Temporary School Athletic Director

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Athletic Director oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive high school athletics program. The position reports to the Principal and works under the direction of the Executive Director, Sports Administration. The role includes administering athletic programs and events, supporting student-athletes’ academic performance and eligibility, managing departmental budgets and operations, coordinating facilities and transportation, and recruiting and supervising coaches and staff. A Licensed School Athletic Director also uses a valid PEL and administrative endorsement to support the Principal, provides on-site coverage at athletic activities, oversees safety and security protocols, and may serve as the primary on-site administrator when school leadership is absent. The position requires a non-traditional schedule that may include evenings and weekends, with after-school coverage for practices, games, and events. Start, end, and lunch times are designated by the Principal and may vary seasonally. Reliable transportation is required. CPS employees must establish and maintain residency within Chicago’s geographic boundaries within six months of hire and throughout employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Minimum of five years of experience in interscholastic sports, including at least three years in sports program administration.
For Licensed School Athletic Director roles only: valid Professional Educator License (PEL) and Administrative Endorsement or PK–12 Principal Endorsement.
Successful completion of all Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSA) trainings.
Reliable transportation access.
Strong understanding of athletic administration rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
Ability to coordinate and manage all aspects of an athletic program, including financial operations.
Ability to recruit and motivate student-athletes and coaches effectively.
Ability to make rational decisions under stressful conditions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), Google Suite, and web content editing software.
Ability to establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of CPS hire and throughout employment.
Availability for a non-traditional schedule, including evening and weekend hours as needed, and after-school coverage for practices, games, and events.

Nice To Haves

NIAAA Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA).
Completion of Developing Competitors and Mental Wellness through Positive Coaching offered through the Positive Coaches Alliance.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Administer extracurricular athletic programs, activities, and events.
Maintain athletic records and documentation required by policy, regulation, law, and best practice, including athlete records, eligibility, physicals, transfers, transportation requests, and coaching certifications.
Respond to information requests from relevant district offices, agencies, organizations, colleges, and the public.
Implement board policies and advise school administration on athletics-related regulatory matters.
Assess departmental needs with students, staff, and parents, including equipment, budgets, transportation, venue upgrades, and technology.
Evaluate athletic programs and conduct long-term planning, including program offerings, Title IX requirements, coaching, and trainer needs.
Develop and update athletic handbooks, brochures, policy manuals, rules, and regulations consistent with district policies and procedures.
Communicate athletic program information to the school community through websites, email, media, and social media.
Stay current on research, issues, and regulations related to academic, racial, gender, and socioeconomic matters in sports.
Develop and maintain a grade-check system and submit eligibility reports and participation lists weekly.
Update team schedules on school platforms and oversee team transportation and travel arrangements.
Develop a safety plan for each home venue, oversee athlete insurance, and complete injury incident reports.
Plan departmental awards and recognition, and coordinate public and special events such as homecoming, senior days, award ceremonies, and fundraisers.
Monitor student-athletes’ academic performance, oversee Individual Study Plans for academically at-risk athletes, and develop academic support such as study halls, advising, and postsecondary guidance.
Direct departmental fiscal operations in consultation with the Principal and in alignment with district policies; assist with budget preparation and management, purchasing, capital planning, and athletics-related contracts.
Supervise ticket sales and fundraising, administer student activity funds, and assist the Office of Sports Administration with hiring and payment of coaching staff.
Guide parent volunteer organizations and create schedules for departmental operations and activities.
Schedule and arrange payment for officials, athletic trainers, ticket takers, announcers, clock operators, and police for home contests; hire and supervise lifeguards for aquatic sports and ensure timekeeping is completed.
Verify athlete eligibility for contests, arrange visiting-team needs, provide for emergency health care and first aid, and manage contest contracts.
Schedule practices and use of fields, gymnasiums, and aquatic facilities, including summer programs and non-school use where applicable.
Coordinate stadium use with CPS and athletic-facility agreements with the Chicago Park District; procure outside space for teams when needed.
Recruit, screen, interview, and recommend coaches; make coaching assignments; and ensure coaches and staff meet CPS and state certification and clearance requirements.
Supervise, guide, and evaluate athletic staff, coaches, volunteers, and student workers; develop a coaching evaluation system and support professional development.
Monitor staff time and attendance, investigate employee conduct or performance complaints, and support coaches with day-to-day issues and on-site supervision.
Coordinate development, implementation, review, and revision of the athletic program; attend practices, games, and professional conferences for evaluation and learning.
Enforce equal educational opportunity policies and develop an effective, comprehensive, and equitable athletics program for all students; advise on program modifications for individual academic and health needs and investigate complaints and grievances.
Participate in state and national associations and provide staff leadership supporting district athletic objectives.
Support facilities management and daily operations; maintain facilities and ensure premises are secured after use and events.
Inspect buildings, grounds, machines, and equipment; issue repair orders, assess equipment safety and obsolescence, enforce health and safety standards, and oversee repairs and replacements.
Oversee pool cleanliness and safety, recommend field watering and spraying schedules, and assist with construction project specifications.
Identify and use community resources, develop feeder programs, establish positive community relationships, and maintain professional relationships with parents, volunteers, and outside agencies.
Maintain contest results, award-winner records, and scholarship announcements; conduct in-season team meetings to review the student code of conduct.
For Licensed School Athletic Directors, use the required PEL and administrative endorsement to support the Principal, provide on-site athletic-event coverage, oversee safety and security, resolve on-site student discipline incidents, and manage building access, facilities oversight, and secure lockup when school leadership is absent.
Perform other duties as assigned.