Company Description
Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
Job Description
The Athletic Director leads, manages, and executes all aspects of the North Star High School athletic program. The Athletic Director is responsible for fostering a culture of academic and athletic excellence, ensuring compliance and safety, managing operational logistics, supporting student-athlete development, and leading coaching staff.
Responsibilities
1. Department Leadership & Vision
- Mission Alignment: Develop, articulate, and enforce a clear, ambitious mission statement for school athletics that aligns with the academic mission of the school and sets clear expectations for coaches, student-athletes, parents, and the community.
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Implement high-leverage innovations within the athletic department to dramatically improve student performance while preserving and enhancing the school’s core values.
2. Student, Family, & Coaching Staff Management
- Department Culture: Foster a respectful, highly collaborative environment where students and coaches demonstrate leadership. Model asset-based thinking through praise, aspiration, and positive behavior reinforcement.
- Academic Monitoring & Support: Establish systems to monitor the academic achievement of all student-athletes. Partner with coaches, teachers, Special Education Coordinators, social workers to support students with IEPs, BIPs, 504 plans, and English Language Learners.
- Coach Recruitment & Development: Recruit, select, and retain highly qualified coaching staff. Provide ongoing feedback, ensure practices meet school standards, and conduct formal end-of-season evaluations.
- Family Engagement: Proactively communicate program schedules, deadlines, and key updates to families. Respond to family inquiries within 24 hours.
- K-16 Pipeline & Pathways: Collaborate with middle school leaders and coaches to create seamless transitions to high school athletics. Work with the College Placement team to ensure student-athletes are on track for post-secondary and collegiate athletic opportunities.
3. Operations, Logistics, & Compliance
- Budget & Financial Management: Develop, monitor, and manage the athletic budget in alignment with school priorities. Ensure timely payments to officials, facilities, and vendors, and actively pursue fundraising opportunities to support program needs.
- Systems & Safety: Ensure all student-athletes obtain physicals and required paperwork prior to participation. Design and execute comprehensive safety and security plans for home events in coordination with security and athletic trainers.
- Media & Digital Presence: Build, elevate, and manage a dynamic, engaging, and highly organized media presence. Maintain up-to-date, accurate program information on the athletic website and leverage social media platforms to highlight student-athlete accomplishments, promote upcoming events, foster community engagement, and strengthen school spirit.
- Scheduling & Transportation: Schedule rigorous, appropriate competition seasons and oversee timely transportation/bus scheduling. Promptly inform all stakeholders of schedule modifications or cancellations.
- Public Relations & Event Management: Cultivate a sportsmanlike, welcoming atmosphere for visiting teams and patrons.
- Compliance & Governance: Maintain accurate eligibility records according to school and state standards. Enforce state, conference, district, and school regulations, manage coach certifications, and represent the school at state and county association meetings.
4. Professionalism & School Contributions
- Whole-School Leadership: Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and actively participate in whole-school events and initiatives.
- Urgency & Standards: Communicate enthusiasm, high intensity, and a sense of urgency. Maintain professional attire, punctuality, and strict task/time management.
- Growth Mindset: Actively participate in professional development, seek internal/external learning opportunities, and quickly implement feedback from school leadership with openness.
Qualifications
- Certifications: Valid state Athletic Director certification or administrative credential (or eligibility to obtain), along with required state coaching and CPR/AED certifications.
- Experience:
- Prior experience in athletic administration, head coaching, or school leadership
- Demonstrated success in budget management, event operations, and team management.
- Experience supporting diverse student populations and working with IEP/504/ELL support teams.
- Skills: Excellent written and oral communication, strong organizational systems, fluency with athletic scheduling and media tools, and strong conflict resolution abilities.
Additional Information
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
Our Approach to AI and Your Application
At Uncommon Schools, we value thoughtful use of technology. Your responses should begin with your own thinking and reflect your authentic voice, experiences, and commitment to our mission. Generative AI can be used to refine or organize writing, but not to generate initial responses or replace your ideas. Every application is reviewed by a member of our Recruitment Team, and we are committed to understanding the person behind the application.
Compensation
Compensation for this role is between $59,000 to $80,000. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $59,000 - $63,000.
Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
Benefits
Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and ~10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
Extensive, best-in-class training and development
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
Financial Planning
Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
*A detailed list of all SY 26-27 benefits is located HERE.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
