Christian Heritage Academy is seeking an Athletic Director for the 2026-27 school year. The Athletic Director (AD) supports the mission of the school and provides leadership in the development, organization, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of CHA’s athletic programs. The AD also teaches PE elective classes as required, and in collaboration with the PE Department Chair, ensures that the entire PE and athletics programs function together to promote excellence in CHA athletics.
In addition to a personal faith in Christ Jesus, prospective candidates should hold an Illinois Professional Educator License or be willing to pursue certification through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Interested candidates should complete the Employment Interest Form to begin the application process.
Requirements
The requirements for the position are as follows:
Follower of Jesus Christ, who seeks to live all of life under His Lordship.
Spiritual maturity, with academic and leadership abilities that will enable him/her to teach all truth as God’s truth, using sports as a means to facilitate godly character growth.
A demonstrated commitment to the Christian faith as outlined in the Academy’s Statement of Faith and active participation in a local church congregation.
A demonstrated heart for the mission of Christian Heritage Academy and the advancement and development of Christian education, with a clear understanding of biblical integration across all subject areas and a passion for implementing it in an educational setting.
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major or concentration in Education and experience in teaching, coaching, and/or physical education.
Minimum of 2-3 years of teaching experience in an accredited school.
Ability to maintain discretion and absolute confidentiality.
Strong leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to develop, articulate, and execute a clear and compelling vision for the athletics program.
Ability to create enthusiasm and motivate people.
Ability to recruit, train, and manage coaches toward the vision for the athletics program.
Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain a courteous and respectful attitude in all situations.
The ability and desire to work in a team-oriented environment in a supportive, transparent, and solution-driven fashion.
Proficiency in Veracross (or other school information system), Google Suite, and Microsoft Office programs.
Athletic Director Responsibilities
Schedule all athletic games, matches, and events; ensure all information is accurate on the Veracross Athletics Calendar; hire referees for each game and athletic trainers (for US games only).
Partner with Student Life and Leadership Coordinator (SLLC) to create enthusiasm and interest in athletic programs. Collaborate with the Marketing department on publicity and press releases concerning athletics and the promotion of programs.
Partner with administration to develop, understand, communicate, and implement the school’s vision for the athletics program. Under the guidance of the MS/US Principal, continue to innovate, grow, evaluate, promote, and publicize CHA’s athletic programs and offerings.
Ensure eligibility of athletes – required health forms and minimum grades; work with administration to enforce code of conduct for athletes.
With guidance from leadership, recruit, vet, supervise, train, and evaluate coaches and volunteers.
Promote and cultivate excellence in CHA’s athletics programs, developing skills benchmarks for each sport, and work with coaches on achieving stated benchmarks and expectations, handbook consistency, team culture and philosophy, playing time, and core values.
Communicate regularly and effectively with parents, CHA community, and colleagues in other schools about expectations, schedules, locations, transportation, etc.
Ensure each coach hosts an informational team/parent meeting at the beginning of each athletics season.
Maintain current knowledge of the rules and regulations of IHSA and other athletic conferences/associations CHA participates in. Ensure all policies, rules, and procedures are followed (e.g. humidity and heat guidelines, concussion protocols, etc.).
Manage annual athletics budget with input from department staff; maintain financial record of all expenditures and receipts.
Oversee the purchase, distribution, collection, storage, maintenance, and replacement of all athletic uniforms and equipment in collaboration with department staff.
Maintain accurate records of team and individual athletic statistics and accomplishments; publish those records to promote the sporting culture and history at the school.
Oversee the scheduling of transportation for games and practices. Ensure van drivers are vetted.
Plan, organize, and oversee sports award assemblies, banquets, and other athletics-related events, including Senior Night.
Attend all district and school athletic meetings.
Maintain US and MS Athletic and Coaching Handbooks.
Coordinate, publicize, and ensure excellence in fall sport (late summer) pre-seasons; work with department and Space Sharing staff to coordinate other summer athletics programs throughout the summer.
Other Responsibilities
Coach at least one Upper School sport per contract year.
Teach Health class and, as needed, other PE and elective courses (e.g. Strength & Conditioning).
Facilitate at least two weeks of CHA-led summer athletics opportunities for Middle and Upper School students between commencement and fall preseason.
In collaboration with the guidance counselor, maintain accurate records for students receiving PE credit through athletic participation.
Provide guidance and support coaches in maintaining accurate PE credit documentation.
Complete the responsibilities in the CHA AD Monthly Checklist.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, supervision duties, and special school events as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
Perform other responsibilities consistent with the Faculty Job Description and as assigned.
Established in 1984, Christian Heritage Academy (CHA) was founded on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Our Mission Statement commends us to provide not only an “exemplary education” but to also equip children “to be lifetime followers of Jesus Christ.” This is the impetus for all we do at CHA. We are a National Blue Ribbon School, accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. Read more about CHA at https://christianheritage.org/.
Ranked by Niche.com (the leading independent school review and analysis website):
- #1 Christian high school in Illinois
- #9 Private K-12 school in Illinois