Department
About the Department
Job Summary
The job manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for the University's athletics, fitness, and recreational sports programs. Develops campus-wide recreational programming to meet the demands of the University community.
Responsibilities
As leader of Lab’s Athletics Department, the Director of Athletics responsibilities include direct supervision of a team of five administrators that will expand to six; ensuring appropriate guidance and support for over 600 student athletes (335 high school, 270 middle school, and anticipated 250 in lower school) across 17 sports and over 50 teams; and guiding and supporting over 60 coaches in 94 coaching positions, as well as support staff. Oversees the recruitment, hiring, training, mentorship, evaluation, and professional growth of coaches from within Lab’s faculty and staff community and beyond.Partners closely with the principals and deans of all four divisions at Lab, to sustain and further develop the link between Athletics and other programs and initiatives, including admissions, alumni relations and development, college counseling, student support services, and academic departments. In furtherance of Lab’s mission imperative of honoring diversity, advances our aspiration of becoming an anti-bias, antiracist school, working closely with Lab’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Director of Equal Opportunity Services. Works closely with Lab's Marketing and Communications department to adhere to both University of Chicago's and Lab's brand standards including the design of uniforms, signage, SWAG, and other hard goods; to effectively promote events and programs; and to develop, write, and disseminate (via the athletics website, e-mail, and social media platforms) stories that publicize the program, coaches, and student athletes.Oversees the use and coordination of Lab’s Athletics facilities, partners with the University of Chicago regarding Lab’s use of the University’s swimming pool, tennis courts, indoor track, and baseball diamond. Coordinates the rental of community and public athletics facilities such as the Midway Plaisance, the Harold Washington Tennis Courts, the Ray and Joan Kroc Center Baseball Diamond, Jackson Park and Harborside golf courses, and Washington Park for cross-country running. Cultivates schoolwide pride in our student athletes’ efforts and successes, as well as creating and maintaining systems and structures to provide robust communications with students, employees, parents, and alumni about Athletics initiatives and endeavors.Through their leadership, vision, and communications, fosters respect for Lab’s mission and values among athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters of the program, as well as enhancing character development, a sense of community spirit, and emotional development among student athletes.With strong institutional and community support, takes advantage of a number of rewarding opportunities and productively addresses challenges in the next chapter of Lab Athletics. Leads an inclusive process to discern a long-term strategic plan for Lab Athletic facilities.Reviews Lab School’s participation-based (i.e., no cut) program approach and explores, evolves, and communicates the best philosophy and approach to support student athlete participation, inclusion, and competitiveness.Reviews the performance of teams and individual student-athletes in order to instruct and advise on technical, strategic, and mental development. Analyzes data and evaluates tapes in order to develop, implement, and teach game strategies.Counsels and advises student-athletes on their academic, personal, and physical conditions, consulting with the appropriate University staff as necessary.The Lab’s Athletics program currently supports 65% of our students in Middle School and at University High School; this will expand to include support and growth for Lower School athletes.Manages campus-wide recreational programming.Develops and implements an overall recruiting plan. Determines fiscal requirements and prepares budgetary recommendations; monitors, verifies and reconciles expenditures of budgeted funds.Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.---
Work Experience:
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree and advanced degree in relevant field.Experience:
Progressively responsible experience in athletic program administration.Background in coaching and/or teaching.Experience working in K-12 education.Working in a university or other complex bureaucracy.Experience successfully implementing a systems approach to athletic administration, including budget management, hiring, scheduling, facilities management, and communications.Preferred Competencies
Outstanding leadership and organizational skills, and proven success developing and implementing a complex, multifaceted Athletics program serving children and teens.Up-to-date awareness of best practices in coaching, professional development, program management, and community building.Strong supervision, mentorship, and support skills to foster a productive, collegial, and efficient working environment among Athletics administrative team and coaching staff.Ongoing commitment to learning and growth in skills, issues, and competencies relevant to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.Skill at building and sustaining excellent relationships at multiple levels with varied constituencies.Proven experience growing the diversity of a program or enterprise.Proven experience in developing inclusiveness, a culture of belonging, and a structure of equitable practices in Athletics and in the greater community.A student-centered approach to athletic administration and coaching.A proven record of establishing trust and respect within a community.A sense of humor and joy in working with children and teenagers, their families, and a school community.Collegial and collaborative leadership voice in relevant schoolwide topics and partner effectively with a wide variety of colleagues.Lead the Athletics program with a high level of visibility throughout the school day, during practices, and at competitions.Facility in navigating administration and bureaucracy of a complex organization.Collegial and collaborative leadership voice in relevant school wide topics and partner effectively with a wide variety of colleaguesFacility in navigating administration and bureaucracy of a complex organization.Demonstrated ability to build community connections, including with leaders in outside programs and with those who oversee community facilities.Capacity to manage and navigate the expectations of invested and aspirational students and families with grace, compassion, appropriate boundaries, and self-care.Generate and promote support and excitement with regard to Athletics programming through appropriate communications, events, and initiatives.Maintain a calm and courteous demeanor and work productively despite competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.Handle public contacts with courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy. Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.Maintain Lab’s membership and good standing with the Illinois High School Association.Ensure compliance with all athletic policies established by the Illinois State Board of Education for non-public schools, including serving as the school concussion oversight team lead.Serve as the lead for the interscholastic activities crisis plan.Support student athletes seeking to continue their careers at the college level.Working Conditions
Move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community. Move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property. When appropriate, escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation. Demonstrate skills, when appropriate.Application Docments
Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
FLSA Status
Pay Frequency
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Benefits Eligible
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
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