ATHLETIC DIRECTOR (PART-TIME, WITH FULL-TIME PATHWAY)
About The Position
Davis School Chicago is seeking a founding Athletic Director to establish and lead its interscholastic athletics program. This part-time position, with a potential full-time pathway, involves building the program from the ground up, including eligibility, schedules, coaches, safety, and culture. The role reports to the Principal and is crucial in shaping the future of athletics at the new school, which opens in fall 2027 in downtown Chicago. The Athletic Director will be responsible for compliance with IHSA rules, safety protocols, coach recruitment and development, scheduling, budget management, and fostering a positive athletic culture. The school emphasizes education-based athletics, character development, and a blend of tradition and innovation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Experience in interscholastic athletics administration or head-coaching leadership required
- Knowledge of IHSA rules and the Chicago-market athletics landscape is a plus
- College-preparatory, independent, Jewish day or faith-based school experience is a plus
- Evidence of programs that ran clean, safe, and on time, and teams young people loved.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s preferred in Athletic Administration, Sport Management, Education, or a related field
- NIAAA certification (Registered or Certified Athletic Administrator) preferred, or willingness to pursue it.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the school’s designee for IHSA administration, including eligibility certification, state-series entries, and rules-meeting credits.
- Verify and track coach credentials and employment in compliance with IHSA by-laws.
- Administer transfer, residence, and eligibility documentation accurately and on time.
- Maintain emergency action plans and concussion protocols in partnership with the school’s certified Athletic Trainer.
- Vet and coordinate transportation and off-site practice and contest logistics.
- Ensure equipment, facilities, and playing conditions meet safety standards.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, mentor, and evaluate coaches for each season’s teams.
- Run pre-season coach meetings covering rules, safety certifications, and school standards.
- Build a coaching culture where competition builds character and every athlete is developed.
- Build each season’s contest schedule and contract opponents and officials.
- Coordinate practice schedules across the school’s downtown campus and partner sites.
- Prepare and manage the athletics budget, equipment, and uniform cycles.
- Communicate schedules, expectations, and eligibility rules clearly to families.
- Champion sportsmanship and the visible, joyful presence of athletics in school life.
- Represent Davis Chicago athletics with the IHSA, conference partners, and the broader community.
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events as scoped for a part-time role.
Benefits
- Paid leave and paid sick leave accrue as required by law
- This position is not eligible for the school’s benefits package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
