Athletic Director

Title: Athletic Director Classification: Exempt

Department: Student Life Status: Full-Time, 12-month

Reports to: Head of Student Life Hired by: Head of Schools

School Description

Founded in Chicago in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools at Sheridan Road (Hardey Preparatory for Boys and Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls) are independent, Catholic, single-sex elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian, faith-based community. The educational mission is deeply rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart and shared with the Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in 30 countries: including 25 schools in the United States and Canada. The essence of this tradition is the total development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. In first through eighth grades, girls and boys are taught in single gender classrooms but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities. With a total enrollment of approximately 515 students, the Schools are organized into three academic divisions each led by a division head.

School Description

The Athletic Director upholds the mission of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools as expressed in the Goals and Criteria and the mission statement of Sacred Heart Schools. The Athletic Director is responsible to the Head of Student Life and is a member of the Student Life department. They are the primary organizer, coordinator, and supervisor of the interscholastic sports program for the Lower and Middle Schools (Grades 3-8).

Essential Job Functions:

Staff Recruitment and Coordination

• Recruit, interview, and recommend coaching staff for hire in partnership with Human Resources
• Oversee the Work Study Program for coach recruitment, working closely with the Human Resources Department
  
  

Sports Program Management

• Coordinating all regular league sports programs and develop additional conference games during the season
• Scheduling all games, practices, and meets in coordination with league officials
• Ensure appropriate staffing for referees, umpires, and event supervision
• Coordinating game and practice schedules with the Administration
• Attend Big Ten Conference and Council CCYL meetings during the season
• Creating and maintaining all required health records for students participating in the sports program through Magnus Health
  
  

Communication and Liaison

• Serve as the liaison between parents, coaches, and administration to ensure alignment and transparency
• Managing all communications (parents, coaches, teachers, and athletes), internal and external, about the sports program
• Providing sports calendars and team rosters to parents and administration
  
  

Event and Facility Management

• Providing supervision for all home games in the gymnasium, including set-up, running clocks, and scorekeeper’s tables
• Coordinating the concessions for all home games
• Organizing end-of-year sports assemblies
• Collaborating with the Student Life department on Field Day
  
  

Equipment and Resources

• Purchase, distribute, and maintain athletic uniforms equipment
• Maintaining school athletic web page and ensuring all information is current
  
  

Relationships and Community Building

• Partner with Student Life and Administration to ensure students can explore all interests
• Coordinating the Parents Athletic Advisory Council and Student Athletic Advisory Council
• Build and maintain a solid relationship with the league directors and officials
• Contributing to the “sports news” section in the weekly News notes
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and enjoyable sports environment for all participants
  
  

Other

• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Education:

Qualities and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree and/or Type 75 Certification preferred
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum of three years’ experience in elementary school athletics, programming development, and coaching
• Management experience required, including managing a variety of staff (direct reports and coaches)
• Proven experience in creating, managing and maintaining budgets and athletic program finances
  
  

Skills And Abilities:

• Strong relationship building skills with students, parents, staff, community members, and league officials
• Familiarity with local leagues and associations (CCYL, IESA, etc.)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and follow-through skills
• Ability to collaborate well with a team
• Flexible, patient, and able to solve problems, including de-escalating stressful situations
• Energetic, approachable, and engaging personality that supports a positive school culture
  
  

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Experience with Blackbaud (or similar management system) and sports management system preferred
  
  

Availability:

• Must be available on weeknights and weekends for all athletic-related events
  
  

Pay Range: $72,000 - $88,000 Based on experience

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Tuition Remission
• Paid time off
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Retirement Benefits
• Parental Leave
  
  

To Apply

Apply directly at the School's website (www.shschicago.org) in the Career Opportunities section, submitting a cover letter and resume.

Sacred Heart Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate