Athletic Director

Job Description

Carney, Sandoe & Associates , an educational recruitment organization partnered with Moravian Academy to find their next Director of Athletics in Bethlehem, PA, with a start date of July 2027.

Overview:

As the ninth oldest independent school in the nation and premier independent school in the Lehigh Valley, Moravian Academy is seeking a Director of Athletics to join its administration. Today’s Moravian Academy offers every student more ways to explore—and become—their most authentic and successful self. On three intentionally distinct yet philosophically united campuses, we celebrate, support, challenge, and learn from each other, preparing young people to step confidently toward the college and the future of their choice, and to make a meaningful difference in their local and global communities.

The Director of Athletics provides strategic leadership for Moravian Academy's athletic programs across all three campuses, with primary responsibility for coaching excellence, competitive program development, and student-athlete success. The Director of Athletics coordinates closely with the Director of Athletic Operations and Community Relations to operate an athletic program defined by excellence, and reports to the Head of School.

Athletics and Physical Education:

Moravian Academy believes that athletics and physical education are an integral part of the student experience. The School’s strong physical education programs are complemented by 48 teams across 15 sports and begin in middle school, with intramural programs soon to expand to lower school. Nearly 80% of upper school students participate in at least one team annually, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and high levels of participation. Our program emphasizes skill improvement, confidence-building, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. We believe in developing physical skills that allow students to enjoy competitive sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle. At Moravian Academy, we value a commitment to teamwork, ethical sportsmanship, and sound conditioning methods. Our dedication to both academic and athletic success motivates student- athletes to excel on and off the field, nurturing their growth into well-rounded individuals who lead with integrity and strive for excellence.

About the Position:

The Director of Athletics, who reports to the Head of School, oversees Physical Education and Athletics across all three campuses and works with Athletic Coordinators on the Historic Downtown and Swain Campuses to implement middle school programs.

Program Leadership & Competitive Excellence

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• Set the strategic vision and direction for holistic athletic excellence at Moravian Academy
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• Lead the development of highly competitive athletic programs across all sports, including upper school, middle school, and intramural or developmental programs for lower school students
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• Establish and maintain clear policies, handbooks, and communication practices for students, families, and coaches
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• Regularly assess competitive performance, coaching effectiveness, and program outcomes using qualitative and quantitative measures
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• Champion belonging and collective well-being while maintaining high expectations for commitment, preparation, and respect for others on and off the fields and courts of play
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• Develop and manage the athletics budget in partnership with the CFO
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• Makes determinations with the Head of School and Divisional Directors on the interscholastic sports programs that the Academy offers
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• Coaching Leadership & Talent Development
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• In collaboration with the Head of School and Campus Directors, recruit, hire, evaluate, and retain high-performing coaches with demonstrated success in their sport
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• Ensure all coaches are properly trained, developed, and professionally supported to deliver the best possible programs for students
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• Develop and maintain expectations with a program of professional development and evaluation for all coaches
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• Work closely with the Head of School and Campus Directors to identify coaching needs and engage employees in coaching roles if appropriate
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• Mentor coaches in balancing competitive rigor with safe training practices and positive adolescent development
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• Hold coaches accountable to performance standards, school mission and values
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• Provides training of coaches in the following areas: media relations, conditioning of athletes, communication with parents and athletes, establishment of post-secondary opportunities for athletes and all other areas which may become vital to the continuous success of an interscholastic athletic program
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Student-Athlete Development & Well-Being

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• Works with the Sports Performance Coach and Head Coaches to develop in-season and out- of-season programs for the Upper School teams.
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• Foster a demanding yet supportive environment in which student-athletes can belong and thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally
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• Promote the health, well-being, and safety of student-athletes in partnership with nursing staff and athletic trainers
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• Work closely with Campus Directors, Head of School, and Director of Belonging and Collective Well-Being to develop programming for student-athletes and teams
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• Promote academic balance and time-management skills for student-athletes competing at a high level
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• Model and reinforce good citizenship, ethical conduct, and respect consistent with school and league standards
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• Oversee effective and timely support for development, recruitment, and ongoing success of student-athletes
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• Organizes and leads the athletic award celebrations for the Upper School
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• Coordinates with coaches to ensure senior recognition nights are consistent in quality and mirror our community values
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Physical Education Program:

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• Ensure the physical education program runs smoothly and bolsters positive physical fitness and healthy human development
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• Participate in scope and sequence planning and curriculum choices for physical education
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• In partnership with Campus Directors, recruit, hire, onboard, and evaluate excellent teachers of physical education
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Strategic Partnerships & Advancement:

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• Serve as primary athletics liaison to the Advancement Office for major gifts, campaigns, and strategic fundraising initiatives
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• Collaborate closely with Admissions to support athletic recruitment and enrollment strategies aligned with institutional values and league regulations
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• Assist coaches in working effectively with Admissions and College Counseling offices
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• Communicate proactively and transparently with families regarding expectations, competitive standards, wellness policies, and student support
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• Serve as a visible ambassador for the school's athletics program
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Campus Life & Leadership:

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• Supervise home athletic events regularly, including evenings and weekends
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• Contribute meaningfully to the life of the school and participate actively in campus life
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• Serves on the Merle Smith Campus Leadership Team and Curriculum Committee
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• Perform other duties as assigned to support the school's leadership and mission
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Key Qualifications and Qualities:

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• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree preferred
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• Minimum 5-7 years athletic administration experience at the high school or collegiate level
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• Demonstrated success in coaching, coaching development, hiring, and performance management
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• Proven ability to build competitive athletic programs
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• Experience with athletic facilities planning and development
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• Strong understanding of adolescent development and student-athlete well-bein
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• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
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• Knowledge of PIAA regulations and independent school athletics
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• Possesses an understanding of the changing nature of college athletics with a deep knowledge of the college athletic recruitment process to provide knowledge, encouragement, and expertise to families, students, and coaches.
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• Demonstrated leadership and facilitative skills.
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• Experience with developing and managing a budget.
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• Possesses a passion for independent school education
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with constituents from the entire school community.
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• Ability to supervise and manage multiple functions and activities.
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• Ability to understand and embrace Moravian Academy’s mission and culture.
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• Ability to balance and prioritize the needs of the school.
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• Familiarity with learning management systems, Macintosh OS, Google Workspace, Blackbaud
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• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
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• Collaborates well with colleagues.
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• Superb people skills; compassionate.
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Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

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• Ability to attend evening and weekend athletic events regularly
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• Ability to travel to away competitions and conferences as needed
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• Ability to work across multiple campus locations
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• Standard office environment with regular presence at athletic facilities (indoor and outdoor in varying weather conditions)
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Potential Benefits: Compensation and benefit packages are competitive but will differ by school and will typically depend on geographic location, your experience, and your level of degree.

Competitive pay

Professional Development Opportunities

✏️ Classroom Resources

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan – Employer match

⛱️ Paid holidays, vacation and personal time

Housing (boarding schools only)

Carney Sandoe does not discriminate on the basis of physical handicap, sex, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic origin in administration of its services, consulting, events, professional development, or other programs.