Position Type:
Athletics/Activities

Date Posted:
12/6/2023

Location:
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School

Position Posting: Athletic Director

Background Information:
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, sponsored by the Mercy Education System of the Americas, is a Catholic college preparatory, all-girls high school, located on the southwest side of Chicago. With a balanced vision of academic excellence, cultural wealth in the liberal arts, athletic achievement, and a strong spiritual life, Mother McAuley is a place young women grow as compassionate, responsible, and productive Christian leaders. It is through our innovative liberal arts and college-preparatory program that students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they will need to meet the demands of a fast-changing world as decision makers and leaders guided by strong Mercy values. As such, we seek professionals who are committed and capable to fulfill this incredible mission.

Position Summary:
Mother McAuley seeks an Athletic Director who (1) understands how to leverage the unique opportunities for growth and advancement of female athletics at the high school level;(2) fosters high standards of integrity, athletic excellence, and academic success; (3) has strong management and fiscal skills; (4) is able to develop excellent relationships with both internal and external constituents; (5) directs and hires coaches who are committed not only to winning but to the welfare of student athletes and to compliance with the rules; (6) has a vision for the athletic department; and (7) serves as the school liaison with athletic organizations, other educational institutions' athletic directors and local community athletic programs.

Essential Duties (other duties may be assigned):

• Provides visionary leadership and strategic planning for the athletics program.
• Maintains an athletics program that is committed to the school's mission and strategic priorities that are compatible with the philosophy of the school and administrative directives.
• Administers the overall athletic budget. Maintains budget and provides budget reports for athletic programs following procedures and guidelines of the Finance Office and the Administration.
• Recruits and manages the coaching staff.
• Represents the school to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference(GCAC), and the Metro Catholic Aquatics Conference(MCAC); ensures compliance with all regulations, procedures, & time lines.
• Maintains membership in athletic related professional organizations.
• Recommends coaches to the Principal for hiring.
• Supervises and evaluates all coaching and athletic office staff (Assistant Athletic Director and Administrative Assistant for Athletics).
• Communicates athletic policies to coaches and athletes and ensures compliance.
• Communicates to coaches all administrative information necessary to organize and direct their specific sport.
• Ensures that all coaches and program volunteers have completed all mandatory background check requirements including VIRTUS training, CANTS, background check and Mandated Reporter.
• Communicate with parents in a timely manner and proactive fashion.
• Collaborates and cooperates with the Building Manager with scheduling and maintenance of athletic facilities.
• Oversees all aspects of home games and tournaments.
• Collaborates and cooperates with the school's safety personnel and obtains additional security for events having large groups to ensure adequate crowd control.
• Serves as primary liaison and spokesperson for the school to the press and other media in matters related to athletics.
• Monitors and advises coaching staff on how to deal with the press and provides guidelines for press interviews which reflect good sportsmanship and professional attitudes.
• Provides orientations and in service for all coaches regarding school policies, especially those in the Coaching Handbook and School Safety Plan.
• Provide support and mentoring for head coaches on coaching tips/techniques, managing conflicts with students and/or parents, etc.
• Works with the school nurse to provide orientation and in service for all coaches concerning OSHA procedures for exposure to blood borne pathogens and the State of Illinois Mandatory Reporting Law.
• Schedules practices and games.
• Approves transportation for teams to and from athletic events.
• Organizes athletic banquets with the assistance of coaches and athletes.
• Obtains regular academic progress reports for all athletes.
• Communicates athletic information to the Institutional Advancement office to promote athletic events.
• The Athletic Director reports directly to the Principal.. This position also serves as a member of the Principal's Administrative Team.

Preferred Competencies:

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity with administrative information.
• Communicate effectively.
• Interact and build relationships with adolescents and adults.
• Strong interpersonal skills along with effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as a collaborative and collegial member of a team yet also work independently effectively.
• Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a sense of humor.
• Exhibit a high degree of professionalism and emotional intelligence in dealing with staff, students and parents.

Education/Experience Required:

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree; Master's Degree is preferred
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Administrative, Principal or Superintendent Endorsement preferred
• Must be knowledgeable in the NCAA and NAIA recruiting policies, regulations, and admission requirements.
• Must have previous related experience.
• Must be proficient in computer software programs such as MS Office, Google Suites and various SIS.
• Background experience in working with adolescents, experience with leading students and adults in a school setting.
• Desire to work with diverse groups of students, faculty and staff with sensitivity and intercultural knowledge.
• At least four years of relevant experience in an athletics-related role or coaching role, preferably varsity level, in an educational environment.
• Experience teaching and coaching different sports as well as different levels (freshmen, junior varsity, varsity).
• Previous school-related administrative or other leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.
• Must have willingness to contribute to the overall mission of the school.

To apply:
Apply through the link on the employment page of our website at www.mothermcauley.org. Submit your resume and correlate application materials.

Additional Information:
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, and a retirement plan. Many opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities such as club moderator and coaching are also available. Participation in these activities is strongly encouraged and welcomed.

Mother McAuley is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants equally. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.