Athletic Director

The Athletic Director leads Long Trail School’s athletic program for all grades, directs the athletic program for students, supervises and evaluates coaches, and serves as a resource to parents and the community. The Athletic Director both oversees the daily operations and provides long-term visioning to ensure student-centered, effective, and efficient programming. The AD will be responsible for helping craft an athletic vision and philosophy at an exciting time in the school’s history. In addition, the Athletic Director implements policies and directives as assigned by the Head of School, the Vermont Principals Association, and any other state or federal guidelines. This position requires work beyond the school day and, as necessary, on weekends or during school breaks.

Job Responsibilities:

• Leads with integrity, knowledge, respect, courage, compassion, and a strong work ethic.
• In cooperation with the Head of School, develops vision and philosophy for the athletic department that aligns and supports Long Trail School’s overall mission.
• Develops priorities and objectives for the athletic program.
• Maintains a consistent focus on increasing participation and enhancing sportsmanship for students.
• Is responsible for the development and annual review/update of the athletic department handbook and policy manual.
• Stays up-to-date on all policy changes at the state and local levels and implements changes.
• Puts in place principles and practices ensuring a seamless transition between the middle school and upper school athletic program.
• Supervises and evaluates all athletic staff and program needs.
• Potential to teach PE or fitness classes.

Administration:

• Is accountable for certifying the eligibility of all athletes.
• In partnership with the school nurse, maintains accurate records of all documentation related to students’ athletic participation; this includes, but is not limited to medical and insurance forms and parent/guardian permission forms.
• In consultation with the Head of School, screens, interviews, and recommends all candidates for coaching appointments.
• Establishes roles and expectations for all coaches.
• Schedules and maintains contracts for all athletic events.
• Maintains a master schedule of athletic events and coordinates it with the school calendar.
• Ensures the school’s athletic website is accurate and up to date.
• Works cooperatively with the Transportation Director to arrange transportation for all athletic events.
• Arranges for all gate and event supervision and security.
• Is responsible, in consultation with the Head of School, for all cancellations of contracted contests; is responsible for information to coaches, players, parents/guardians, game and league officials of cancellations.
• Establishes and maintains behavioral expectations for all spectators and athletes.
• Ensures appropriate awards recognition for all high school athletes.
• Develops the athletic budget and reports to the Head of School regarding the athletic budget.
• Hires and pays officials and any other personnel for athletic events.
• Coordinates the use of all athletic facilities.
• Makes recommendations for the maintenance and improvement of all athletic facilities.

Community Relations:

• Maintains good communication with parents, local newspapers, and community athletic support groups.
• Represents Long Trail School at all required league, regional, and state meetings.
• Coordinates with the Long Trail Family Network.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Maintains regular standing meetings with the Head of School.
• Tracks and maintains all school athletic records.
• Stays current regarding all VPA eligibility regulations.
• Is highly visible, attending as many athletic events as is reasonable/possible.
• Works to resolve conflicts within the athletic department; consults with the Head of School as necessary.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Teaching, coaching, and administrative background.
• Demonstrated ability to both lead and manage; demonstrated ability to work efficiently and effectively with others in a collaborative fashion; superior communication skills; knowledge of state, conference and local rules, regulations and guidelines; knowledge of coaching theory and practice.

To apply, interested candidates should send a cover letter, CV, and list of references via email to Paula Allen - pallen@longtrailschool.org. Materials should be addressed to Colin Igoe, Head of School, with the subject line: Athletic Director.