Director, Sports Administration

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.

In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

As a unit within the Office of College and Career Success (OCCS), the Office of Sports Administration manages all CPS interscholastic sports programming and facilitates seasonal participation for both high school and elementary-level athletic competitions. CPS Athletics and Sports Programs provides all students, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally in controlled, safe activities outside of the traditional classroom.

Participation in school sports provides students with experiences that foster character, citizenship, and academic achievement.

Job Summary:

The Director of Sports Administration will play a vital role in creating an environment that supports the educational and athletic development of students and positively contributes to their educational journey and overall success. This position will contribute to the development of dynamic and high-functioning sports programs, strategically aligning initiatives with district priorities, and ensuring compliance across all CPS sports programs at either the elementary or high school grade level.

This position will provide strategic guidance and develop student engagement strategies to enhance participation in sports programming at the designated school level, fostering a culture of inclusivity and enthusiasm for athletic involvement. The Director of Sports Administration will establish collaborative partnerships with stakeholders to create post-secondary education opportunities for student-athletes, facilitating pathways for academic and athletic success beyond high school.

This position will report to the Executive Director of Sports Administration and will lead a team of direct reporting professionals. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis

This position will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

* Provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of district sports programming at the designated school level

* Lead the formulation of a long-term strategic vision for sports programming at the designated school level; collaborate with Sports Administration leadership and colleagues to ensure alignment across all programs

* Develop and drive the implementation of new student engagement opportunities to increase participation in sports programming at the designated school level

* Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports, including professional coaching, performance management, succession planning initiatives, and talent development programs within the sports department to provide support and prepare staff for career growth

* Collaborate with existing external partners and seek out new partnerships to support post-secondary opportunities and education for parents and student-athletes using providers such as Honest Game

* Develop and cultivate partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and sports associations to enhance external alignment and support

* Develop opportunities to showcase Chicago Public League (CPL) student-athletes abilities to college coaches to facilitate potential participation in post-secondary sports programs

* Serve as the primary contact for Athletic Training Support Services (provided through external vendor ATI Physical Therapy) for student-athlete coverage

* Partner with CPS Leadership at the Central Office and Network level to address unique and/or specific school-level needs

* Ensure collaboration across OCCS teams and other CPS departments to support implementation, program monitoring, best practices sharing, and cross-functional and collective impact

* Oversee and manage summer sports programs and special events at the designated school level

* Collaborate and regularly communicate with Safety and Security to coordinate on-site support at CPS-hosted sporting events at the designated school level

* Support student connectedness, belonging, engagement, and mentoring programs throughout the District

* Other duties and work streams as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, this position must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required

* Master's degree, preferred

Experience

Required:

*…