Nichols School now seeks to hire the next Director of Athletics to oversee the entire athletics and physical education program, grades 5 through 12. The Athletic Director will report directly to Chris Burner, the Head of School, and work closely with other members of the leadership team. 

• Oversee the day-to-operations of the athletics and physical education department, including the supervision of other members of the athletic administrative department. 
• Manage the impressive athletic facilities alongside the Director of Facilities and Director of Auxiliary Programs. This includes the oversight of the 2 hockey rinks, grass and turf fields, courts, and 2 gyms. The Athletic Director will work closely with the two administrators stated above to  be sure the facilities are updated and utilized efficiently and effectively throughout all seasons. 
• Ensure the physical education program at the school runs smoothly and bolsters positive  physical fitness and healthy human development. 
• Recruit, hire, and onboard excellent teachers of physical education and coaches for all the sports offered at the school. 
• Be a visible member of the Nichols community both internally and externally. Internally, the Athletic Director will be actively involved in all facets of school life, athletics and otherwise. Further, the Athletic Director will be a present and visible member of the greater Buffalo  community; an ambassador for the school’s robust athletics program.  
• Work closely with the Director of the school’s excellent hockey program as well as other head coaches of other sports, ensuring a pathway to excellence for the student-athletes in those programs. 
• Ensure that coaches and administrators engage in a timely, thoughtful and responsive fashion with parents. 
• Serve as a thought-partner with Chris Burner, Head of School, as well as with other members of the leadership team. 
• Reinforcing the excellence of a Nichols education and athletics will also translate into ensuring full enrollment and a student body that represents the best of Western New York.  
• Understand and integrate the evolution of high school sports, today’s student athletes, and the importance of understanding the customer/families into our athletic programming. 

Professional Qualifications:

• Significant athletic administrative experience, with experience in independent schools preferred. 
• Strong background in managing complex athletic programs, including logistics, facilities, scheduling, and staff development. 
• Understanding of policies related to school athletics, with preferred experience working within an independent school athletic league or equivalent. 
• Proven ability to oversee and support a wide range of sports, levels, and student experiences—from elite athletes to first-time players. 
• Experience collaborating with Admissions, Finance, College Counseling, and Facilities to align athletic priorities with institutional goals. 
• Demonstrated success in recruiting, evaluating, and mentoring coaches and staff. 
• Proven expertise in effective communication and engagement with students, colleagues, and parents. 
• Strong organizational skills and a high level of executive functioning. 
• Ability to manage and build camaraderie and a sense of ownership amongst an athletics administrative team.

About Nichols School

https://www.nicholsschool.org/about/welcome-from-the-head-of-school

Connections working at Nichols School