District Athletic Director (7-12)

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
2/10/2025

Location:
Dodge City Public Schools - Dodge City High School

Date Available:
7/1/2025District Athletic Director (7-12)
Payment Rate: In accordance with the USD 443 Salary Schedule - Starting Salary Base - $112,055 (Salary has the potential for adjustment based on education, experience, and assigned district responsibilities)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: High School Principal

Purpose: The District Athletic Director (AD) for grades 7-12 provides visionary leadership for the district's athletic programs. This position ensures that athletic and co-curricular programming aligns with the district's educational mission, promotes academic success, and fosters a positive culture of school pride, spirit, and community engagement.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Master's degree in Educational Administration, Athletic Administration, or a related field.
• Kansas Building Leadership License or equivalent administrative certification.
• Such alternatives to the above as the Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable.

Experience:

• Three years of experience in athletic administration, teaching, or a related leadership role.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Expertise in athletic program compliance, budget management, and program development.
• Problem solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to attend to details.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent computer skills, strong communication skills both verbal and written.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Collaboration

• Develop and implement a long-term strategic vision for the district's athletic programs that focuses on continuous improvement and alignment with district goals.
• Ensure that all students attending USD 443 have the opportunity to participate fully in athletic programs.
• Promote a culture where every student feels welcomed and included in athletic activities.
• Collaborate with the high school principal and 9-12 Activities Director to promote a student-centered athletic culture.
• Participate in district and school leadership meetings to align athletics with broader educational initiatives.
• Serve on the Dodge City Sports Commission and participate in Dodge City Parks & Rec Board activities (on a rotational basis).
• Use feedback from student, parent, and coach satisfaction surveys to guide program improvements.
• Conduct annual evaluations of athletic programs to assess effectiveness, participation, and alignment with district values.

Academic Support for Student-Athletes

• Monitor student-athletes' academic progress and work with school staff to develop support plans.
• Provide leadership on NCAA and NAIA Clearinghouse processes, ensuring student-athletes are college-ready.
• Implement leadership and character development programs for student-athletes, including mentoring and leadership councils.

Coach Hiring, Development, & Retention

• Lead the recruitment and hiring of coaches who align with the district's vision and goals.
• Develop structured professional growth programs for coaches, including training, mentorship, and annual evaluations.
• Ensure coaches adhere to district policies and promote sportsmanship, compliance, and student development.

Community Engagement & Public Relations

• Build relationships with booster clubs, parents, and community organizations to support athletic programs.
• Coordinate outreach initiatives, including youth sports partnerships, feeder programs, and alumni engagement.
• Act as the public representative of district athletics, managing media relations and promoting athletic events.
• Oversee athletic program communication efforts, including press releases, social media, and public outreach, in collaboration with the Activities Director.

Program Administration & Operations

• Collaborate with administrators on all 7-12 athletic programs, ensuring compliance, supervision, operational consistency, and program integrity.
• Collaborate with school administrators to develop and manage athletic budgets.
• Handle outside facility use requests for athletic events and activities.
• Supervise game-day planning and operations, ensuring safety and compliance with district protocols.
• Serve as Co-Director for the Tournament of Champions and other major athletic events.

Financial Management & Facilities

• Oversee budgets and implement long-term financial planning for athletics, including equipment purchases and facility upgrades.
• Provide a detailed breakdown of current and future contracts with athletic clothing companies, including all purchases, promotional items, and allocations of free gear. Establish a system to track how free gear and promotional items, such as those received from Adidas, are spent to ensure accountability and alignment with program needs.
• Lead innovative fundraising initiatives, securing sponsorships, coordinating booster events, and applying for grants.
• Develop and manage a facility maintenance and expansion master plan.

Scheduling, Transportation, & Officials

• Coordinate with the Activities Director to manage high school athletic schedules, ensuring alignment with league and district calendars.
• Arrange and oversee transportation for athletic events, ensuring compliance with district protocols.
• Schedule and assign officials for all athletic events in collaboration with building-level stakeholders.

Data Analysis & Program Improvement

• Analyze participation trends, eligibility, and GPA data to guide program enhancements.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on athletic performance, student achievements, and financial outcomes.
• Use data to advocate for additional resources and policy improvements.

General School Support

• Collaborate with principals and activities directors to support school operations, including student engagement and supervision.
• Participate in administrative meetings to align athletics with academic and extracurricular initiatives.
• Stay informed about current issues in education and athletics through professional development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regularly required to sit, use hands, talk, and hear; occasionally required to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work is performed in both office and event settings with a moderate noise level.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.