Garden School is a low-tuition, N-12, co-ed day school in Queens, NY enrolling 470 students across two distinct programs – one tuition based and one funded by the NYC Department of Education. Garden welcomes domestic and international day students and offers a child-centered education that balances outstanding academics within a warm, nurturing, and diverse community through a full complement of dynamic programs delivered by a seasoned and exceptional staff. This position requires an innovative, growth-mindset and demonstrated skills in leadership, advancement, and strategic thinking.
This position is focused on the leadership and management of all Athletics programs from grades 4-12 and all student activities from grades 7-12. Garden’s Athletic programs are growing and our reputation in the Independent School Athletic League is excellent. This is an Administrative and Instructional position that includes Chairing the Physical Education Department. The Director of Athletics and Student Life will have an opportunity to collaborate with an ambitious and exciting community of educators, loyal and grateful families, and an enthusiastic and talented group of student athletes.
This is a 10-month, full-time position with excellent benefits. The Director of Athletics and Student Life reports to the Head of School and Upper and Lower Division Directors. Additionally, the collaboration includes working closely with the Director of Finance, the Director of Facilities, the School Health Office, and the Director of Enrollment & Marketing.
Key Responsibilities
Administration of all interscholastic policies and procedures working within the confines of NYSAIS, DOH, and the Independent School Athletic League (ISAL) regulations
Administration of all Student Athletics Programs (grades 4-12) and all Student Activities for children in the Upper Division
Lead a team consisting of an Assistant AD/Student Life Coordinator, Phys Ed teachers, a cadre of coaches, activities facilitators, and club leaders.
Support and Supervise the Student Life Coordinator.
Recruit, hire, support, and evaluate all coaches, program facilitators, and the Student Life Coordinator
Coach several teams which are crucial to the strategic goals of the school with the AD’s comfort and expertise with the sport, and level of play, as key considerations
Develop and propel a vision for exceptional Athletics and Activities programs including pre-seasons, off-season clinics, special opportunities, team travel, team celebrations, and the exploration of new competitive and non-competitive sports based on market demand and/or student interest
Recommend facility, programmatic, and equipment improvements prior to budgeting season so expenses can be managed in a realistic and time-sensitive manner
Develop all interscholastic game schedules and transportation, and publish all schedules in a timely manner for families, students, and interested community members in our Blackbaud system
Interface directly with all necessary vendors (game officials, trainers, outside professionals, transportation services, uniform and equipment companies, etc.)
Write regularly for newsletters and collaborate with EM & Marketing office to ensure Athletics are well represented to current and prospective families, scores are posted, and media is notified of new programs and significant victories
Resolve issues or conflicts that may develop within the Athletic Department
Discover ways for appropriately supporting and financing the athletic program
Attend home athletic events and/or arrange for proper supervision of home events
Maintain a permanent file of players, medical examinations, insurance forms, records, parent consent forms, payment, etc.
Maintain tight records for each sport, such as wins and losses, outstanding records, etc.
Determine eligibility of all athletes on a seasonal basis
Work with other administrators, advisors, and coaches involved in scheduling athletic assemblies and pep rallies well in advance of events
Coordinate the use of all athletic facilities in the school with the Director of Finance
Establish procedures for the control and safety of the weight room
Plan, organize, and supervise all athletic awards programs
Launch, guide, and support the efforts of GFA Booster Clubs to bring more community spirit, resources, and funding to teams
Promote publicity for all interscholastic sports, such as brochures, press, social media, and website updates
Represent Garden well in all athletic business at games, league meetings, etc.
Maintain an active program that promotes inclusion, equity, integrity, and sportsmanship and welcomes the competing teams and guests
Adhere to the expectations set forth in the Mission and Norms of Garden School
Teach several PE classes during the school day and provide other coverages as needed
Provide inspiration and support for the wellness of all staff and students
Provide oversight and management of use of the pool during school hours
Be a collaborator and resource for the Foundations, Afterschool, and Summer programs
Key Attributes
The Director of Athletics & Student Life must possess:
A love of children, fitness, wellness, and athletics
A strong commitment to quality college preparation
A willingness to model the Garden community norms
An eagerness to ensure our relationship with the ISAL is nurtured and that opportunities for Garden leadership in the league are taken up
Exceptional speaking, listening, and writing skills
Exceptional organizational and executive skills
The capacity to tackle day to day needs of a small school athletic department and apply a visionary and strategic perspective for departmental growth, league participation, and school success
The ability to leverage athletics and wellness as a means for student joy and competition as well as a tool for marketing the school in general
Desire to build and support a culture of high autonomy and high accountability with a team of coaches and activity facilitators
All required and appropriate degrees, licenses, and certification to responsibly fulfill this role
How to Apply
Resume, 2-3 writing samples or project designs, and list of 3-5 references with contact information: Email in that order as one PDF to the attention of Mr. Chris Herman, Head of School, via Mary Petruso at mpetruso@gardenschool.org
Initial phone discussion followed by on-campus interview with various Garden constituents
Fully confidential process until the finalist phase
Salary Range: $55,000 - $85,000
07/01/2023
Preferred Qualifications and Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree a plus)
Experience as an Athletic Director or Assistant Athletic Director preferred
Understanding of independent school culture
Experience mentoring and managing staff
Proven capacity to plan, organize, and implement a variety of projects with overlapping deadlines
Experience with league level athletics
Experience as a high level (college, club, competitive league, etc.) athlete in at least one of the sports offered at Garden School
