Director of Athletics

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

A bachelor’s degree and progressive professional experience leading a complex, dynamic, and diverse athletics department are required; a master’s degree, coaching, and independent school and/or collegiate/postsecondary experience are preferred. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of athletics administration, student-athlete development, compliance, and the role of fundraising in supporting strategic and operating objectives. The next director should have the ability to mentor and inspire the professional development of coaches and athletics administrators, a commitment to support wellness and recreation in the holistic development of students, and demonstrated strategic planning acumen. A collaborative management approach, coupled with superior communication and relationship-building skills; a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social responsibility; strong planning and fiscal competencies; a familiarity with program development and assessment; and excellent problem-solving abilities are also desired.

Additionally, as articulated by Poly stakeholders, the successful candidate will ideally bring the following qualities and attributes (in no particular order):

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a diverse and inclusive community with diplomacy and tact.
• A high degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy.
• Strong advocacy for the coaching staff and athletic programs.
• A demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and a strong stakeholder focus.
• Collaborative and adaptable mindset, equipped to respond to changing dynamics as circumstances dictate.
• Successful change management experience grounded in building trust and clear communication.
• A demonstrated knowledge of or experience with athletic recruitment at the college or secondary school level.
• A growth mindset and a spirit of creativity and innovation.
• An ability to motivate and inspire others with respect and a passion for promoting student development and well-being.
• Provide leadership in the hiring, supervising, retention, and professional development of coaches.
• Positive interpersonal skills of diplomacy, accessibility, empathy, and respect for the expertise and viewpoints of colleagues within and outside the department of athletics.
• A commitment to integrity, respect, transparency, and honesty in all endeavors.
• A demonstrated record of being a skillful collaborator in complex settings.
• An ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF THE ROLE

Poly’s next director of athletics will be expected to possess a broad and deep understanding of national trends and best practices in interscholastic or collegiate athletics management, as well as an exemplary record of building and developing high-impact teams. The director should be an inspiring leader who is passionate about the holistic development of students, committed to the well-being and support of students and the staff they oversee, and highly attuned to the professional development needs and strengths of a highly diverse staff.
Within this context, the following are the key aspects of the role of the director in which the successful candidate will need to be prepared to lead after a period of acclimatization and relationship building.

• As a dynamic educator and administrator, the next director will lead Poly to define athletics’ needs, goals, and priorities and engage in meaningful conversations about competitiveness, engagement, and success within an academically rigorous environment. The next director understands that Poly students are engaged in many activities, including athletics, arts, music, theater, community service, etc. Staff should feel encouraged, challenged, supported, and confident about how they contribute to the vision and support student success priorities.
• The next director’s leadership style will embrace equity and inclusion, including athletic program equity and development and an appreciation for a community culture engaged in ongoing education and dialogue on equitable practices and behaviors.
• As a strong administrator, the next director will develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures that promote efficiency, equity, and national best practices.
• Many coaches and staff in the department have longevity and extensive experience at Poly. They will be able to provide the new director with historical knowledge of the program’s evolution and progress. At the same time, the department continues to manage the increase in the number of part-time non-teacher coaches. It will be necessary for the director to develop creative approaches, ongoing training and development of new coaches, and thoughtful professional development in retaining valued staff members.
• While successfully managing to maximize the current indoor and outdoor practice and competition space, Poly is in the early planning stages to build new exceptional athletic facilities and provide a home for teams that currently practice and compete off-campus or on undersized fields. The next director will play a significant role in this project at all stages, including facility enhancement planning for current facilities.
• Poly’s tradition of excellence in athletics is rooted in a commitment to fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and good health and forms a critical piece of a well-rounded Poly education. The next director will partner with the community and the Poly leadership to lead community-wide programming and support around social-emotional and physical health and well-being.
• The variety of Poly athletic program offerings directly connects to multi-sport athlete participation. Students and parents are seeking to specialize in a particular athletic activity. The next director must lead long-term community conversations about participation, competitiveness, and program diversity.
• The next director understands recruiting—both incoming scholar-athletes and those being recruited by postsecondary entities; navigating and creating set expectations for coaches regarding recruiting experiences and how they may assist families with the college recruiting process; and being able to work collaboratively with partners in admissions to establish recruiting practices and communication aligned with Poly priorities.
• The next director prioritizes strong communication to help facilitate relationship-building, which will be key to achieving greater integration of athletics, recreation, and wellness into the student experience.