Junior Cougar Athletic Director

Diocese of Lansing•Lansing, MI

12h

About The Position

Lansing Catholic High School is seeking an energetic, passionate, and relationship-driven leader to guide and grow its youth athletic programs for students in grades K–8. This is a program-building leadership role focused on shaping the Junior Cougar experience—not simply administering programs. The Athletic Director will identify opportunities for growth, develop relationships, and bring creative ideas to life while building a positive and sustainable athletic pathway for young athletes. The role will develop a youth sports experience that offers community-based recreational opportunities emphasizing participation, enjoyment, and family engagement, alongside appropriate competitive programs for older teams. Athletics are intended to support young people’s development, strengthen families, build community, and connect students with Lansing Catholic High School and its mission. The Junior Cougar Athletic Director will work collaboratively with Catholic partner schools, the Lansing Catholic Athletic Department, coaches, families, volunteers, and community partners. The role includes program leadership and strategy, community relationship-building, coach and athlete development, and coordination of schedules, facilities, registrations, communications, budgets, equipment, and program logistics. The successful candidate will support an inclusive, welcoming environment and ensure programs follow applicable school policies, safety procedures, and diocesan requirements. Candidates should bring initiative, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for youth sports, and a commitment to age-appropriate development and character formation. Experience in youth athletics, coaching, athletic administration, recreation management, or related fields is preferred. Familiarity with Catholic education and school communities is also preferred. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume through the online application.

Requirements

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple sports, schedules, people, and responsibilities with attention to detail.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with students, parents, coaches, school leaders, volunteers, partner schools, and community members.
Initiative, creativity, problem-solving ability, and follow-through without needing constant direction.
Passion for youth sports and an understanding of developmentally appropriate, enjoyable experiences focused on the whole child.
Commitment to developing character, leadership, resilience, sportsmanship, and lifelong values through athletics.
Support for the Catholic identity and mission of Lansing Catholic High School and an understanding of athletics’ role in developing young people of faith, character, and service.

Nice To Haves

Experience in youth athletics, coaching, athletic administration, recreation management, or related fields.
Demonstrated ability to build, organize, and lead programs or community initiatives.
Experience working with youth, parents, coaches, and volunteers.
Understanding of the developmental needs of elementary and middle school athletes.
Familiarity with Catholic education and school communities.

Responsibilities

Provide vision and direction for the continued development and growth of Junior Cougar athletics.
Identify opportunities to expand participation and improve existing programs.
Develop a youth athletic experience balancing participation, skill development, enjoyment, and appropriate competition.
Build a sustainable progression from introductory youth sports to competitive opportunities for older athletes.
Connect Junior Cougar programs with partner schools and Lansing Catholic High School.
Collaborate with the Lansing Catholic Athletic Department to align youth programs with the school’s mission, values, and athletic philosophy.
Serve as the primary connection among Junior Cougar athletics, partner schools, coaches, families, and the Lansing Catholic community.
Build positive relationships with school administrators, parents, volunteers, and community partners.
Create a welcoming, inclusive, and family-friendly athletic environment.
Promote community engagement through athletic events, youth nights, camps, and other activities.
Represent Junior Cougar athletics as a visible, approachable, and enthusiastic ambassador.
Recruit, support, and develop youth coaches who value positive coaching and age-appropriate athlete development.
Set expectations for sportsmanship, communication, character, and the student-athlete experience.
Promote effort, teamwork, accountability, personal growth, and enjoyment.
Support competitive programs for older teams while maintaining a focus on athletes’ overall development.
Help ensure every athlete has the opportunity for a meaningful and positive experience, regardless of ability.
Coordinate schedules, facilities, registrations, communications, and program logistics.
Work with partner schools and the Lansing Catholic Athletic Department to maximize resources and opportunities.
Assist with budgets, equipment needs, program fees, and responsible financial management.
Ensure programs follow applicable school policies, safety procedures, and diocesan requirements.
Evaluate programs and identify ways to improve the experience for athletes, coaches, and families.