High School Athletic Director

TITLE: High School Athletic Director  

DEPARTMENT: Athletics (The Athletics Program at GCA includes both IHSAA recognized sports as well as others, currently including bowling, cheerleading, and archery.)

JOB TYPE: 12-Month Contract, Full-Time-Exempt

REPORTS TO:  High School Principal

SUPERVISES:  Middle School/Assistant Athletic Director, Athletics Coordinator, Athletics Chaplain, Coaches

WORK SCHEDULE: Variable Hours (Office hours 8 am - 4 pm with availability to work evenings and weekends to support athletic events through flex scheduling) 

POSITION OBJECTIVE: To provide visionary, Christ-centered leadership for the school's athletic programs, fostering spiritual, academic, and athletic growth in student athletes; to oversee coaches, staff, and resources effectively; and to ensure that all athletic activities reflect the school's mission, values, and commitment to excellence. 

QUALIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: The employee is a Christian with an authentic and mature personal relationship with Jesus Christ, demonstrated in both their professional and personal life, and has a calling and commitment to Christian education. They are dedicated to the mission of Christian education and align fully with GCA’s Statement of Faith and Employee Covenant. Please review our Statement of Faith Agreement.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:  

• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Sports Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in athletics administration or educational leadership.
• Minimum of 5 years of coaching experience preferred.
• NIAAA certified and IDOE Administrator’s license preferred.
• Extensive Knowledge of IHSAA rules, policies, and eligibility procedures.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Develop and implement a Christ-centered athletic vision that aligns with the school's mission and values.
• Plan and manage athletic programs, schedules, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Recruit, mentor, and support coaches, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Promote spiritual, academic, and athletic development in student-athletes.
• Communicate clearly and build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
• Handle conflicts and behavioral issues with grace, fairness, and biblical principles.
• Demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning.
• Apply technical skills for program management, safety protocols, and data-driven decision making.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Exemplifies Christian discipleship and sportsmanship while maintaining active visibility within the school and local community.
• Develops and executes both short- and long-term strategic plans to foster athletic growth, excellence, and success.
• Leads and directs the athletic staff, athletic chaplain, coaches, and partners, providing guidance, mentorship, and accountability.
• Recruits, mentors, and retains qualified, Christ-centered coaches to strengthen the athletic program both spiritually and athletically.
• The High School Athletic Director will not typically serve as a coach. If no qualified coach is available, the AD may temporarily fill the role for that season, with a permanent coach sought in the offseason. 
• Attends all County and Conference AD meetings, as well as yearly IHSAA mandatory meetings, to ensure compliance and collaboration.
• Ensures compliance with federal regulations and IHSAA standards, including the management of all athletic-related club sports.
• Oversees sports field management, including planning for future athletic facilities.
• Communicates promptly, clearly, and effectively with all stakeholders, fostering transparency and collaboration.
• Leads the athletic program’s website and social media strategy, managing content, updates, and engagement.
• Coordinates media relations, including press releases, credentials, and confirmation of appearances.
• Creates and distributes schedules for all athletic programs, including practices, competitions, locations, and team rosters.
• Partners with the GCA Advancement Department to support fundraising initiatives.
• Develops and maintains the Athletic and Coaches’ Handbook with annual updates, ensuring consistency and clarity.
• Plans team award programs, high school year-end award celebrations, and maintains athlete award history, including team and individual records for all sports.
• Collaborates with the Head of School, High School Principal, and Controller to develop and manage the athletic budget and monthly billing.
• Confirms eligibility and certification of all student-athletes for participation in programs.
• Builds and strengthens community partnerships.

The above description covers the most significant duties performed, but does not restrict the administration’s right to assign or reassign other reasonable duties, responsibilities, or expectations to this job at any time, with or without advance notice.  The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Employee is responsible for additional duties, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:   

This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly, as well as frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching throughout the workday. Employee must be able to climb ladders, use step stools, and work at heights as needed, and must have the manual dexterity required to operate tools, equipment, and cleaning supplies safely and effectively. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors, and exposure to the elements is expected—especially when crossing campus or assisting with event preparation and management. As such, the ability to adapt to changes in temperature and humidity is necessary. The role may also involve exposure to excessive noise in certain environments, such as gymnasiums or maintenance areas. While some tasks may require the use of a computer or monitor screen for communication or reporting, the majority of duties are physically active. The position may involve working independently, collaboratively with others, or as part of a team. Physical stamina, alertness, and the ability to respond quickly to emergency situations to assist students are essential.