District Athletic Director

Tanque Verde Unified School District is seeking a District Athletic Director. This position provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all interscholastic athletic programs serving students in grades 7–12. This position ensures athletic programs align with the educational mission of Tanque Verde Unified School District by promoting academic success, leadership development, sportsmanship, equity, safety, and community engagement. The District Athletic Director oversees staffing, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, communications, and the overall growth, organization, and visibility of District athletic programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Administration

• Oversee and manage all District athletic programs for grades 7-12.
• Serve as the District liaison to the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) and local athletic leagues.
• Ensure compliance with District policies, state regulations, league rules, and governing athletic associations.
• Attend and actively participate in local and state athletic leadership training, meetings, and oversight activities.
• Participate in weekly District administrative meetings and collaborate with school and District leadership.
• Establish and maintain a positive, student-centered athletic culture emphasizing academic achievement, character development, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Coaching Leadership & Professional Development

• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and mentor all middle school and high school athletic coaches.
• Provide regular coaching professional development, including scheduled meetings, training sessions, and leadership support.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support growth and improvement plans.
• Maintain consistent communication with coaching staff regarding expectations, policies, and program goals.

Athletic Operations & Event Management

• Organize, schedule, and oversee all athletic competitions and events.
• Manage athletic transportation, travel logistics, and game-day operations.
• Oversee game-day communication, including coordination with schools, officials, transportation, and families.
• Ensure clear and timely travel communication for student-athletes, coaches, and parents.

Student-Athlete Support & Development

• Manage student-athlete academic eligibility in collaboration with school administration and counseling staff.
• Develop and oversee student-athlete leadership development opportunities.
• Assist student-athletes and families with the college recruitment process, including eligibility guidance, exposure opportunities, and coordination with coaches.
• Advocate for equitable access and opportunities for all student-athletes.

Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the District's grades 7–12 athletic budget.
• Ensure responsible fiscal oversight, transparency, and alignment with District financial practices.
• Oversee equipment purchasing, inventory, and resource allocation.

Fundraising, Grants & Camps

• Serve as the District athletic lead for capital fundraising initiatives and athletic-related grants.
• Collaborate with booster clubs, community partners, and District staff to secure funding for athletic facilities, equipment, and program enhancements.
• Organize and oversee District athletic camps, clinics, and special athletic programs.

Communication, Promotion & Community Engagement

• Promote athletic teams, student-athletes, and coaches at the District, local, and state levels.
• Serve as liaison for press releases and promotion of athletic activities and achievements.
• Share regular written celebrations and highlights of athletic accomplishments with the District community.
• Conduct parent meetings and maintain open communication with families.
• Strengthen relationships with community organizations, media outlets, and local partners.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Tanque Verde Unified School District athletics.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, athletic administration, sports management, or a related field.
• Experience in secondary school athletics as an administrator and/or coach.
• Knowledge of interscholastic athletic regulations, budgeting, scheduling, and program management.
• Must hold a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in educational leadership, athletic administration, or related field.
• Experience with fundraising, grant writing, and capital campaigns.
• Proven success mentoring coaches and developing comprehensive athletic programs.

Job Requirements

• Evening, weekend, and seasonal work required.
• Regular attendance at athletic events, meetings, and District functions.
• Travel between District sites and athletic venues both in and out of town as needed.

Contract Information

• 10.5-month administrative position.
• Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

The job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the position.