Alliance for Catholic Education
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Director of Athletics
Position: Full-time
Location: Donahue Academy, Ave Maria FL
Reports to: Principal
OVERVIEW
Donahue Academy is the parochial elementary, middle, and high school of Ave Maria Catholic Church, which serves more than 1,400 households through liturgy, evangelization, formation, education, and ministry activities. Donahue Academy provides a faithful Catholic, classical education, including a robust athletics program, to children from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 in a tight-knit community environment. The Director of Athletics supports the school’s mission by planning and implementing a comprehensive and competitive athletics program encompassing all grade and skill levels; and while a focus on winning is important, the pursuit of excellence, especially as it concerns the cultivation of virtue and holiness, is paramount.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Communicate regularly with the Principal, Faculty, Staff, Students, and Parents regarding the development and impact of athletics activities, sports programs, and competitions across grades and seasons.
• Organize, plan, and implement an effective athletics program that includes, but is not limited to, ongoing physical education and a comprehensive program of competitive sports across grades and skill levels, as appropriate; for a comprehensive overview of the current athletics program please refer to https://donahueacademy.org/athletics and https://donahueacademy.prg/curriculum-guide/.
• Liaise with administration to update the policies and procedures – e.g., enrollment forms, wellbeing and safety policies, fees, required certifications, etc. – annually, and enforce compliance, and with external stakeholders to ensure school compliance with league and athletic association regulations and attend required meetings.
• Produce training for coaches, volunteers – e.g., coaches, event volunteers, and especially the Booster Club – and as well as student and parent information sessions, as needed.
• Manage scheduling complexities by foreseeing and actively managing conflicts with the master school and parish calendars, overseeing registration, team assignments, participation requirements, early class dismissal, as well as space use (e.g., field, gym, transport).
• Ensure proper supervision of all athletic competition played at home.
• Assist the Principal in hiring, supervising, and evaluating coaches.
• Host parent conferences, upon request, and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
CREDENTIALS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of Bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university, in the subject area of physical education, health sciences, kinesiology, or athletic training required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience with athletics program development and implementation strongly preferred.
• Current 5-year renewable Professional Florida Educator Certificate, or a 3 or 4-year non-renewable Temporary Florida Educator Certificate, or eligibility for certification required.
• Understanding and knowledge of Catholic pedagogy (i.e., Gravissimum Educationis) preferred.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team and collaborate across stakeholder groups desired.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must be a practicing Catholic.
• Must be familiar with the classical model of education.
• Must abide policies and procedures as set forth in the Diocese and Donahue Academy Employee and Family handbooks.
• Willingness to undergo a FDLE Level 2 background check.
• Must demonstrate a gregarious, high-energy, and trustworthy disposition.
• Must have strong administration, organizational, and planning skills.