This role oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive high school athletics program, reporting to the Principal and under the direction of the Executive Director, Sports Administration. The Athletic Director plays a critical role in administering extracurricular athletic programs, managing fiscal operations, and supporting facilities.
Responsibilities
Administer the extracurricular athletic programs, activities, and events
Maintain files and records required by policy, regulation, law, and best practice (Player record cards, Aspen-eligibility, physicals, transfer paperwork, transportation requests, coaching certifications)
Respond to requests for information (From OSA, IHSA, FOIA, Title IX, Law Office, colleges for recruiting, press releases)
Implement board policies and advise the administration on regulatory matters related to athletics
Assess department needs through consultation with students, staff, and parents (equipment, budgeting, transportation, upgrades to venues, technology)
Evaluate the extracurricular athletic programs and engage in long-term planning (adding or dropping programs or levels, Title IX requirements, additional coaches or trainers)
Develop and update handbooks, brochures, and policy manuals in alignment with OSA and other District policies and procedures
Develop and place into operation appropriate rules and regulations governing the conduct of athletic activities
Inform the school community about extracurricular athletic programs (through websites, emails, media, and social media)
Stay current on research, issues, and regulations related to athletic programs (academic, racial, gender, and socio-economic issues in sports)
Develop, implement, and maintain a grade check system for student athletes
Maintain and ensure that all eligibility reports and list of participation are submitted on a weekly basis
Develop and update team schedules on all school platforms for public viewing
Oversee transportation for all team travel
Develop a school safety plan for every home venue
Oversee the implementation of the insurance program covering school athletes
Complete incident reports for minor to traumatic injuries
Organize, plan, and coordinate departmental awards including recognition of alumni, former coaches, and staff
Coordinate athletic public or special events (Homecoming, Senior days, Award Ceremonies Fundraisers)
Monitor and support academic performance of student-athletes
Oversee Individual Study Plan (ISP) process for academically at-risk student-athletes
Develop academic support mechanisms for benefit of student-athletes including but not limited to study hall, advising, postsecondary guidance, etc.
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Direct and coordinate the fiscal operations within the department in consultation with the principal and in alignment with OSA and other District policies, guidelines, and procedures
Support 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
Assist in preparing, monitoring, and managing the athletics budget and implementing the school system budget
Coordinate department purchasing
Recommend capital improvements and negotiated contract agreements
Formulate specifications to be incorporated into contracts and bids
Serve as a consultant in the selection of supplies and materials
Supervise all ticket sales and fund-raising events of the athletic programs
Administer the receipt and disbursement of student activity funds
Assist OSA with hiring and payment of coaching staff
Supervise and guide the planning and execution of all parent volunteer organizations
Create the schedules for all operations and activities within the departments
Issue timely announcements of up-coming events and deadlines
Schedule and pay 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
Arrange transportation for athletic contest participants
Verify each athlete's eligibility for participation in each contest
Arrange all details of visiting teams' needs, as appropriate
Provide for emergency health care and first aid treatment
Arrange field, gymnasium, and aquatics center practice schedules, including arrangements for summer programs and non-school use of playing fields and facilities if applicable
Manage contracts for every athletic contest
Coordinate with CPS for stadium usage
Coordinate with Chicago Park Districts to execute IGA’s for athletic facilities
Recommend, supervise, and evaluate staff (e.g., athletic support, trainers, Board employees who coach) and volunteer coaches and student workers
Recruit, screen, interview, and recommend prospective coaches
Make coaching assignment recommendations
Ensure 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
Supervise and evaluate coaching staff and other athletic staff
Supervise part-time student help including clinical hours
Develop and apply a coaching evaluation system
Support opportunities for professional development for the coaching staff
Monitor staff time and attendance at professional meetings
Investigate complaints regarding employee conduct or performance
Encourage the development and use of new strategies and philosophies
Provide staff leadership to promote the athletic objectives of the district
Assist coaches in the handling of day-to-day problems, providing on-site support and supervision during games, athletic events, after-school practices
Resolve staff problems and provide support to coaches
Coordinate the development, implementation, review, and revision of the extracurricular athletic program
Attend practices and games for purposes of evaluation and needs assessment
Attend professional conferences to keep abreast of promising instructional practices
Enforce the State and City board policy on equal educational opportunity
Develop an effective comprehensive and equal opportunities athletic program for all male and female students
Advise on modification of programs to meet individual students' academic and health needs
Investigate complaints and grievances
Participate in the work of state and national associations
Support facilities management and day-to-day facility operations
Maintain athletic facilities and ensure all premises are properly locked and secured after daily use and events
Inspect buildings, grounds, machines, and equipment
Issue repair orders and provide specifications for maintenance of athletic facilities/fields
Determine safety and obsolescence of equipment
Enforce compliance with occupational health and safety codes and standards
Oversee maintenance of swimming pools in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition
Recommend watering and spraying schedules for school athletic fields
Order and oversee repairs or replacement of defective parts
Assist in the development of specifications for construction projects
Assist in identifying and using community resources for the athletic program
Procure space for teams outside of CPS facilities
Establish a positive image for departments within the school and the community
Interact and aid in the development of feeder programs
Plan and supervise an annual recognition program for school athletes
Keep records of the results of school athletic contests, maintain a record file of all award winners, and announcement of athletic scholarships
Conduct in-season team meetings to review student code of conduct
Maintain appropriate professional relationships with parents, parent groups (e.g., Athletic Boosters), school volunteers, and outside agencies
Respond to requests for information
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university
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.)
Successful completion of all Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSA) trainings is required
Nice to have:
NIAAA Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA)
Completion of Developing Competitors and Mental Wellness through Positive Coaching offered through the Positive Coaches Alliance
Supervisory experience
Important Details
Schedule: non-traditional, includes evening and weekend hours based on 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 is required
About the Company
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. The district is focused on ensuring that resources are provided equitably to support every student, school, and community.
