Sidwell Friends, a coeducational Quaker day school with campuses in Washington, DC and Bethesda, MD, seeks a dynamic Athletic Director (AD) to manage its athletics program consisting of 68 teams across grades 7-12. Sidwell Friends School teams compete in the Independent School League (girls) and the Mid Atlantic Conference (boys), have won titles through the District of Columbia State Athletic Association, and have achieved success at the national level. The AD is responsible for the hiring and supervision of 12 full-time coaches and 45 part-time seasonal coaches, an assistant AD, and two athletic trainers (one part-time). The Athletic Director reports directly to the Head of School, sits with the Board of Trustees, and is a member of the senior administrative team.
As the AD, he/she is responsible for communicating and promoting the goals and objectives of the athletics program to students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and trustees. The AD maintains the operating budget for Athletics, including the purchasing of equipment and uniforms, and is responsible for the safe usage, care, and condition of all equipment, facilities and fields. The AD schedules, attends, and coordinates logistics for athletic events (e.g., transportation, hiring officials, crowd oversight, etc.). The AD supports the work of the Admissions office; represents the school at league meetings and ensures fulfillment of all league requirements; maintains accurate records of athletic results and coordinates the selection of award winners and the planning of an awards night; and works effectively with coaches and the Director of College Counseling to support student-athletes who intend to participate in athletics at the college level.
The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline (master’s preferred) and a demonstrated record of success spanning 5-7 years as an AD at either the high school or college level. The AD must possess the ability to multitask, work under pressure, problem solve, and communicate effectively. The AD will also have a clear understanding of the School’s Quaker values and traditions, be a strong and articulate advocate for students and coaches, and work effectively with teachers, parents, and alumni. A commitment to diversity, high expectations for student conduct inside and outside of competition, a genuine warmth of personality, and a healthy sense of humor and humility are essential.
This position begins July 1, 2022. Salary and benefits are highly competitive. Applicants should upload a resume, cover letter, statement of educational philosophy and names and contact information for three references via our online application. Candidates should submit materials as soon as possible, as applications are being reviewed daily. Semi-finalist are expected to sit with the search committee as soon as we are able to convene it.
As a condition of employment, all employees who are employed with the school are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and able to provide proof of such vaccination. To make application for a medical or religious exemption, please contact the human resources department.
