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 Assistant Athletic Director will be responsible for supporting the management of the school’s athletic department. The Lab athletic program consists of over 50 teams across 17 sports and supports over 94 coaching positions. A growing program, the assistant athletic director will focus on supporting Laboratory School’s athletic teams, while collaborating with the Assistant AD and Director of Athletics to maintain and organize a robust athletic program. The management of the department requires organization, communication, collaboration, budgeting, event planning and data management skills. Additionally, desktop publishing skills and experience managing social media accounts are required as this position works to promote and communicate information about the program to the Lab community. The job develops and implements programs in the development of the University's athletics, fitness, and recreational sports programs. Develops campus-wide recreational programming to meet the demands of the University community.

Responsibilities

Assist in the planning, execution and supervision of all athletic events including games, practices, tournaments and other related school events. 

Coordinate with coaches to ensure that all necessary resources are available including equipment, uniforms, facilities, personnel, and transportation.

Organize and manage uniform distribution and return. Manage athletic equipment inventory.

Maintain accurate records of athletic programs including schedules, rosters, results, and statistics and ensure timely reporting to school administrators and leagues. 

Assist Athletic Department in development and implementation of budgets as well as policies and procedures for the safe and effective management of athletic programs, including emergency procedures, health and safety protocols, and risk management plans. 

Create and update practice calendar.

Develops and implements new instructional, training, and conditioning programs. Teaches relevant skills to student-athletes during team practices, games, and individual/small group training sessions.

Provide leadership and support to coaches, athletes and parents in promoting positive attitudes, sportsmanship and teamwork, and ensure compliance with all school policies. 

Collaborate with school administrators to promote and support the growth and development of the athletic programs in alignment with Lab’s mission, vision and values. 

Analyzes data and evaluates performance of teams in order to develop, implement, and teach game strategies. Ensures student-athletes and athletics representatives are informed of and comply with NCAA and University rules and regulations.

Take a leadership role in our social media presence, updating and maintaining our athletic instagram and growing our social media presence. 

​Foster relationships with Chicago area schools to grow our athletic opportunities. 

Represent the school and athletic department during games and league meetings. 

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Experience:

A minimum of five years of experience working with students at an independent or public school, or comparable experience.

A minimum of five years experience as a middle school/high school sports coach, preferably in an independent school setting. 

A minimum of three years working in athletics administration.

Experience with Chicago school sports leagues. 

Experience managing social media. 

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid driver's license with the ability to pass the University's motor vehicle check required.
 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Knowledge of graphic, publishing and web page software.

Knowledge of database design, input and management.

Preferred Competencies

Excellent collaborative, interpersonal skills and positive attitude.

Excellent organizational skills.

Attention to detail.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks and constant interruptions.

Strong problem solving skills.

Creativity.

Experience coaching sports we offer (coaching opportunities are possible).

Ability to operate an automobile required.

Working Conditions

Move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community. 

Move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property. 

When appropriate, escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation. 

Demonstrate skills, when appropriate. 

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

Yes

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.