Director of Athletics in London

Overall Purpose

The Athletic Director at The American School in London has comprehensive responsibility for all athletic programs, both intramural and interscholastic, for grades 5 through 12. The Director reports to the High School Principal and will meet with the Head of School when necessary. The Athletic Director is responsible for a very important component of the ASL educational program, one that promotes growth in students, physically, emotionally, and ethically. Among the skills and attitudes that are engendered through an effective athletics leadership program are leadership, courage, self‑control, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Summary of Major Responsibilities

• Manage the overall operations of the athletics department, participating in curriculum planning, monitoring the quality of coaching and contributing to strategic planning for the athletics program.
• Represent the school at various athletic associations and develop and implement the policies and procedures of the ASL athletics department, International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) and London Schools Sports Association (LSSA).
• Prepare, submit and administer a budget each year working in concert with the Finance Manager and Facilities Manager.
• Oversee the scheduling of all athletic contests, arrange for transportation, and hire game officials.
• Manage the recruitment and selection process for new coaches, ensuring that all coaches are trained in the organizational and philosophical aspects of the ASL athletics program.
• Observe and evaluate coaches to ensure that all duties are performed at the very highest level of professionalism, providing mentoring and feedback.
• Maintain and revise the coaches' manual each year and set up appropriate meetings with the coaches to review the information and standards in detail.
• Ensure health and safety of all students in the athletics program, identifying issues and taking action where appropriate.
• Plan, coordinate and manage trip organization and completion of risk assessments, where required, for players and coaches, including overseas trips.
• Communicate effectively with administrators, coaches, parents and students.
• Supervise the Athletics Web pages and provide the Publications Office with such information as may be needed about athletics for School communications efforts.
• Oversee the distribution, collection, cleaning, repair and storage of all athletics uniforms and equipment.
• Ensure the proper maintenance and security of all athletic equipment and facilities, including Canons Park, working in coordination with the Operations Manager.
• Provide to all coaches the professional development opportunities, including safety training, which are expected of persons supervising sports activities.
• Manage Athletic Department office personnel, including the Assistant Athletic Director, MS Athletic Director, Administrative Assistant, Equipment and Uniforms Coordinator & Facility Manager.
• Any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the Head of School or the High School Principal.
• Ensure that all coaches receive regular safeguarding training, coordinating with the HR team and Safeguarding Leads as appropriate.

Essential qualifications/experience

• Significant experience in dealing with student athletes and their parents at the secondary level.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience.
• Knowledge of current best practices in middle school and high school athletics programs.
• An appreciation for the role that sports play in the healthy development of young people.
• Enthusiasm, energy, attention to detail and strong organizational and technical skills.
• Maturity, kindness, and understanding.
• Willingness to work with a diverse, talented, international community.
• Sense of humor.

Desirable qualifications/experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Significant coaching experience.
• Experience working in an independent/international school or similar institution.