Athletic Director - Private Sports Academy

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

On-site facilities

Professional development

Employer retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Athletic Director to lead our prestigious private sports academy. The role combines on-site program leadership with strategic planning in a hybrid work setting, focused on student-athlete development and program excellence.

You will recruit and develop coaching staff, manage budgeting and facilities, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver a world-class athletic experience across multiple disciplines while engaging with the school community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in athletic administration or coaching.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the academy's athletic programs, including budgeting, scheduling, and facility management.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate coaching staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for athletic program growth and enhancement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant athletic association rules and regulations.
• Promote student-athlete well-being, academic success, and personal development.
• Manage the athletic department budget effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Cultivate positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, alumni, and the wider community.
• Organize and oversee inter-school competitions and athletic events.
• Lead initiatives for fundraising and donor engagement to support athletic programs.
• Stay current with best practices in sports administration, athlete development, and coaching methodologies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff management

Budgeting

Athletic program management

Recruitment & development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sports Management or related

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

A prestigious private sports academy located in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Athletic Director to lead its comprehensive sports program. This role requires a dynamic leader who can inspire student-athletes, manage coaching staff, and foster a culture of excellence and integrity. You will be responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of all athletic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the academy's educational mission. This position involves both on-site management and strategic planning, offering a hybrid work arrangement that balances administrative duties with community engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of athletic program management, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to student-athlete development across multiple disciplines. You will be instrumental in building a strong athletic brand and providing a world-class experience for our student-athletes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the academy's athletic programs, including budgeting, scheduling, and facility management.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate coaching staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for athletic program growth and enhancement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant athletic association rules and regulations.
• Promote student-athlete well-being, academic success, and personal development.
• Manage the athletic department budget effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Cultivate positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, alumni, and the wider community.
• Organize and oversee inter-school competitions and athletic events.
• Lead initiatives for fundraising and donor engagement to support athletic programs.
• Stay current with best practices in sports administration, athlete development, and coaching methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in athletic administration or coaching at a secondary or tertiary institution.
• Demonstrated success in program development, staff management, and budget oversight.
• Strong understanding of athletic compliance, eligibility, and governance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to inspire and motivate student-athletes and staff.
• Experience in event management and facility oversight.
• Knowledge of various sports disciplines and their specific needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site responsibilities with strategic planning.
• A commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive athletic culture.

Benefits

• A competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and professional development opportunities.
• Access to excellent on-site sports facilities.
• A supportive work environment dedicated to student success.
• Opportunities for leadership and impact within a respected educational institution.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.