Middle School Director of Athletics (rev.10302026)

Ensworth School • Nashville, TN

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Ensworth School seeks a dynamic and visionary Middle School Director of Athletics to advance its commitment to transformative student experiences. The role leads the Middle School Athletics Department and helps shape a school-wide culture around athletics and physical education. Responsibilities include department budget management, athletic event coordination, coach hiring and supervision, and compliance with relevant regulations and policies.

The Director serves on the Red Gables Leadership Team and contributes to a strategic plan for athletics that engages the school community. Working closely with the High School Director of Athletics, the role also helps develop and implement a cohesive grades 5–12 athletic program, connecting teams across divisions and supporting broader athletic initiatives. The Director communicates program expectations and behavioral guidelines, promotes inclusive and positive events, and works collaboratively with school departments to support students’ educational experience.

The position is based on campus, with limited remote work possible only by written prior approval and at the School’s discretion. It involves work in offices, gyms, outdoors, and across campus, and may require flexible hours to support before- and after-school or weekend events. Continued training may take place outside normal working hours or during summer months. Candidates must submit an online application, cover letter, résumé, and statement of philosophy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• At least three years of athletic management experience.
• A record of successful, transformative leadership, team development, effective communication, and purpose-driven investment in sports and physical wellness.
• Experience collaborating with a wide range of constituencies to inspire diverse groups toward a common goal.
• Experience and skills in fiscal management and budget planning.
• Basic ability to use computers and technology, including Microsoft Windows, Office products, basic office equipment, projectors, and mechanical equipment.
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with students, coworkers, parents, alumni, volunteers, and the public.
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification.
• Ability to work flexibly to support before- and after-school or weekend events.
• Ability to occasionally move items or students weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions and to handle a stressful environment, deadlines, varied challenges, and diverse contacts.
• Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including working at a computer and desk for extended periods, observing students at varying distances, and moving around facilities and campus.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• Athletic management experience in an independent school or college setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Abide by Ensworth’s Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct and adhere to the school’s mission, vision, diversity, equity and inclusion statement, and essential expectations for faculty, staff, or administrators.
• Lead athletics and physical education with a vision for coach development in coaching strategies and motivational best practices.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop strategies to retain coaches who align with the school’s values.
• Develop, organize, and supervise a developmentally appropriate Middle School athletics program that is vertically aligned with the high school program.
• Adhere to the Ensworth Middle School Athletic Policy and promote the Ensworth Expectations of a Fan.
• Communicate athletic programming, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other relevant information to students, parents, and other constituencies.
• Promote a positive and inclusive atmosphere at games and events.
• Work cohesively with school departments to provide a seamless educational experience for students.
• Coordinate athletic events, including scheduling, officiating, transportation, facility use, and venue preparation.
• Ensure enforcement of athlete safety protocols.
• Foster relationships between Middle School and high school athletic teams.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to onboard outside coaches and ensure they complete required coaching courses.
• Oversee the Middle School athletics website and keep rosters, schedules, results, and other information current and accurate.
• Develop and manage the Middle School Athletics Department budget.
• Work with the Director of Auxiliary Programs to coordinate athletics with Ensworth offerings during the school year and summer.
• Serve as a member of the Red Gables Leadership Team and help develop an athletic department strategic plan that engages the school community.
• Work with the High School Director of Athletics to develop and implement a cohesive grades 5–12 athletic program and support cross-division initiatives.
• Complete other duties assigned by the High School Director of Athletics.
• Participate periodically in continued education or training identified by the employee and/or divisional leadership or supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager