Athletic Director

Purpose: The Athletic Director provides leadership, supervision, and coordination for all athletics programs at Vail Mountain School. This role oversees program development, compliance, scheduling, personnel management, and overall operations for athletics in order to promote sportsmanship, student engagement, and competitive excellence. This role also oversees the Assistant Athletic Director. 

Who You Are:

Knowledge & Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of athletic program operations and CHSAA guidelines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to supervise staff, manage complex schedules, and support high-quality athletic programming.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in existing technology systems, athletic scheduling, and communication software.
• A strategic thinker, able to consider the big picture in athletics, like onboarding and off loading sports, the equity in men’s and women’s athletics, and the long term sustainability of programs that are mission aligned with the school’s enrollment

Abilities

• Motivate staff and students while fostering positive relationships with families and the community.
• Analyze situations and implement effective strategies.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for athletic events.
• Promote enthusiasm and engagement across the athletic program.
• A “raise your hand” type of person. You’re interested in participating in school events like  after school academy, field trips, sitting at lunch tables, assisting with carpool, hut trips, and Ski Fridays (or alternative winter outdoor activities). You are ready to participate fully in the life of the school.
• A person who fosters an inclusive workplace built on equitable policies and procedures. You are also able to engage a diverse team of co-workers and students.
• Able to communicate in a timely, clear, and professional manner with students, parents, colleagues, and volunteers
• Ready to attend and participate all related meetings and assist with afternoon/evening programs which will occur outside of the school day
• Comfortable leading a class of students outside of a traditional classroom setting including a gymnasium, athletic field, and outdoor winter environments 

Experience & Training Requirements

• Five years of high school coaching experience, with at least two years as a head coach.
• Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university
• Three or more years of experience as an Athletic Director in an independent school.
• CHSAA Certification
  • Bonus points for additional certification such as NIAAA, etc
  • We are happy to provide training if you do not yet have this certification
• Valid driver's license
  • You are comfortable driving 15 passenger vans and small buses.

What You Will Do:

Program Management

• Oversee the full athletic program under the direction of the Assistant Head of School.
• Administer all VMS athletic policies as well as Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) rules and bylaws.
• Ensure student-athlete eligibility and compliance with participation requirements.
• Develop and manage interscholastic schedules, including transportation and event logistics.
• Coordinate and supervise all home athletic contests, ensuring proper administrative presence and game management.
• Serve as tournament manager for assigned league and playoff events.
• Promote athletics internally and externally using approved VMS channels.
• Manage athletic budgets, purchasing, and facility usage in collaboration with AHOS and CFO.
• Maintain a strong, welcoming program culture centered on sportsmanship.
• Act as liaison with CHSAA, league ADs, district administration, and community partners.
• Update and maintain the athletics handbook
• Take an active role in the behavior management of students, particularly those who are members of athletic teams.
• Maintain accurate records for eligibility, medical documentation, equipment, contracts, and program history.

Personnel Supervision

• Serve as the Department Chair for the Physical Education department composed of three other members.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise all coaches; conduct evaluations and support staff development.
• Oversee required training certifications for coaches (including CHSAA training,  first aid and concussion training).
• Manage conflicts and personnel concerns in collaboration with site leadership.
• Coordinate schedules, access, and supervision needs across athletic facilities.

Administrative / Operational Duties

• Maintain contest contracts, schedules, and communication with officials and partner schools.
• Coordinate repair and maintenance of athletic facilities.
• Oversee transportation, lodging, and related logistics for athletic travel.
• Manage game-day operations including field or gym set up, security (door unlock), parking (bus and fans), and administrator on duty.
• Maintain and track athletic equipment, inventory, suspensions, eligibility files, and required documentation.
• Work with the Business Office to manage external contracts including facilities rentals, admin on duty, and event management.
• Attend meetings as required and represent the school in athletic league and state meetings.

Who We Are:

We are a rapport-based independent school that is proud of our roots in the Vail Valley. As a group, we are made up of active people who are committed to instilling the value of our natural surroundings to the next generation through education, responsibility, and kindness. VMS is a caring and thoughtful organization committed to the lives of our employees. We offer a competitive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to fit the needs of our faculty and staff. We offer a monthly wellness benefit reimbursement as well as FSA and HSA options depending on your health insurance elections. We focus on the professional development of our faculty and staff through individual professional development opportunities. Vail Mountain School is proud to offer competitive compensation based on your life experience.

VMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, intentionally committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We welcome candidates representing a full spectrum of race, ability, gender, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation. A VMS education embraces both the open exchange of ideas and learning from differing perspectives, inclusive of the beliefs and identities reflected within the community. Qualifications for employment include a demonstrated commitment to these principles.

Application Instructions:

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@vms.edu We look forward to hearing from you!