Assistant Director of Athletics - Operations & Engagement (Begins July 1, 2025)

Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the School currently enrolls 940 students and employs 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community.”

The Assistant Director of Athletics – Operations & Engagement supports the Director of Athletics in coordinating the daily functions of Parker’s 6–12 athletic program while also serving as the department’s digital voice and creative content lead. This will require the ideal applicant to possess knowledge of CMS/website platform management and fluency in the Adobe suite of applications including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. This individual will help ensure smooth operations - including scheduling, transportation, equipment, and compliance - while also building a strong, authentic presence for Parker Athletics across social media and the school’s website.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable handling game-day logistics as they are crafting a post that captures the excitement of a buzzer-beater win. This is a 12-month position requiring flexibility for evening and weekend responsibilities.

Essential Functions:

Operations & Program Support

• Coordinate scheduling of athletic events, practices, and transportation for Middle and Upper School teams.
• Manage logistics related to officials, game workers, equipment, and uniforms.
• Track and maintain athletic inventory and assist with procurement and branding of uniforms and gear.
• Assist in supervising events and ensuring spaces are set up for practices and competitions.
• Help manage compliance with IHSA rules, student eligibility, and school athletic forms.
• Support hiring and mentorship of coaches; assist in staff onboarding and evaluations.
• Maintain accurate and timely updates on the Athletics Portal and team schedules.

Promotion, Media & Digital Engagement

• Lead creation and management of content for Parker Athletics’ social media accounts (Instagram, Snapchat, Bluesky, and more).
• Capture and curate photos, videos, and stories from games, practices, and community events.
• Regularly update the Athletics page on the school website with schedules, scores, stories, and features.
• Collaborate with photographers and the school’s Communications team to promote athletic achievements.
• Create digital and print promotional materials for events like Homecoming, Senior Nights, and State Series competitions.
• Track and highlight student-athlete accomplishments in newsletters, banquet programs, and end-of-season media.
• Assist in coordinating and producing materials for three seasonal athletics banquets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in athletic administration, journalism, communications, sports management, or a related field.
• Proficiency in website CMS platforms, SIDEARM Sports or similar.
• Strong writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro).
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
• Experience preferred in athletic operations, sports marketing, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of athletic program structures and logistics.
• Proficiency with social media platforms and content creation tools (Canva, Adobe, video editing, etc.).
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Availability for evening and weekend responsibilities during the athletic season.
• First Aid/AED and IHSA certification (or willingness to obtain).

Compensation:

Salary range: $50,000-$60,000

Francis W. Parker School provides an excellent employee benefits program, including but not limited to: health and dental insurance, term and supplemental life insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA’s), commuter benefits, and 403b retirement plan. Information on Parker’s comprehensive benefits package can be found here.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the dual focus of operations and engagement. Click here to submit your application (no telephone inquiries please).

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world. Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.

About Francis W. Parker School

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