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- Director of AthleticsStart Date: 07/01/2025
Description
Director of Athletics
The Park School of Buffalo
Founded in 1912, The Park School of Buffalo is a college-preparatory, progressive day school serving approximately 290 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, including a Montessori program. The Park School engages the whole student in a diverse and creative community that nurtures the joy and responsibility of active learning in all, from our youngest learners to our graduates, who leave with the skills essential to college success and the confidence to serve and lead.
The Park School is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Athletics who is deeply aligned with the values of progressive education and is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth within all aspects of the athletics program.
Position Overview
The Director of Athletics is a key member of the school’s leadership team, responsible for the strategic direction, daily management, and overall excellence of the athletics program. This individual will work to ensure that athletics are an integrated part of student life, reinforcing the School’s mission and values while nurturing student-athletes’ personal, academic, and athletic development.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all athletic programs
- Develop and oversee the athletics budget, including allocations for coaching staff, travel, equipment, and facilities
- Coordinate scheduling for games, practices, and facility use in collaboration with coaches and league officials
- Represent Park in all athletic conferences, leagues, and postseason negotiations
- Supervise trip planning and logistics in conjunction with coaches and travel coordinators
- Hire, train, and evaluate coaches while fostering a collaborative and respectful coaching culture
- Ensure compliance with changing athletic rules and safety regulations
- Oversee game-day logistics, including coordination and budgeting for officials and referees
- Monitor and report on the performance and progress of each team
- Mediate disputes between student-athletes and coaching staff as needed
- Serve as the primary liaison between the athletics department, school leadership, families, and the broader community
- Actively engage with parents and guardians, addressing concerns and celebrating student achievements
- Ensure the athletics program supports the broader academic mission and community life of the school
- Support and guide scholar-athletes through the college recruitment process
- Serve as the public face and advocate for Park Athletics within external athletic associations
- Maintain a strong presence around campus to engage with students, support athletic staff, and foster a unified school spirit
Key Competencies & Attributes
- Leadership: Ability to develop and implement a strategic vision for the athletics program; inspire and guide coaches and students alike
- Management: Proven organizational and delegation skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills; strong ability to build relationships across the school community and with external partners
- Cultural Competence: Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment in athletics and beyond
Requirements
Required
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree (preferred)
- Sports management experience
- Demonstrated commitment to developing scholar-athletes
The Park School is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified professional educators regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, or sexual orientation.
Please send cover letter and resume to Lisa Conrad at lconrad@theparkschool.org.
