What are the responsibilities and job description for the Athletic Director position at HOPE Christian Schools?
Job Purpose
The HOPE Athletic Director is responsible for establishing and managing the athletic program at HOPE Christian Schools (HOPE). This role involves leading the development, implementation, and oversight of policies, programs, and budgets that support the faith, academic, and character growth of scholars through interscholastic sports. The Athletic Director will champion the HOPE Athletic Program Philosophy, which emphasizes a Christ-centered approach to athletics. The program believes that sports can empower young people to overcome challenges both on and off the field, helping them to develop a healthy mind, body, and soul. Athletics are viewed as a privilege that aids in realizing students' full potential and positively impacts their academic success. Student-athletes are expected to embody the 3Cs: Christ, College, and Character, by demonstrating leadership on their teams, in their schools, and within their communities. This position reports directly to the HOPE Regional Director of Operations and works closely with the Open Sky functional team, Executive Director, principals, campus-based extracurricular leaders, and coaching staff.
Essential Responsibilities and Competencies
General Administration
- Develop and maintain athletic program policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to ensure compliance with the HOPE Christian School mission, as well as legal, financial, and regulatory requirements, including WIAA and other governing bodies.
- Develop and maintain athletic program handbooks and meet with principals, coaches and advisors to review policies and other necessary conditions for the total operation of the co-curricular program
- Establish requirements of eligibility for participation in all activities/athletics and support the coaches to ensure the verification of each participants’ eligibility
- Develop standards and training for recruiting, selecting, and evaluating coaches, advisors, and other staff members; support school principals in these processes and provide ongoing training and mentorship to coaches, advisors, and staff.
- Oversee the organization and scheduling of all middle school athletics in compliance with conference and state guidelines.
- Publish and distribute a co-curricular athletic calendar, which will include summer programming/camps at all campuses
- Develop standards for transportation and if applicable, arrange transportation for all away co-curricular functions, in coordination with school staff.
- Investigate and resolve reported code violations, providing an appeals process as needed. Advise school staff and students on code violations and appropriate actions.
- Coordinate all arrangements for visiting teams, including locker room facilities and other necessary accommodations.
- Hire and manage officials, game workers, and security staff for events. Oversee the proper supervision of athletic activities for all scheduled home games in collaboration with school teams.
- Act as a liaison for the HOPE athletic program and the WIAA
- Maintain records of contest results and track participation to determine eligibility for awards and recognition.
- Maintain up-to-date communication across various platforms, including the athletics website, newsletters, social media, school forums, and media outlets, to promote athletics and activities. Collaborate effectively with Marketing and school teams.
- Develop and manage a library of HOPE athletic program logos, marketing materials, contest or performance program templates for use by schools or in tournaments.
- Ensure compliance by monitoring and enforcing AED, CPR, First Aid certifications, WIAA rules exams, Concussion Management Plans, Emergency Action Plans, DPI mandatory reporting, and district-required training for athletic staff.
- Keep accurate and current records of participant fees, WIAA physical or alternate year cards, concussion release forms, emergency forms, and code cards for all students involved in co-curricular activities.
- Plan and oversee appropriate recognition programs for school and co-curricular achievements.
- Conduct annual reviews with Principals and Sports Coordinators at each campus to assess the current year and plan for sports needs for the upcoming year.
- Facilitate monthly check-ins with Sports Coordinators to ensure alignment and address any ongoing concerns.
- Attend practices daily on a rotating basis across all schools to support and monitor consistent player development.
- Provide on-site coaching and mentorship to coaches during daily practice sessions to enhance skills training.
- Attend and supervise at least one game per week to ensure visibility and uphold standards of player and coach conduct.
- Deliver network-wide coaching and training to gym teachers, sports coordinators, and coaches to maintain high-quality instruction and program standards.
- Represent HOPE at community athletic functions to strengthen relationships and promote the athletic program.
Fiscal and Facility
- Organize and schedule practice times for fields and buildings in coordination with school teams.
- Collaborate with school and facilities teams to ensure the quality and safety of practice and competition facilities.
- Plan, manage, and oversee the co-curricular budget effectively.
- Establish and enforce policies and procedures for the proper handling, requisition, distribution, collection, cleaning, and disposal of supplies, equipment, and uniforms.
- Oversee all ticket sales and fundraising activities for the athletic programs, ensuring proper handling of funds in accordance with standard accounting practices.
