Director of Athletics 

Job Title: Director of Athletics 

Report to: Head of School 

Receive Guidance From: Head of School 

Collaborate Closely With: Head of School, School Leadership Team 

Supervises: Assistant Director of Athletics, Athletic Coordinator, Ice Rink Manager, Athletic Trainer, Coaches 

The Director of Athletics will support the mission and vision of University Liggett School through positive interaction with students and faculty. Specifically, it is the Director of Athletics responsibility to ensure that the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan are the center of all decisions and actions. The Director of Athletics will support an atmosphere of trust and openness among coaches, students, and parents and will support an atmosphere that fosters the intellectual, social, physical, behavioral, and emotional growth of each student. 

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP 

Supporting ULS faculty to deliver a high-quality educational experience 

• Develop and implement long-term strategy and vision for the PreK-12 athletic program.
• Communicate expectations for professionalism and conduct to coaches, department staff, and students and provide direct feedback to coaches and department staff on the basis of those expectations as described in the Employee Handbook. 
• Frequently observe coaching to ensure that coaching is occurring in accordance with the school’s core values and department goals. 
• Conduct goal setting meetings and performance reviews with coaches and department staff in accordance with school policies. 
• Maintain appropriate long-term records of evaluation-related conversations. 
• Assist in the development and implementation of school programs, policies and procedures.
• Effectively engage with and serve as a strong role model for students, personally and professionally. 

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND INNOVATION 

• Represent the school in regional and national professional associations, sharing with the school community information that can support the community’s growth in accordance with the school’s core values, mission, vision and strategic plan. 

COLLABORATION and COMMUNICATION 

Collaborating and communicating with fellow administrators, program leaders, faculty, parents, staff and students to create a shared sense of purpose, direction and vision for the school; maintaining a positive, supportive, optimistic atmosphere divisionally and school-wide 

• Collaborate with the Head of Lower, Middle, and Upper School to ensure that athletic scheduling coincides with and supports the school’s academic calendar. 
• In partnership with division heads manage difficult, complex or ambiguous situations relating to individual student-athletes. 
• Serve as a member of the School Leadership contributing to school-wide strategic planning, vision and communication. 

• Coordinate all branding, marketing and external relations matters in advance with the Head of School and Director of Communications to ensure continuity. 
• Develop and maintain positive and mission-appropriate relationships with coaches, staff, students and parents; understand the needs of diverse groups within the athletic program. 
• Communicate with faculty, counselors, parents, staff and students, through emails, public speaking, private meetings and faculty meetings in a clear, timely and effective manner. 
• Manage conflict amongst coaches, staff, students and parents, seeking support from and the involvement of the Director of Finance and Human Resources as needed. 
• Participate in admission efforts as needed and represent the department at admission events as requested. 

DEPARTMENTAL OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT 

Managing all departmental operations 

• Advise the Head of School on all issues related to the athletic department. 
• Ensure that all athletic programming is developed and executed in accordance with MHSAA guidelines and the school’s core values, mission, vision, and strategic planning. 
• Develop and oversee the department’s budget, bearing primary responsibility for achieving the school’s financial goals within the department. 
• Develop and maintain connections between divisions, departments, administrative groups and other areas of school life. 
• Manage “Liggett Sports” Social Media to promote University Liggett Athletics to the community and student body. 
• Oversee conduct and accountability among coaches and department staff for standards set forth in the Employee Handbook. 
• Supervise the department staff to ensure efficient and effective administration in the daily operation of the school. 
• Oversee creation and management of athletic schedules and calendars. 
• Oversee athletic awards and other programs. 
• Lead the recruitment and hiring of coaches and department staff. 
• Conduct and document performance reviews of administrative staff. 
• Perform other tasks as directed by the Head of School. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred. 
• Demonstrates consistently exemplary personal and professional ethics in keeping with ULS’s Community Values. 
• Embraces all elements of ULS’s Mission. 
• Demonstrates the ability to develop, articulate, and pursue a compelling vision for the division in alignment with the School’s vision. 
• Demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills. 
• Demonstrates highly effective educational leadership abilities. 
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrates a commitment to innovation and to collaboration. 
• Possesses substantive relevant successful administrative experience.

Screenings – TB assessment Livescan Background Check 

Work Environment: 

This job operates in a professional school environment. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time, twelve-month position. Limited travel and occasional weekend and evening work will be required. 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination 

Liggett is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution. It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, misdemeanor arrest record, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by federal or Michigan law. 

This policy governs all aspects of employment at Liggett including hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, discipline, discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment. This policy applies to all conduct on school premises, during school-sponsored activities on or off campus, and in connection with all school-related duties or functions. This policy also applies to all conduct and communication by vendors or other third parties while on school premises or in connection with providing services to the school.

How to Apply:

University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, has engaged DovetailED to lead a search for a Director of Athletics beginning in July 2025. Interested candidates should review the Opportunity Statement and submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a consolidated PDF to Zack Lehman, President at DovetailED Talent Sourcing, at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com, and Victoria Jones at victoria@dovetailedsourcing.com.               

University Liggett School Director of Athletics Opportunity Statement Link: https://bit.ly/4hlqEPk.

About University Liggett School

The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 600 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passion and explore it in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing graduates to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning. The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths o...f each student through the Curriculum for Understanding. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.

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Connections working at University Liggett School