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ATHLETICS DIRECTOR | full-time

The Wilberforce School, Princeton, NJ, United States


The Athletics Director provides vision, leadership, and oversight for the Middle and Upper School athletic programs. This role is responsible for cultivating a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and student development, ensuring that athletics support the broader educational mission of the school. The Athletics Director oversees all aspects of the athletic program, including personnel, scheduling, compliance, facilities, and student-athlete experience.

Teams:

Middle School (6th-8th grade) boys and girls:

Cross Country (fall)

Basketball (winter)

Track (spring)

Upper School (9th-12th grade) boys and girls:

Cross Country (fall)

Basketball (winter)

Track (spring)

Strength and Conditioning class (all seasons)

Ministry Purpose In accordance with Titus 2:7-8 and 1 Peter 2:11-17, the Athletics Director is responsible to model the integration of faith and learning, and affirm the spiritual truths that our students learn at home and at church.

Titus 2:7-8 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

1 Peter 2:11-17 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and communicate a cohesive athletic philosophy aligned with the school’s mission and values

Foster a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and character development

Promote broad student participation while supporting competitive excellence

Ensure athletics contribute meaningfully to student formation and community life

Set short-term and long-term goals for the athletic program

Project planning and oversight (campus planning with Head of School)

Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate coaches and athletics staff

Provide ongoing professional development and clear expectations for coaching excellence

Foster strong communication and collaboration among coaches, faculty, and administration

Partner with the arts, curricular, and extracurricular programs to coordinate competing schedules

Program Administration

Oversee scheduling of games, practices, bus services, game officials, and use of facilities

Manage athlete eligibility in collaboration with the administration (academic) and the school’s health consultant (health requirements)

Coordinate competition participation, compliance, and relationships with governing bodies

Manage transportation, uniforms, equipment, and athletic supplies

Negotiate with vendors, including rental spaces for pool, basketball courts, and auxiliary playing/practice fields

Manage athletic uniform and equipment, including distribution and collection

Ensure athletic field and facility preparation for practice and competition

Work with coaches to ensure appropriate volunteer staffing at all home athletic events and away events requiring volunteer support

Ensure proper supervision and safety at all athletic events

Student Experience & Development

Support the holistic development of student-athletes (physical, emotional, and character formation)

Monitor academic eligibility and promote balance between academics and athletics

Address student and parent concerns with professionalism and care

Community Engagement

Build strong relationships with students, families, and alumni

Promote school spirit and community engagement through athletics

Serve as a visible and active presence at games and school events

Communicate effectively with parents, coaches, referees, and associates to coordinate athletic events

Prepare weekly communication to all athletes and families outlining the upcoming week in athletics

Communicate with other Athletics Directors, scheduling athletic competitions and planning for future competitions

Operations & Compliance

Develop and manage the athletic budget responsibly

Ensure compliance with NJSIAA rules, school policies, and safety standards

Maintain accurate records, communications, and reporting

Reporting Relationship The Athletics Director reports to the Middle & Upper School Head

Work Hours

Academic Term: 46 hours/week scheduled by mutual agreement

Experience and Skills Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Experience

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams effectively

Experience in athletic administration, coaching, or school leadership

Strong organizational and communication skills

Personal Qualities

Be committed to furthering our school’s Christian mission and philosophy of faith-based education

Agree to uphold our school’s Statement of Faith

Be willing to submit to and honor the standards outlined in the Employee Handbook and/or Code of Conduct

Credible profession of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ

Godly character (pastoral and other character references may be required)

Regular in-person attendee in good standing (i.e., not under church discipline) at a local Christian church (and a member, if membership is offered). The church’s beliefs are consistent with the Nicene Creed.

Leadership & Vision: Ability to cast a compelling vision for athletics that aligns with the school’s mission

Relational Strength: Builds trust and communicates effectively with students, parents, faculty, and coaches

Integrity & Professionalism: Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and ethical leadership

Organizational Excellence: Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast paced environment

Mentorship & Discipleship: Passion for developing students and coaching staff

Flexibility & Initiative: Able to adapt, problem-solve, and take initiative in a dynamic school environment

Commitment to Student Formation: Sees athletics as a means of cultivating character, resilience, and teamwork

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