New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and student-centered leader to serve as its Director of Athletics. This is an extraordinary opportunity to build an athletics program from the ground up at a young and ambitious school entering its next phase of growth. As the first middle and high school in the nation founded on human-centered design principles, NEIA is guided by three strategic pillars: ”innovation in everything we do, sustainable expansion, and belonging for all.” The next Director will play a pivotal role in advancing these commitments by shaping how athletics contributes to student growth, community identity, and the evolving culture of the school.

Now in its fifth year, NEIA is entering a period of renewed focus and direction as it proceeds with developing best-in-class programming across all facets of the school. As the school continues to prioritize a more holistic and connected student experience, athletics has naturally emerged as an area with significant potential. Independent school families expect a thoughtfully designed athletics program as part of a well-rounded school offering, and NEIA is seizing this opportunity to build one that deepens community bonds, enhances student life, and strengthens the school’s visibility in a competitive marketplace.

Reporting to the new Head of School, Dr. Durga Suresh-Menon, and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Athletics will provide vision, structure, and operational leadership during a formative period in the school’s evolution. This leader will oversee all aspects of the athletics program for grades 6–12, collaborating across academic, residential, and student-support teams to create a connected and mission-aligned student journey. The role requires a steady, collaborative presence who understands how to support students who are bright, kind, creative, and wonderfully individual—learners who thrive when adults recognize their strengths and encourage them to explore, take healthy risks, and grow with confidence. This leader must balance strategic design with hands-on implementation while building trust and coherence across a young and fast-evolving community.

The  Director of Athletics will step into a role defined by both vision and possibility. NEIA is making a $20+ million investment in a new athletics complex that will include outdoor fields opening in Spring 2026 and a state-of-the-art Athletics Center debuting in 2026. As the school anticipates NEPSAC membership and expands interscholastic offerings, the Director will have the rare opportunity to influence program design before facilities open, ensuring that systems, staffing, scheduling, culture, and community engagement are built intentionally from the start. This leader will architect an athletics road map that balances competitive aspiration with inclusive participation; establishes standards and expectations that bring predictability and professionalism; and nurtures a culture where students of all athletic backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. For a relational, strategic builder who thrives in entrepreneurial environments, NEIA offers the chance to create something lasting, meaningful, and foundational to the school’s future.

Please visit our career page for the full job description and for details on how to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (education administration or sports management)
• Three to five years of experience in athletic administration
• Prior coaching experience
• Demonstrated experience in student recruitment
• Direct working knowledge of athletics in secondary schools (independent schools preferred)
• CPR certification preferred
• Proven ability to recruit, hire, and develop coaches and external partners
• Demonstrated success in building or significantly expanding an athletics program
• Experience with differentiating Middle School and Upper School programming
• Knowledge of health, safety, and wellness programs for athletes
• Experience using technology effectively and strong current knowledge of emerging tools
• Risk management focus and understanding of compliance requirements
• Basic knowledge of preventive maintenance and operation of athletic facilities
• Experience in establishing new systems, processes, and procedures

About New England Innovation Academy

At New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), our mission and pillars form the bedrock of a holistic and transformative educational experience. This approach integrates academic learning with personal growth, allowing students to discover their passion and purpose, innovate with impact, and prepare for what comes next. Our students, known as 'innovators,' embark on a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about skill acquisition. Human-centered design is central to NEIA's philosophy and curriculum. Through real-world inclusion, students apply knowledge in practical projects with the community and industry. This experiential approach teaches vital skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and empathy while encouraging deep questioning and critical thinking across disciplines. Skilled educators enrich interdisciplinary learning through integrated projects, relevant problem-solving, and active engagement. Hands-on learning fosters innovation, creative thinking, empathy, and connection to the real world. Students delve into experiences and ideas that stimulate initiative, reflection, and ownership over their education. As NEIA continues to grow, expanding our enrollment t...o 350–375 students in the coming years, we seek passionate educators committed to this visionary approach. We look for professionals who excel in applying innovative teaching practices, are adept in student-centered and integrated learning, and are experienced in or excited about competency-based assessment. Continuous professional learning and a willingness to contribute to curriculum development and program scaling are essential. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our ethos at NEIA. We believe that innovation thrives in an environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging. By fostering a community that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds, we aim to create an inclusive culture for both our students and staff. To better understand our unique educational environment and ethos, we encourage prospective applicants to visit our website at https://neiacademy.org for more information.

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Connections working at New England Innovation Academy