Athletic Director

Who We Are
Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60, where we serve over 14,000 students from preschool through grade 12 on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. With one early learning center, 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, and two high school campuses, we are committed to providing an inspiring, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the communities of Waukegan, Beach Park, and Park City.

Why We Do This Work
The Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 has set an ambitious agenda for change, guided by the belief that all children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels, and academic gaps can and will be eliminated with the support of teachers who deliver engaging, relevant, and academically rigorous instruction that excites students and instills a love of learning in them.

Position Description: The Athletic Director, under the supervision of the Waukegan High School Co-Principals, provides leadership, management, and oversight of all interscholastic and intramural athletic programs for the high school. This position ensures compliance with Illinois High School Association (IHSA) regulations, district policies, and school objectives while fostering a safe, inclusive, and competitive environment that promotes student-athlete growth and achievement. The Athletic Director supervises coaches and athletic staff, manages program operations and budgets, and serves as the primary liaison among students, staff, families, and the community to ensure a high-quality, well-organized athletic experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, organize, and administer all interscholastic and intramural athletic programs, ensuring alignment with the philosophy, goals, and objectives of Waukegan High School and District #60.
• Supervise and develop coaches, with the support from the Manager(s) and Assistants, fostering professional growth, accountability, and high performance.
• Oversee, recruit, and mentor athletic staff and coaches by setting clear expectations, providing ongoing feedback, and ensuring alignment with district standards—fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, accountability, and continuous improvement across athletic programs.
• Meet regularly with coaches to review program goals, evaluate progress, and ensure consistent alignment with instructional and extracurricular priorities.

• Ensure compliance with Illinois High School Association (IHSA) by-laws, state and federal regulations, and district policies, while keeping staff updated on rule changes.
• Contract game officials and manage payments and vouchers.
• Purchase equipment and uniforms; maintain inventory and oversee returns.
• Supervise game-day operations including ticketing, crowd control, and staffing.
• Coordinate fundraising, sponsorships, and public relations efforts.
• Coordinate scheduling and logistics for athletic contests and events, including officials, facilities, transportation, security, and supervision.
• Develop, oversee, and monitor the athletic budget, ensuring equitable allocation of resources, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to district financial policies.
• Promote safety and well-being by establishing and enforcing clear procedures for locker rooms, facilities, and athletic equipment use.

• Support student-athlete success by reinforcing academic requirements, sportsmanship, and personal growth as part of the athletic experience.
• Coordinate and supervise recognition events, including seasonal athletic awards programs, to celebrate student achievement.
• Ensure adherence to and enforcement of the co-curricular code of conduct for student-athletes.

• Enhance communication and public relations by preparing bulletins, reports, and updates, while promoting athletics as an integral part of the school and community.
• Represent the school at conferences, IHSA meetings, and district-level committees, serving as a visible advocate for athletics and student success.
• Maintain accurate student-athlete records, including eligibility, physical examinations, parental permissions, insurance, and awards documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Sports Administration, Physical Education, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Principal Endorsement (or legacy Administrative Endorsement).
• Minimum of four (4) years of successful full-time teaching or school support experience while holding a valid PEL.
• Ability to adhere to applicable Illinois School Code, ISBE regulations, district policies, and state and federal laws.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
• Demonstrated knowledge of athletic program administration, budgeting, and compliance with Illinois High School Association (IHSA) regulations and Title IX requirements.
• Demonstrated understanding of student eligibility, safety, and risk management practices.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and evaluate staff effectively, fostering professional growth and ensuring accountability for high-quality performance.
• Ability to plan, manage, and monitor departmental budgets and resources.
• Demonstrated communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively with teachers, staff, parents, students, and diverse individuals and groups across all ages, backgrounds, and educational levels.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and problem-solve effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to cultural competence, equity, inclusion, social justice, and the empowerment and well-being of children, families, and communities.

Preferred

• Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership, Sports Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Head Coach of a sport or athletic program.
• Prior experience as an Assistant Principal, Dean, or Assistant Athletic Director at the secondary level.
• Certification from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) or Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) designation.
• Demonstrated success improving student participation, athletic achievement, and program equity.
• Experience managing large athletic budgets, facility scheduling, and capital improvement projects.
• Experience in crisis management, event safety, and emergency preparedness planning for extracurricular activities.
• Experience in diverse, urban school districts.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) or multilingual proficiency.

Terms of Employment: 12 months

Compensation: Per Salary Schedule - Non-Contract Administrators

Benefits
Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans (TRS and voluntary 403(b)); Employee Assistance Program (EAP); flexible spending accounts; wellness programs; and additional services such as identity theft protection and LegalShield. Refer to the Waukegan Community School District #60 Employee Benefits site for specific eligibility requirements and options.

Pre-employment Background Checks
Employment with Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, fingerprinting, and all required pre-employment screenings, including checks of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database, as mandated by Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-21.9). When applicable, employment is also contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test. Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 complies with all applicable state and federal laws governing employment practices.

Reasonable Accommodations
Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act, and applicable state and local laws. If you require assistance or accommodation in completing any part of the application process, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (224) 303-1021.

Application Process
Candidates must submit an online application via the District website www.wps.org by the closing date. Only online positions will be considered. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (224) 303-1021.

EEO Commitment
Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital or military/veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, genetics, disability, or any other protected category in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.