Athletic Director - IDEA Greater Cincinnati (Future Vacancy for 2026-27)

IDEA Public Schools•Cincinnati, OH

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Athletic Director serves as the campus leader responsible for developing, managing, and executing a high-quality athletic program aligned to IDEA Public Schools’ mission. This role ensures athletics drives student engagement, academic success, and community connection while maintaining operational excellence and compliance. The Athletic Director will report to the Regional Director of Program Innovation and fulfill monthly time and effort expectations. Athletics at IDEA is a strategic lever to prepare scholars for success in college, career, and life through discipline, teamwork, and character development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required with preference towards degree in Physical Education, Sports Management, or Sports Administration
2-5 years of youth coaching experience in K-12 education and/or competitive AAU, club, or select sports.
Valid Pupil Activity Permit or the ability to obtain a Pupil Activity Permit
Record of results managing sports logistics, parent communication, and creating a culture of high-expectations
Believes and is committed to our mission and being an agent of change: that all students are capable of getting to and through college
Has demonstrated effective outcomes and results, and wants to be held accountable for them
Has a propensity for action, willing to make mistakes by doing in order to learn and improve quickly
Works with urgency and purpose to drive student outcomes
Thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment; is comfortable with ambiguity and change
Seeks and responds well to feedback, which is shared often and freely across all levels of the organization
Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationships in order to achieve outcomes
Demonstrates problem solving, adaptability and flexibility.
Good mathematical skills and basic finance understanding.

Nice To Haves

Preference towards degree in Physical Education, Sports Management, or Sports Administration

Responsibilities

Build and sustain a strong, positive athletic culture that promotes teamwork, discipline, and character.
Maintain consistent visibility on campus (2–3 weekly visits during school hours), conducting check-ins with coaches, players, and school leaders as applicable.
Lead communication and engagement with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders.
Facilitate preseason meetings with coaches, student-athletes, and families.
Work side-by-side Regional Director of Program Innovation to develop and execute a clear vision and monthly process for an exemplar Sports Program.
Oversee all aspects of athletic program operations, including scheduling, transportation, and event management.
Ensure seamless execution of all home games aligned to standardized game-day minute by minute procedures.
Attend and supervise all athletic events (home and away) to ensure quality and safety.
Coordinate practice schedules and ensure clear communication to all stakeholders.
Lead sport-specific coaches in the distribution, inventory, and collection of uniforms and equipment.
Lead management of transportation fleet/van collaboration and coordination of student athlete transportation via transportation partner (First Student).
Coordinate referees and officials for home events (via Dragonfly).
Ensure full compliance with IDEA policies, Athletic Playbook standards, and OHSAA regulations.
Verify coach certifications, agreements, and required documentation (e.g., Pupil Activity Permits).
Monitor student-athlete eligibility, including academics, physicals, and required forms.
In partnership with school Student Information System Coordinator/registrar, create reports to determine student eligibility.
Deliver weekly communication to staff, families, and stakeholders with key athletic updates.
Maintain strong relationships with campus leadership through regular check-ins.
Lead bi-weekly to monthly meetings with coaching staff to ensure alignment and accountability.
Promote athletics through campus visibility (announcements, flyers, events).
Support student participation, attendance, and persistence through athletics.
Foster partnerships and community engagement opportunities.
Contribute to building a competitive and sustainable athletic program.
Design and execute a scope and sequence for professional development for coaches.
Facilitate monthly observations of coaching staff at athletic events adhere to staff development cycle according to district's vision.
Lead sourcing, selection, and hiring of coaching staff.