Job Description

Wilmington Friends, a Quaker school with high standards for academic achievement, challenges students to seek truth, to value justice and peace, and to act as creative, independent thinkers with a conscious responsibility to the good of all.

Wilmington Friends School is a Preschool-to-12 Quaker, college preparatory, day school located in Wilmington, Delaware and enrolling approximately 700 students.

Wilmington Friends School is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and passionate Athletic Director to lead and enhance the athletic program at our independent, co-educational Quaker school. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a strong background in coaching, sports management, effective communications, administration, and student-athlete development. The Athletic Director will oversee all aspects of the school’s athletic programs, foster a positive, inclusive, and competitive sports culture, and ensure alignment with the School’s mission and values.

Leadership & Administration. The next Athletic Director will:

• Provide visionary leadership to the athletic department, including direct oversight of 18 sports programs and 55+ varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams.
• Develop and implement policies, strategies, and goals that align with the School's mission and values.
• Ensure that all athletic activities are conducted in compliance with relevant regulatory bodies, including state athletic associations and league rules.
• Manage athletic department budgets, fundraising efforts, and financial resources to ensure sustainable and equitable support for all programs.
• Recruit, hire, support, and work to retain high-caliber coaches who exemplify school mission and values through their work with students 
• Work in collaboration with school administration and business office to onboard and train new coaches in accordance with the school’s policies and procedures 
• Communicate effectively and proactively to advance athletic department updates and initiatives
• Oversee and partner with the Assistant Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer to develop and implement department policies and procedures

Program Development & Management. The next Athletic Director will:

• Oversee all athletic events and practices -  scheduling, staffing, and operations -  ensuring a balance between competitive and developmental sports opportunities.
• Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and a growth mindset in student-athletes.
• Coordinate and provide professional development for coaches, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge, and support to foster student-athlete growth both on and off the field.

Student-Athlete Focus. The next Athletic Director will:

• Prioritize the academic, emotional, and physical well-being of student-athletes, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Support student-athletes’ commitment to academic excellence and balance between athletics and academics.
• Advocate for student-athlete development through mentorship, leadership training, and college recruitment support for those seeking to continue athletics at the collegiate level.

Community & Collaboration. The next Athletic Director will:

• Foster strong relationships with faculty, administration, parents, and community stakeholders to build and maintain support for the athletic program.
• Organize athletic events, alumni engagement, and school-wide celebrations of athletic achievements.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the athletic program, representing Wilmington Friends School at athletic events, league meetings, and public forums.

Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit the following materials to Lauryn Satterfield, Assistant to the Head of School ([email protected]):

• A cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position
• A current résumé
• A one-page athletics philosophy statement
• Contact information for three professional references

EEOC STATEMENT

It is Wilmington Friends School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, first responder status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.  It is the intent and resolve of Wilmington Friends School to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity.  This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, promotion, compensation, termination, and retirement.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Physical Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) or Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) and prior experience in athletic administration as an Athletic Director or Assistant Athletic Director, preferably in an independent school and/or co-educational environment.

Skills and Abilities.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing and growing athletic programs.
• Strong and effective organizational and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, parents, and external partners.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop coaches.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop students.
• Experience with budget management, fundraising, and resource allocation.
• Deep understanding of the role of athletics in the overall educational experience.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Certifications. 

• Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (or ability to obtain).
• Valid driver’s license, clear background check, and the ability to travel for off-campus athletic events.

About Wilmington Friends School

Founded in 1748, Wilmington Friends School (WFS) is the oldest independent school in Delaware and the eleventh oldest in the nation. WFS is a preschool through 12th grade Quaker day school enrolling approximately 700 students.

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