Job Description

The Executive Director serves as the chief on-site administrator of Elite Sports Academy and functions in the capacity of a traditional school principal while exercising broader executive leadership responsibilities appropriate to a private, tuition-based sports academy. The Executive Director is responsible for the academic, operational, financial, cultural, and athletic oversight of the School and ensures alignment with the School’s mission, strategic objectives, and Governing Board directives.

The Executive Director reports directly to the Governing Board (or Board Chair, as designated) and is responsible for the successful launch, growth, and ongoing operational viability of the School.

1. Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Implement the School’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Lead the School’s startup phase, including operational readiness and program development.
• Provide leadership to ensure long-term sustainability and enrollment growth.
• Advise the Governing Board on strategic, operational, and financial matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and private school standards.

2. Academic Leadership

• Serve as the instructional leader of the School.
• Develop and oversee curriculum implementation aligned with academic standards and the School’s educational philosophy.
• Supervise and evaluate faculty performance.
• Establish academic expectations, grading policies, and student progress monitoring systems.
• Ensure academic integrity and excellence.

3. Athletic Program Oversight

• Oversee development and implementation of the School’s sports academy programming.
• Ensure integration of athletics and academics in a manner that promotes student achievement and character development.
• Supervise athletic directors, coaches, and program staff.
• Promote student-athlete recruitment and retention strategies.
• Ensure athletic program compliance with applicable governing bodies.

4. Personnel Management

• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline or terminate employees.
• Foster a professional, mission-aligned culture.
• Ensure proper onboarding, training, and professional development.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels based on enrollment and financial viability.

5. Financial & Enrollment Oversight

• Assist in the development and management of the School’s annual operating budget.
• Monitor enrollment trends and participate in marketing and recruitment initiatives.
• Support tuition collection processes and financial sustainability efforts.
• Exercise fiscal responsibility in all operational decisions.

6. Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily operations of the School.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and orderly campus environment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee facilities management and vendor relationships.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures.

7. Parent & Community Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for parent concerns and escalated matters.
• Promote positive relationships with families and community stakeholders.
• Represent the School in public and community settings.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Graduate degree preferred

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in education, athletics administration, or school management; experience in a private or tuition-based school environment preferred.

· Demonstrated experience supervising staff

· Strong financial and operational management skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to lead a startup or growth-phase organization

· Experience integrating athletics and academics

· Professional and friendly disposition

Type of fingerprint clearance: Shall be fingerprint checked pursuant to A.R.S 15-512
Physical functions: Ability to move throughout campus facilities, attend athletic events and activities, sit, stand, and operate standard office equipment.
Equipment used: Frequent computer use is expected.
Work Environment: This position requires both office-based administrative duties and active campus presence. The Executive Director may be required to attend athletic events, school functions, evening meetings, and occasional weekend events

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.