Laboratory Schools: Director of Athletics

Department

Lab School PE/Athletics

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment.

Job Summary

The renowned University of Chicago Laboratory Schools seek a seasoned, dynamic, visionary athletics leader to serve as our next Director of Athletics, effective July 2025. The Director of Athletics is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of a vibrant, robust Athletics Program at Lab. Reporting to the Associate Director of Schools, the Director of Athletics holds a senior administrative leadership position at Lab and participates actively in broad strategic guidance for the Schools.

The job manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for the University's athletics, fitness, and recreational sports programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of a team of five administrators and support for over 600 student athletes across 17 sports and over 50 teams.
• Oversees the recruitment, hiring, training, and professional growth of coaches.
• Partners closely with the principals and deans of all divisions at Lab to sustain and develop the link between Athletics and other programs.
• Works with Lab's Marketing and Communications department to promote events and programs.
• Oversees the use and coordination of Lab’s Athletics facilities.
• Cultivates schoolwide pride in student athletes’ efforts and successes.
• Develops and implements an overall recruiting plan and prepares budgetary recommendations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

People Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

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