Director of Sport Excellence & Innovation

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 312,480 - 424,080; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive tax‑free salary with full expatriate benefits

Access to advanced sporting facilities and performance technology

Strong professional development pathways within a global education network

Job summary

Gems Education UAE is seeking an accomplished Director of Sports to lead its sports programme from August 2026. This senior leadership role encompasses driving sporting excellence, competitive success, and high-performance development across all phases. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree with Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience in sports.

The role emphasizes creating a culture of health and achievement and involves managing the Physical Education department, enhancing student engagement via high-quality sporting initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within Physical Education or school sport.
• Demonstrable personal sporting achievement at competitive level.
• Strong knowledge of British curriculum frameworks within a UAE context.
• Experience developing high‑performance sports programmes and competitive teams.
• Expertise in building external partnerships with sports organisations and professionals.
• Strong organisational, analytical and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyse participation and performance data to inform strategic sports planning and continuous improvement.
• Lead, manage and develop the Physical Education and sports department, ensuring accountability and high standards.
• Coordinate major sporting fixtures, tournaments and school‑wide initiatives to enhance student engagement.
• Drive development of The Active School provision for Years 7‑9 and strengthen competitive pathways.
• Build partnerships with governing bodies, elite coaches and specialist providers.
• Introduce innovative performance analysis methods and sports technology integration.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and structured professional development for sports staff.
• Ensure safeguarding, student welfare and inclusive participation remain central to all activities.
• Promote high standards of conduct, teamwork and sporting integrity across the school community.

Skills

Sports programme leadership and development

Performance analysis and data‑driven improvement

Staff mentoring and succession planning

Strategic partnership management

Safeguarding and student wellbeing

Technology integration in athletic performance

Communication and stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree with PGCE or PGDE and Qualified Teacher Status

Master's degree or postgraduate qualification desirable

Job description

Gems Education UAE is seeking an accomplished Director of Sports to lead its sports programme from August 2026. This senior leadership role encompasses driving sporting excellence, competitive success, and high-performance development across all phases. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree with Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience in sports.

The role emphasizes creating a culture of health and achievement and involves managing the Physical Education department, enhancing student engagement via high-quality sporting initiatives.