Director, Athletics

About Us

Founded in 1788, KES is recognized as Canada's first independent school located in Windsor, NS on the ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq nation. KES is a culturally diverse co-educational boarding and day school serving students in grades 6-12. At KES, we inspire academic, athletic, and artistic excellence, with a commitment to the traditional community ideals of gentleness and learning, dignity, and respect. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and we actively seek a broad spectrum of qualified candidates.

About Our Opportunity

Athletics are an integral part of life for everyone at KES because they help build physical fitness, teamwork skills, discipline and self-confidence. We are seeking an approachable, engaging, and energetic Athletic Director to lead a well-balanced athletic program that ensures the needs of all students are met through a broad range of recreational and competitive opportunities. Reporting to the Assistant Head of School, School Life, the Athletic Director will be a visible ambassador for Highlander Athletics and a model of the highest standard for ethics in sport in general and coaching in particular. The successful candidate will be well versed in the principles of True Sport and comfortable mentoring coaches in those principles. The AD is also a key member of the School’s management team and will serve as a student advisor and faculty member.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides direction and oversight for all aspects of the School’s athletic program and facilities
• Manages daily operations and administration of the Athletics department including, budgets, student sports selections, facility and events scheduling and booking, managing league declarations, arranging officials, etc.
• Identifies, mentors, and evaluates coaches for all sports and recreational activities.
• Works with coaches to ensure the planning and organization of all games, events, and practice schedules.
• Works with coaches to determine travel arrangements including trip itineraries, transportation, meals, accommodations, and budgets.
• Coordinates and facilitates professional development opportunities for coaches.
• Represents KES in all sport federation communications, including sanctions, student eligibility, transfers, etc.
• Ensures KES is in compliance with all federation and other association rules.
• Communicates all pertinent athletics information in a timely fashion to School coaches and administrators.
• Responds to all student, parent, staff, and community concerns related to athletics.
• Regularly attends games and athletic functions as a representative of KES .
• Manages and oversees KES Athletics social media presence in consultation with the KES Communications and Marketing Department.
• Develops and champions content related to the KES Athletics Department for the KES Athletics website, team pages, and weekly newsletter.
• Coordinates and supervises live-streaming of KES Athletics events.
• Oversees purchases and maintenance of athletic equipment and facilities.
• Coordinates and maintains equipment inventory for all sports.
• Organizes special events such as the annual athletic banquet.
• Teaches the equivalent of one course.
• Assumes coaching responsibilities for one sport per year.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Completion of a university degree in a sports related field or education related discipline.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant progressive experience managing sports programs, including planning, operations, budget management, and administration.
• Demonstrated leadership success in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• A love and enthusiasm for athletics and the positive effects they can have on students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; with the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Strong organizational skills to balance demands of a multi-tasking position.
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Suite, social media platforms and school database/software applications
• Prior coaching experience required.
• Working knowledge of athletics in independent schools is an asset.
• Experience working with students in an independent school environment preferred.
• Leadership Training/Coaching Certifications considered an asset.
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, summers, and holidays as required.

What We Offer

• Position Type: Permanent Full-time
• Salary: $85,000-$95,000
• Group Health Care Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and EAP)
• Employee Pension Plan
• Tuition discount for your child(ren) attending KES
• Access to professional development opportunities
• Fitness benefit: complimentary use of athletics facilities
• Employee meal benefit: enjoy lunches in full-service dining hall
• A fun and rewarding family-oriented work environment
• Staff housing may be available at a reduced cost
• Official start date: Take office in the summer of 2024 if possible

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter expressing your interest to the attention of Jenn Shaw, Director HR and Diversity at jshaw@kes.ns.ca by March 21, 2024.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $85,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Discounted or free food
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• management: 7 years (required)

Ability to Commute:

• Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 (required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Windsor, NS B0N 2T0: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-03-21