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This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12370024 Department

Lab School PE/Athletics

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. No less than scholarship, Lab\'s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab\'s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members\' identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community. Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, LGBTQ+ identified candidates, candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Summary

The renowned University of Chicago Laboratory Schools seek a seasoned, dynamic, visionary athletics leader to serve as our next Director of Athletics, effective July 2025. The Director of Athletics is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of a vibrant, robust Athletics Program at Lab. Boasting a strong record of competitive success and impressive levels of participation, Lab Athletics is celebrated in our community for its support of the schools\' mission, delivery of a positive environment for students, and demonstrated history building time management skills, bringing balance to students\' lives, and providing opportunities to develop deep and lasting friendships. The successful Director will bring vision and excitement to the next chapter of Lab Athletics, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, a student-centered approach, and a community-oriented educational perspective. Reporting to the As ociate Director of Schools (our seniormost program officer), the Director of Athletics holds a senior administrative leadership position at Lab and as such participates actively in broad strategic guidance for the Schools.

The job manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for the University\'s athletics, fitness, and recreational sports programs. Develops campus-wide recreational programming to meet the demands of the University community.

Responsibilities

As leader of Lab\'s Athletics Department, the Director of Athletics responsibilities include direct supervision of a team of five administrators that will expand to six; ensuring appropriate guidance and support for over 600 student athletes (335 high school, 270 middle school, and anticipated 250 in lower school) across 17 sports and over 50 teams; and guiding and supporting over 60 coaches in 94 coaching positions, as well as support staff.

Oversees the recruitment, hiring, training, mentorship, evaluation, and professional growth of coaches from within Lab\'s faculty and staff community and beyond.

Partners closely with the principals and deans of all four divisions at Lab, to sustain and further develop the link between Athletics and other programs and initiatives, including admissions, alumni relations and development, college counseling, student support services, and academic departments. In furt