About the Role
POSITION TITLE: Director of Athletics – Colchester Middle School GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Director of Middle School Athletics is responsible for the organization and administration of the middle school athletic and co-curricular programs, including the specific duties listed below. The Director ensures that all programs align with the Colchester School District Co-Curricular Handbook and the philosophy, rules, and guidelines of the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA). Furthermore, the Middle School Athletic Director promotes participation, sportsmanship, safety, and student development while ensuring that athletics and activities remain an extension of the school’s educational mission. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This is a 10–11 month position; salary is commensurate with experience. Work can be done outside of school hours. CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Middle School Principal EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated by middle school administration in accordance with the guidelines defined in the district’s Differentiated Evaluation Process. SUPERVISES: Coaching Staff, club coaching staff (including volunteers), designated athletic support staff (school nurse/athletic trainer when applicable) QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree preferred including but not limited to education, health, athletic training, exercise physiology, or related fields. Relevant experience in athletics or student activities as well as prior leadership and supervisory experience preferred. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership: Develop and maintain evaluation and professional growth systems for middle school coaches and advisors. Evaluate coaches and volunteers and supervise head coaches in evaluating assistants. Partner with Colchester High School athletics, Colchester Parks & Recreation, and community programs to support strong feeder systems. Every season review and distribute the Coaches and Student Co-Curricular Handbook with coaches. Enforce district harassment, hazing, bullying, and substance abuse policies and ensure adults serve as role models. Event Administration: Serve as Site Administrator at after-school and evening events to ensure health, safety, and positive sportsmanship. Provide and oversee personnel (timers, scorers, announcers, security, ticket takers, and crowd control as needed). Oversee facility setup and breakdown. Prepare rosters, announcements, music, and intermission activities. Provide crowd management emphasizing positive student behavior and VPA sportsmanship standards. Personnel: Assist in hiring, evaluating, and dismissing coaches and advisors. Issue and maintain contracts and records. Appoint student activities to advisors. Maintain coach certification and distribute the Coach’s Guide. Inform coaches of professional development opportunities. Public Relations: Organize annual preseason parent/athlete meetings. Communicate effectively with parents regarding concerns by phone and in writing. Prepare and distribute athletic/activity communications. Collaborate with the media for appropriate publicity. Proactively communicate to promote and support programs. Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA): Ensure adherence to all VPA middle school regulations. Complete required applications, reports, and participation summaries. Process paperwork for special eligibility cases (crossover participation, homeschoolers, etc.). Communication: Frequent contact with the main office, other schools, VPA, coaches, students, parents, volunteers, maintenance staff, officials, administration, transportation & media Equipment: Supervise ordering, maintenance, distribution, collection, and storage of athletic equipment. Maintain accurate inventory of uniforms and supplies Organize and maintain equipment Facility Maintenance & Preparation: Work with maintenance to maintain safe, clean, professional facilities (fields, gymnasium, locker rooms, weight room, training areas). Arrange for field treatments, lining, repairs, and inspections Coordinate indoor and outdoor facility use by school and community groups. Officials: Procure and assign officials for home events. Process payments. Communicate schedule changes. Scheduling: Coordinate the schedule of all middle school athletic contests with other area ADs as needed. Publish and disseminate schedules. Coordinate use of gyms, fields, and school spaces. Oversee scheduling of fundraisers. Web Page & Social Media: Develop and maintain athletics web pages and social media presence consistent with district policy. Academic Eligibility: Develop and enforce academic eligibility policies. Maintain eligibility rosters. Communicate violations to families and coaches. Athletic Training Rules: Develop and enforce athletic training rules. Investigate violations and enforce consistently. Meet with parents and students regarding concerns. Attendance: Develop and enforce attendance policies for practices and contests. Awards & Recognition: Oversee and coordinate end of season celebration. Ensure team dinners and celebrations match CSD Co-Curricular Handbook expectations. Philosophy & Objective Develop, maintain, and communicate the philosophy and objectives of middle school athletics and student activities emphasizing participation, sportsmanship, safety, student growth & preparation for high school athletics Student Records: Maintain accurate participation records. Generate reports via Arbiter. Budget: Prepare athletic budgets with coaches. Submit a budget to the Principal. Maintain records of income and expenditures. Adjust budget as needed. JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Language Skills: Ability to present information effectively to administrators and parent groups. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate courteously, efficiently, and effectively with students, faculty, administrators, parents, and community partners. Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with peers, supervisors, and outside agencies. Other Skills / Traits: Dedicated to ensuring the success and safety of all students. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, respect, and commitment to district values. Ability to manage parent concerns and complaints in accordance with district communication protocols. Ability to use online platforms like Arbiter and ParentSquare for organization and communication. Ability to collaborate with CMS Admin and Admin Assistants, other Middle School ADs, and the CHS AD and their Assistant. WORKING CONDITIONS: Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions Moderate noise levels Exposure to dust, fumes, and mechanical equipment Operation of vehicles and equipment PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing and walking for extended periods Lifting up to 75 pounds Pushing/pulling over 70 pounds Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, climbing, reaching, and carrying