Job Description

Description:
Director of Athletics and Activities

Job Summary:
Operating under the Superintendent’s direction, this position collaborates with district and building leadership, the Board of Education, and external partners to align athletics and activities with district priorities. The Director ensures the effective delivery of athletic and extracurricular programs that serve students and staff. Responsibilities include overseeing budgets, managing staff, ensuring compliance, and using data to drive continuous improvement and expand student opportunities.

Job Responsibility Description	Frequency	% of Time
Leadership and Strategic Alignment Provides consistent leadership to advance the District’s strategic and tactical goals under the direction of the Superintendent. Participates in setting goals, standards, and decisions that guide Mesa County Valley School District 51 toward long-term success. Fosters trust and alignment between departmental and district goals while promoting transparent communication and collaboration. Takes decisive and appropriate action when performance or behavior does not align with established expectations.	Annually	5%
Department and Program Oversight Manages, supervises, and directs daily operations of the Athletics and Activities Department, overseeing approximately 300+ coaches, athletic directors, trainers, and staff. Ensures the delivery of comprehensive athletic and activity programs across all schools in partnership with building-level leadership. Oversees the creation and management of master practice and competition schedules, securing officials and coordinating logistics for over 300+ events annually. Acts as a primary liaison among internal and external stakeholders, setting communication protocols and maintaining strong community relationships.	Daily	50%
Financial and Operational Management Oversees department budgets in collaboration with the Finance Department, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. Manages purchasing priorities, equipment replacement cycles, and long-term financial planning for athletic and activity needs. Directs all aspects of the District’s Coca-Cola® partnership, including compliance, product placement, and revenue generation through contracts and sponsorships. Provides input on extra-curricular salary schedules and manages department fundraising processes to support financial objectives.	Weekly	25%
Collaboration, Representation, and Community Engagement Represents District 51 on local and state committees and boards. Serves as the District’s liaison to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) and advocates for Western Slope schools. Coordinates facility usage agreements with community partners to support athletic programs and post-season tournaments. Promotes positive relationships with schools, community organizations, and families to enhance student opportunities and program visibility.	Weekly	15%
Other Duties Additional tasks, duties, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed/requested.	Daily	5%

 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Sports Management, Athletic Administration or related field required*;
• Must have or be eligible for Colorado Principal’s License;
• Minimum five years’ experience in athletic department management for large organization(s);
• Preference given for prior school district athletic director experience;
• Minimum of three years supervisory experience leading others in supervisory positions;
• Valid Colorado driver’s license or valid Colorado identification required
• NIAA, CAA or CMAA desirable

Working Conditions:
260 days/year

Application Procedure:
Apply Online

Selection Procedure:
Position is posted Wednesday, January 18th and will close Monday, February 16th @ 11:59pm MST.

Salary & Benefits:
$102,958-$171,394*
*Salary placement commensurate with experience

View all salary schedules for the current school year at: https://www.d51schools.org/departments111/human-resources/salary-schedules
Information regarding D51 Benefits can be found here: https://www.d51schools.org/departments111/human-resources/employee-benefits

How to Apply

Apply online at: https://www.applitrack.com/d51schools/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?AppliTrackJobId=12128 Closing Date: Monday, February 16th @ 11:59pm MST. Questions? Contact: Chief of Human Resources Nikki Jost Nikki.Jost@d51schools.org or Licensed Recruiter Carter Ness Carter.Ness@d51schools.org

Bureaus: Colorado. Job Categories: Full-Time. Job Types: Operations / Administration. Salaries: 100,000 and above.