- Recruit, assign, and approve compensation for all home game staff and officials.
Network Leadership
- Inspire, motivate, and encourage key stakeholders to support the athletic program's vision and goals.
- Cultivate and maintain a high-performing athletic culture that embodies the organization's core values, setting an example for others to follow.
- Lead efforts to build strong relationships and facilitate effective communication and collaboration with scholars, staff, parents, and community members.
- Establish and engage a student and parent advisory committee for athletics to gather feedback and enhance the program.
- Foster positive relationships with parent booster clubs to support the athletic program's success.
- Collaborate with school leaders and HOPE partners to promote high attendance and strong community involvement in after-school programs.
- Hold regular meetings with coordinators to discuss activity plans, program updates, and actionable steps for improvement.
- Oversee data collection, entry, and analysis to track and improve student enrollment and retention through athletics and other programs.
- Manage time, personnel, and resources effectively to maximize the program's efficiency and impact.
- Document program activities through videos, photos, and success stories to highlight student achievements.
- Work closely with the leadership team to develop and implement efficient systems, processes, and tools to support the operational needs of the athletic program.
- Provide assistance and support to HOPE schools' activities programming outside of athletics as needed.
Measured Results
- Program enrollment
- Average daily attendance
- Student learning outcomes (eventually as compared to non-attending students)
- Student retention numbers for those involved
- Student enrollment numbers as a result of the programs
- Student Satisfaction
- Family Engagement
Qualifications
- Passionate about serving Christ by serving His kids through the advancement of Christian education
- Loves following the model of Christ to seek to love and serve others out of gratitude for His love and service to us.
- Desires to utilize a professional career in HR to care for the human resource needs of our special team of educators and staff as they care for the educational needs and opportunities of our students.
- Lives and acts as a biblical role model and Open Sky Education representative in your life for our scholars, team members and community.
- Maturing Christ-follower who sees the fulfillment of this role and our mission as an active expression of their ongoing walk with Christ. (Includes regular participation in a local church and other faith-growing habits and communities to be filled up regularly so he/she is ready to pour themselves into our work, mission, and team. Also includes alignment with and desire to advance our Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct)
- Agree to engage in the faith life of our scholars and in collaboration with other team members
- Passion for making high-quality Christian education (including athletics) accessible and affordable for all
- Agrees to engage in the faith life of our scholars and in collaboration with other team members
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Sports Management, or related field
- Preferred 1-3 years of experience in an Athletic Department, demonstrating a successful track record and proven results in leading an extracurricular athletic league and/or department.
- At least three (3) years of coaching experience in relevant sports
- Business expertise related to budget creation and management and general business operations
- Ability to work outside normal business hours
- Experience working with students and families in low-income communities
- This is a 12-month position requiring summer work, along with evening and weekend hours
Personal Qualities
- Integrity, credibility, and passionate commitment to HOPE’s mission of Christ, College, and Character
- Proactive and hands-on strategic thinker who enjoys tackling challenges and overcoming obstacles
- Keen quantitative analytic, organization and problem-solving skills
- Ability to simultaneously lead multiple complicated and intense projects
- Strong relationship building, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Commitment to loving our scholars, an unwavering belief that all children can and must succeed, and a deep passion for developing the character of a serving leader in every child
- Driven by a passion for ensuring every scholar has an excellent education
- Serving Leader able to continually raise the bar, inspire, equip, and support a diverse team to achieve beyond their own expectations
Competencies
Educational Excellence
- Integrity, credibility, and passionate commitment to Open Sky Education’s mission of providing a full and lasting education, accessible and affordable for all children
Forming Character
- Deep passion for urban, faith-based education and closing the achievement gap.\
Resource Management
- Keen analytic, organization and complex problem-solving skills which allow for strategic data interpretation
Collaborative Relationships
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and exceptionally responsive to customers and candidates; experience in effectively building relationships and communicating at all levels
Serving Leader
- Exemplifies humility and servant leadership by continually raising the bar for excellence and successfully serving as a partner to team members and leaders.
Adaptability
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment and manages multiple priorities effectively.
Work Location
This is primarily an on-site role working mostly from our WI schools and Regional Office located in Milwaukee, WI. Also, some travel will be required on occasion to be on site in our other schools, currently located in AZ.
An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
