, and its department is rated an honor unit of distinction. FMS is accredited by VAIS and a member of NAIS and TABS.

Fishburne embraces its new brand … We see what’s great in you. The cadet body is comprised of a core of young men with an affinity for the military and a desire to get an early start on this career. Along with this group are many other boys who were overlooked in their previous settings and not growing to their potential. With its small scale, structure, and focus on relationships; Fishburne excels at enabling its cadets to reach their full potential. FMS has a conventional college prep curriculum, but one which is evolving in new and exciting ways. Required athletics/physical training produce not just resilient young men but several each year who go on to play collegiate sports. Most FMS graduates will go on to civilian higher education, but a significant number each year do matriculate to one of the US Service Academies or military colleges. Some boys may elect military enlistment or technical training before pursuing college or a career.

FMS is a small close-knit community that feels like family and this is certainly true of the employees. Most FMS administrators, faculty, and staff are dedicated educators without military experience. The personnel of the Army JROTC Department and Commandant’s Office possess military backgrounds and direct the Corps of Cadets. Fishburne offers a wonderful opportunity for a true professional with heart to join this team as its new Athletic Director.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Prior Athletic Administration Experience?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Waynesboro, VA 22980: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person