JOB DESCRIPTION -
School Athletic Director (ESP)
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
Reporting to the Principal and under the direction of the Executive Director, Sports Administration, the School Athletic Director plays a critical role in overseeing the development and implementation of a comprehensive high school athletics program.
The School Athletic Director will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
Monitors and supports academic performance of student-athletes
Oversees Individual Study Plan (ISP) process for academically at-risk student-athletes
Develops academic support mechanisms for benefit of student-athletes including but not limited to study hall, advising, postsecondary guidance, etc.
Directs and coordinates the fiscal operations within the department in consultation with the principal and in alignment OSA and other District policies, guidelines, and procedures
Supports the principal in athletics-related fiscal planning and making recommendations to the principal on athletics budgets, purchases, and capital improvements and contract agreements related to athletics
Assists in preparing, monitoring, and managing the athletics budget and implementing the school system budget; Coordinates department purchasing
Recommends capital improvements and negotiated contract agreements
Formulates specifications to be incorporated into contracts and bids
Serves as a consultant in the selection of supplies and materials
Supervises all ticket sales and fund-raising events of the athletic programs
Administers the receipt and disbursement of student activity funds
Assists OSA with hiring and payment of coaching staff
Supervises and guides the planning and execution of all parent volunteer organizations
Creates the schedules for all operations and activities within the departments
Issues timely announcements of up-coming events and deadlines
Schedules and pays officials, athletic trainers, ticket takers, announcers, clock operators and police for supervision of home contests
Hire, schedule and supervise lifeguards for all aquatic sports; Coordinate timely payment by ensuring all hours are submitted and approved through the timekeeping system
Arranges transportation for athletic contest participants
Verifies each athlete's eligibility for participation in each contest
Arranges all details of visiting teams' needs, as appropriate
Provides for emergency health care and first aid treatment
Arranges field, gymnasium and aquatics center practice schedules, including
arrangements for summer programs and non-school use of playing fields and
facilities if applicable
Manages contracts for every athletic contest
Coordinates with CPS for stadium usage
Coordinates with Chicago Park Districts to execute IGA’s for athletic facilities
Recommends, supervises, and evaluates staff (E.g., athletic support, trainors, Board employees who coach) and volunteer coaches) and student workers
Recruits, screens, interviews and recommends prospective coaches
Makes coaching assignment recommendations
Ensures all coaches and staff are CPS and State certification compliant and have been properly cleared through the volunteer process or are actively staffed stipend-eligible employees prior to each season
Supervises and evaluates coaching staff and other athletic staff
Supervises part-time student help including clinical hours
Develops and applies a coaching evaluation system
Supports opportunities for professional development for the coaching staff
Monitors staff time and attendance at professional meetings
Investigates complaints regarding employee conduct or performance
Encourages the development and use of new strategies and philosophies
Provides staff leadership to promote the athletic objectives of the district
Assists coaches in the handling of day-to-day problems, providing on site support and supervision during games, athletic events, after-school practices
Resolves staff problems and provides support to coaches
Coordinates the development, implementation, review, and revision of the extracurricular athletic program
Attends practices and games for purposes of evaluation and needs assessment
Attends professional conferences to keep abreast of promising instructional practices
Enforces the State and City board policy on equal educational opportunity
Develops an effective comprehensive and equal opportunities athletic program for all male and female students
Advises on modification of programs to meet individual students academic and health needs.
Investigates complaints and grievances
Participates in the work of state and national associations
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Athletic Director will possess the following qualifications:
Required Education:
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university
NIAAA Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) preferred
Completion of Developing Competitors and Mental Wellness through Positive Coaching offered through the Positive Coaches Alliance- preferred
Required Experience:
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in interscholastic sports (e.g., coaching, athletic program administration), including a minimum of (3) years of experience in sports program administration (E.g., responsibilities encompassing two or more of the larger, primary responsibilities above; athletic director, athletic program coordinator, etc.)
Supervisory experience preferred
Other Requirements:
This role requires a non-traditional schedule which includes evening and weekend hours based on the individual school’s needs, which may change seasonally; Start, end, and lunch period times are designated by the Principal, and the standard schedule must provide after-school coverage for athletic practices, games, and events
Access to reliable transportation for is required
Successful completion of all Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSA) trainings is required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong understanding of relevant 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 the athletic program, including financials
Ability to effectively recruit and motivate student athletes and coaches
Ability to make rational decisions under stressful conditions
Proficiency using technology and applications, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Google Suite, and web content editing software
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.
