The State College Area School District (SCASD) is a nationally acclaimed district of 6,800 students, within a vibrant education-focused community, with over 2,000 employees and a budget of approximately $190 million. The State College community includes Penn State University, a large, diverse university with a proud international presence. Reflective of our population, equity, and inclusivity are at the forefront of our work with every student.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to ensure every student has opportunities to support SCASD’s mission to grow, thrive, and fulfill their potential through caring, responsive education. Our District has engaged families and community members who strongly support education by establishing partnerships focusing on improving all students' learning experiences and opportunities.

The District seeks a dynamic, energetic, and inspiring leader to organize, direct, and promote District-wide interscholastic athletics, club sports, and intramural athletic programs.  The Athletic Director is responsible to:

• Organize, coordinate, supervise, evaluate, and administer the District’s athletic program and sports teams.
• Ensure compliance with governance rules and league policies, and act as a liaison with selectors, leagues, and government agencies.
• Oversee the scheduling, issuing, and reviewing of contracts with officials and opposing teams for all athletic contests.
• Pay District, league, and PIAA dues and order new PIAA rule books.
• Coordinate the scheduling and/or rescheduling of postponed PIAA, IM, and Club Sports events.
• Coordinate and review all facilities related to PIAA, IM, and Club Sports and communicate necessary facility upgrades, work orders, or fixes.
• Plan, organize, and schedule ticket sales using the online ticketing platform.
• Prepare departmental budgets and supervise the purchase and maintenance of athletic equipment.
• Work with the business office to submit and review all bids by appointed deadlines.
• Recruit and hire all coaches and, as appropriate, athletic event staff.  
• Conduct regular observations of coaches to ensure performance standards are met, and conduct regular performance reviews.  
• Schedule and conduct fall, winter, and spring preseason coaches meetings.
• Regularly survey and assess data specific to satisfaction and inclusion to ensure all student-athletes are functioning in a healthy and conducive climate.  
• Onboard all new coaches to ensure an understanding of all aspects of their roles and responsibilities, including ensuring the safety and security of student-athletes.  
• Coordinate team travel, game scheduling, and practice sessions.
• Coordinate with transportation, grounds and facilities, security, and medical supervision, and arrange for physician coverage (as necessary), and event staff for contests throughout the school year. 
• Prepare and present reports on team performance and needs for improvement.
• Develop and maintain academic eligibility records on a seasonal basis and eligibility during the cognizant sport season to ensure student-athletes meet all appropriate standards, as outlined in district policies and the athletic handbook.  
• Prepare and schedule student athlete registration.
• Meet with and counsel students who are either on academic probation or academically ineligible to participate in sports.
• Review and update the athletic handbook and code of conduct yearly.
• Maintain and update the Athletics Safety Plan.
• Plan, organize, and schedule Athletics Citizen Advisory Committee Meetings.
• Appear before the SCASD Cabinet and the Board of School Directors as requested.
• Supervise and direct the Assistant Athletic Director and the Athletic Office support team.

Requirements:

• Master's degree preferred with a minimum of 3 years of teaching/coaching experience, with credentials and experience in athletics administration preferred.  
• Extensive knowledge and experience in developing, evaluating, and leading athletic programs.
• Must possess effective interpersonal skills and can interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, support staff, and outside professional contacts.
• Understand and implement all compliance and sports governing standards, as well as adherence to District policies and procedures.
• Ability to develop, organize, and implement programs.
• Exhibit discretion and handle confidential student and employee information.  
• Display organizational skills necessary to function in a deadline-driven environment.  
• Use effective verbal and written communication.
• Handle stress and emotions in a manner that serves to defuse potentially volatile situations.

If you desire to serve in this important leadership role, provide your cover letter, resume, and three professional references at https://www.scasd.org/Domain/66.  Please note a multi-week overlap between the successful candidate and the current athletic director will be in place.  SCASD strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.  Applicants should submit materials by January 3, 2025; the position will remain open until a successful candidate is identified.  

The State College Area School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.