High School Athletic Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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:

• Utilizes valid PEL and Administrative Endorsement / PK-12 Principal Endorsement to support Principal

  • Provides on-site coverage athletic practices, games, and events 

  • Oversee district safety and security protocols and promptly resolve student discipline incidents on-site 

  • Serves as the primary on-site administrator in the absence of school leadership to manage building access, facilities oversight, and secure lockup

• Administers the extracurricular athletic programs, activities, and events 

  • Maintains files and records required by policy, regulation, law, and best practice (Player record cards, Aspen-eligibility, physicals, transfer paperwork, transportation requests, coaching certifications)

  • Responds to requests for information (From OSA, IHSA, FOIA, Title IX, Law Office, colleges for recruiting, press releases)

  • Implements board policies and advises the administration on regulatory matters related to athletics 

  • Assesses department needs through consultation with students, staff, and parents (equipment, budgeting, transportation, upgrades to venues, technology)

  • Evaluates the extracurricular athletic programs and engages in long-term planning (adding or dropping programs or levels, Title IX requirements, additional coaches or trainers)

  • Develops and updates handbooks, brochures, and policy manuals in alignment with OSA and other District policies and procedures; Develops and places into operation appropriate rules and regulations governing the conduct of athletic activities 

  • Informs the school community about extracurricular athletic programs (through websites, emails, media, and social media)

  • Stays current on research, issues, and regulations related to athletic programs (academic, racial, gender, and socio-economic issues in sports)

  • Develops, implements, and maintains a grade check system for student athletes

  • Maintains and ensures that all eligibility reports and lists of participation are submitted on a weekly basis 

  • Develops and updates team schedules on all school platforms for public viewing 

  • Oversees transportation for all team travel

  • Develops a school safety plan for every home venue

  • Oversees the implementation of the insurance program covering school athletes 

  • Complete incident reports for minor to traumatic injuries

  • Organizes, plans, and coordinates departmental awards, including recognition of alumni, former coaches, and staff

  • Coordinates athletic public or special events. (Homecoming, Senior days, Award Ceremonies, Fundraisers)

• Monitors and supports the academic performance of student-athletes
  

  • Oversees Individual Study Plan (ISP) process for academically at-risk student-athletes

  • Develops academic support mechanisms for the 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 with 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 fundraising 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 upcoming 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 the Chicago Park District to execute IGA's for athletic facilities

• Recommends, supervises, and evaluates staff (E.g., athletic support, trainers, 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, and 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.