
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