Description
ABOUT UNIVERSITY LAKE SCHOOL
University Lake School is an independent college preparatory school dedicated to educating the whole child in an unparalleled learning environment. The commitment to excellence at ULS uniquely capitalizes on its ability as a small and dedicated learning community to foster original thinking, intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and character through service to others. ULS was founded in 1956 as the first college preparatory school in Lake Country, and for nearly three-quarters of a century has been prized as a destination for critical thinking, hands-on learning, and inspiring students to lead lives of meaning and impact in their communities and the world. Today, ULS serves approximately 350 students from Little Lakers (age two) through 12th grade.
ULS is deeply committed to the strength and future growth of its athletics program. Current facilities include three gymnasiums (with a capital campaign in progress to support the renovation of the main gym), a dedicated fitness center, four athletic fields, three outdoor tennis courts, and an indoor rock-climbing wall. These facilities reflect a significant institutional investment in student wellness, athletic development, and community engagement. Across the Middle School and Upper School divisions, ULS fields 18 teams spanning 12 sports, offering students a wide range of opportunities for participation and competition. Rooted in a no-cut athletics philosophy that prioritizes participation, growth, and joy in sport alongside competitive excellence, ULS athletics plays a central role in the student experience and in the life of the broader school community.
POSITION SUMMARY
University Lake School is seeking an Athletic Director for the 2026–27 school year (or sooner for the right candidate). This person will be an integral member of the School Leadership Team, overseeing program planning, coach onboarding and support, scheduling, and communication. In partnership with staffulty, families, the Booster Club, students, and peer schools within ULS athletic conferences, the Athletic Director will help ensure a well-coordinated and community-connected athletics program. The Athletic Director will play a key role in continuing to build and strengthen a cohesive, mission-aligned athletics program that reflects the School’s commitment to student growth, sportsmanship, and inclusive participation. Working within a close-knit independent school environment that values both competitive excellence and joyful engagement in sport, the Athletic Director will help cultivate a program where students of all ages are encouraged to develop skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of athletics.
The Athletic Director serves in a school-wide leadership capacity and reports directly to the Head of School. In the management of gym rentals and broader facilities use, the Athletic Director works closely with and reports to the Chief Financial Officer. Direct reports include the Assistant Athletic Director (who currently manages middle school athletics), all full- and part-time middle and upper school coaching staff, as well as external vendors connected to the athletics program. Physical Education faculty report to their respective Division Heads but partner closely with the Athletic Director to ensure alignment between the curricular and co-curricular athletics experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
Expectations include:
Lead a school-wide athletics program that balances competitive excellence with character development, wellness, and sportsmanship.
Works with the Middle School Athletic Director and Lower School leadership to align athletics across all divisions of the K-12 school
Coach Leadership & Development
Recruit, hire, retain, mentor, and evaluate coaching staff, fostering a culture of professional growth, safety, collaboration, and accountability.
Provide ongoing support and development opportunities for coaches to enhance instructional quality, leadership skills, and student engagement.
Ensure coaches model the school’s values and contribute positively to the student-athlete experience.
Student-Athlete Experience
Champion the academic, social, and emotional well-being of student-athletes.
Monitor and support academic eligibility and compliance.
Support student-athlete goal setting and development.
Manage Athletic Buildings & Spaces
Manage the gym rental program to ensure rental groups are supported and compliant, while maintaining clean and safe facilities.
Work with the Facilities Director to communicate and manage maintenance and cleaning needs in a proactive manner.
Ensure access control is synced with schedules and buildings are closed and locked at the end of each evening.
Coordinate the lining and maintenance of fields with coaches- soccer and field hockey.
Operations, Compliance & Logistics
Oversee all aspects of WIAA membership and compliance, including representation at conference meetings, WIAA-sanctioned meetings, and league events.
Manage athletics operations, including scheduling, transportation, officials, facilities, inventory, and game-day logistics.
Develop, manage, and operate within the athletics budget and oversee recordkeeping for Athletics.
Coordinate gym usage, referee scheduling, and payments to ensure smooth daily operations.
Community Engagement & Advancement
Lead community outreach efforts to strengthen partnerships and enhance the school’s visibility.
Collaborate with and support the Booster Club, fostering positive engagement and shared goals.
Partner with teams on community-based fundraising initiatives, such as local business partnerships and events.
Serve as a visible ambassador for the athletics program within the school and broader community.
Communication & Marketing
Oversee all Athletic Department communications, in collaboration with the Director of Communications and Director of Marketing, and Division Heads.
Ensure timely, clear, and effective communication with students, families, coaches, and stakeholders.
Promote athletic achievements and stories to elevate program visibility and celebrate student success.
Additional Responsibilities
Lead home game management and event support, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.
Manage the Athletics department budget.
Work with the business office to accurately bill rental groups, co-op teams, and pay athletics expenditures.
Complete special projects and initiatives as assigned in support of institutional priorities.
May be asked to teach 1-2 classes.
Hours: School days from 12pm - 8pm plus occasional mornings. Occasional weekends (estimated at 25% of weekends throughout the year). This position is a school-year position, with some summer hours required.
QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
Relationship-centered leadership style, with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain positive working relationships and to model self-disciplined, ethical behavior across students, coaches, families, and colleagues
Deep understanding of the developmental and programmatic needs of student-athletes across all grade levels
Approachable, warm, and enthusiastic leadership presence, balanced by a firm and steady demeanor, with a genuine commitment to being a visible and engaged member of the community and to building meaningful connections with children across all ages
Excellent organizational and operational leadership skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage logistics, communications, and program systems and procedures
High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion, with the ability to steward sensitive student, family, and donor information with sound judgment and confidentiality
Strategic and mission-driven orientation, with the ability to lead and sustain athletics programs in alignment with the School’s values and student-centered priorities
Ability to motivate and inspire staffulty and students while fostering strong partnerships with families and the broader community
Ability to cultivate enthusiasm, pride, and active engagement across the athletics program
Respect for and appreciation of the unique role of athletics within a small, independent school environment
Passion for ensuring children of all abilities experience joy in athletics while supporting skill development and program excellence
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree required
Three to five years of experience in athletic administration
Prior coaching experience
CPR certification preferred
Demonstrated success in building, expanding, and aligning athletics programs across multiple divisions or age ranges.
Experience in differentiating athletics programming across age ranges and grade levels
Basic knowledge of preventive maintenance and operation of athletic facilities
Understanding of WIAA regulations
Experience in team and coach development
Proficient use of Google Suite products
Valid driver's license and experience driving a passenger van
