Director of Athletics

Job Title: Director of Athletics
Wage/Hour Status: Full Time – 12-month Exempt
Reports to: Associate Head of School & Head of School

Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration preferred.
2. Five years related work experience; experience in an independent school or nonprofit preferred.
3. Software proficiencies: QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Suite; Google Docs Suite, FACTS.
4. CPR & First Aid Certification preferred.

Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, alumni, and TA community members.
2. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and the TA community.
3. Participate in professional development as desired or as requested.
4. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible, including professional dress.
5. Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and meet those needs when possible.
6. Follow the policies established by all relevant school, local, and state agencies.
7. Present a positive role model for students that support the mission of the school.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

The Director of Athletics provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the entire Tuscaloosa Academy athletic program. This position is responsible for cultivating excellence in coaching, promoting integrity and sportsmanship, ensuring compliance with all association regulations, and enhancing the role of athletics as an integral component of Tuscaloosa Academy’s mission.
The Director of Athletics serves as the public face of TA Athletics, representing the program to students, parents, faculty, alumni, donors, and the broader community, and plays a central role in fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and school pride across all sports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
I. Leadership and Strategic Vision

• Develop and execute a comprehensive vision for the athletic department that aligns with Tuscaloosa Academy’s mission and values.
• Establish annual goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes for athletic programs.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Associate Head of School and Head of School on all athletic matters, including long-range planning, staffing, and facilities development.
• Promote an inclusive and competitive environment that supports student-athletes’ academic, athletic, and personal growth.

II. Staff Management and Development

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate all coaches and athletic personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations, mentorship plans, and professional growth opportunities for coaches.
• Lead regular department and coaching meetings to align goals, review compliance, and promote collaboration.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, conduct, and appearance for all staff, both on and off campus.

III. Compliance and Eligibility

• Ensure full adherence to AHSAA rules, regulations, and policies.
• Educate coaches and staff regarding compliance, safety, and eligibility requirements.
• Review academic eligibility lists each grading period and communicate with coaches regarding student-athlete status.
• Oversee the maintenance of accurate records in DragonFly and other required systems.

IV. Program and Event Administration

• Oversee and coordinate all athletic events, including scheduling, staffing, game-day operations, and postseason play.
• Coordinate the overall athletic calendar and ensure integration with the school’s master calendar.
• Hire officials, game-day administrators, and event support personnel (timers, ticket-takers, scoreboard operators, announcers, etc.).
• Supervise and support the setup and execution of home athletic contests to ensure a safe, organized, and spirited environment.

V. Budget, Facilities, and Equipment

• Develop and manage the athletic department’s annual budget in collaboration with the Director of Business and Finance.
• Approve and oversee all purchases, uniforms, and equipment requests submitted by coaches.
• Supervise the maintenance and enhancement of athletic fields, courts, and facilities.
• Coordinate with the Business Office to verify orders, invoices, and inventory accuracy.

VI. Communication and Public Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the school, parents, coaches, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and proactively regarding athletic schedules, expectations, and updates.
• Represent Tuscaloosa Academy Athletics at local, regional, and state meetings and professional conferences.
• Promote athletic achievements through appropriate channels, highlighting student and team successes.
• Address parent or community concerns related to athletics with professionalism and transparency.

VII. Athlete Development and Support

• Oversee student-athlete support services, including training, health, and wellness initiatives.
• Provide leadership and resources for the prevention and care of athletic injuries.
• Collaborate with the Athletic Trainer to ensure athlete safety and readiness.
• Support coaches in mentoring student-athletes and fostering life skills through sports participation.

VIII. Community Engagement

• Serve as the liaison to the Tuscaloosa Academy Knights Supporters (TAKS) and coordinate departmental “wish list” priorities.
• Attend TAKS meetings and assist with communication regarding TAKS purchases.

  IX. Performance Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Implement annual evaluations of all athletic programs and coaching staff.
• Conduct post-season program reviews to assess performance, culture, and growth opportunities.
• Analyze data and feedback to improve program quality, student experience, and competitive success.
• Maintain and annually update the Athletic Handbook to reflect current policies, procedures, and best practices.

X. Other Responsibilities

• Coordinate special athletic events such as tournaments, championships, banquets, and recognition ceremonies.
• Promote professional development and continuing education for coaches through clinics, conferences, and certifications.
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in all communications and decisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Head of School or Head of School.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Occasional travel, prolonged and irregular hours, frequent standing, bending, stooping, walking, and using hands. Employee is required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Maintain emotional control under stress and maintain a positive attitude when interacting with all stakeholders.

How to Apply:

Only email submissions to [email protected] will be accepted and must include:

A. Current resume detailing your education and experience.
B. Letter of interest detailing your qualifications for this position and why you would like to be considered.
C. Minimum of three (3) professional references, which must include the reference’s name, address, telephone numbers, email, and relationship information for each person.
Resumes are do for consideration by February 15, 2025.