Eastern Athletic Director

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. The High School Athletic Director is responsible for the planning, organization, and oversight of all interscholastic athletic programs at the building level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Development

• Direct and supervise all high school athletic programs, teams, and events.
• Recruit, recommend, mentor, and evaluate coaches in collaboration with the Director of Enrichment/Engagement and building principal.
• Support professional growth opportunities for coaching staff.
• Develop and maintain equitable opportunities for all students to participate in athletics.
• Promote sportsmanship, citizenship, and academic achievement as integral components of athletics.

School Day Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the building principal and district athletic director on hiring processes for coaches.
• Observe practices and provide feedback to coaches on team culture, leadership of team, and sportsmanship.
• Lead meetings with 8th-grade students about High School sports during the school day in the Spring.
• Model good sportsmanship and ensure that coaches and student-athletes are displaying good sportsmanship during competitions.
• Communicate with coaches about opportunities for professional development.
• Ensure students and coaches are completing necessary sportsmanship courses.
• Track and record participation data on a weekly basis in each sport.
• Set goals with coaches at the beginning of the season, provide feedback mid-season, and complete end-of-season evaluation using the coaching rubric.
• Teach or assist with teaching classes related to athletics.

Operations & Event Management

• Maintain a current Emergency Action Plan at each location for each sport.
• Develop and coordinate practice, game, and facility schedules in partnership with the Director of Enrichment/Engagement.
• Arrange and confirm officials, event staff, medical personnel, and security as needed.
• Oversee transportation scheduling for athletic events.
• Ensure safe and proper use of facilities, fields, and equipment.
• Manage inventory, distribution, and replacement of athletic uniforms and equipment.

Fiscal & Administrative Management

• Monitor the building athletic budget within district guidelines.
• Oversee all purchasing of athletic equipment and supplies.
• Assist with fundraising efforts and ensure proper accounting of athletic funds.
• Maintain required records, including eligibility, rosters, program evaluations, and compliance documentation.

Student-Athlete Support

• Ensure compliance with academic eligibility standards and district policies.
• Promote the health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes, including oversight of injury protocols and return-to-play procedures.
• Encourage positive relationships among students, coaches, families, and the school community.
• Foster leadership development and opportunities for student-athletes.

Compliance & Communication

• Ensure adherence to policies of the District, MHSAA, and Capital Area Activities Conference.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the school, parents, media, officials, and the community regarding athletics.
• Communicate program goals, expectations, and schedules to coaches, students, and families.
• Report regularly to the Director of Enrichment/Engagement on program status, needs, and accomplishments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, sports management, or a related field.
• Prior experience in coaching and/or athletic administration at the secondary school level.
• Knowledge of MHSAA and league regulations.
• Demonstrated organizational, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, scheduling, and multiple programs simultaneously.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Valid High School teaching certificate preferred.

Professional Competencies

• Leadership: Models professionalism and inspires coaches and athletes.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with district leaders, school administration, and community partners.
• Equity & Inclusion: Ensures fair and inclusive participation in athletics.
• Problem-Solving: Responds effectively to challenges in a dynamic environment.
• Communication: Maintains clear, respectful, and timely communication with all stakeholders.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Requires flexibility in schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Involves frequent attendance at athletic contests and events.
• Requires the ability to supervise events indoors and outdoors in varying conditions.