Interim Director of Athletics
Reports to: High School Principal
Hours: full time
Start date: July 2026
Overall Purpose:
The Athletic Director at The American School in London has comprehensive responsibility for all athletic programs, both intramural and interscholastic, for grades 5 through 12. The Director reports to the High School Principal and has regular meetings with the Head of School.
The Athletic Director is responsible for a very important component of the ASL educational program, one that promotes growth in students, physically, emotionally, and ethically. Among the skills and attitudes that are engendered through an effective athletics leadership program are leadership, courage, self-control, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Summary of Major Responsibilities
● Manage the overall operations of the athletics department, participating in curriculum planning, monitoring the quality of coaching and contributing to strategic planning for the athletics program
● Represent the school at various athletic associations and to develop and implement the policies and procedures of the ASL athletics dept, International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) and London Schools Sports Association (LSSA)
● Prepare, submit and administer a budget each year working in concert with the Director of Finance and Operations
● Oversee the scheduling of all athletic contests, arrange for transportation, and hire game officials
● Manage the recruitment and selection process for new coaches, ensuring that all coaches are trained in the organizational and philosophical aspects of the ASL athletics program
● Observe and evaluate coaches to ensure that all duties are performed at the very highest level of professionalism, providing mentoring and feedback
● Maintain and revise the coaches' manual each year and set up appropriate meetings with the coaches to review the information and standards in detail
● Ensure health and safety of all students in the athletics program, identifying issues and taking action where appropriate
● Plan, coordinate and manage trip organization and completion of risk assessments, where required, for players and coaches, including overseas trips
● Communicate effectively with administrators, coaches, parents, and students
● Supervise the Athletics Web pages and provide the Publications Office with such information as may be needed about athletics for School communications efforts
● Oversee the distribution, collection, cleaning, repair and storage of all athletics uniforms and equipment
● Ensure the proper maintenance and security of all athletic equipment and facilities, including Canons Park, working in coordination with the Assistant Head of School for Operations
● Provide to all coaches the professional development opportunities, including safety training, which are expected of persons supervising sports activities
● Manage Athletic Department office personnel, including the Assistant Athletic Director, MS Athletic Director, Administrative Assistant, Equipment and Uniforms Coordinator & Facility Manager
● Any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the Head of School or the High School Principal
Essential qualifications/experience
● Significant experience in dealing with student athletes and their parents at the secondary level
● Demonstrated leadership ability and experience
● Knowledge of current best practices in independent school athletic programs
● An appreciation for the role that sports play in the health development of young people
● Enthusiasm, energy, and attention to detail
● Maturity, kindness, and understanding
● Willingness to work with a diverse, talented, international community
● Sense of humor
Desirable qualifications/experience
● Master’s degree or equivalent
● Significant coaching experience
● Experience working in an independent/international school or similar institution
This position description is current at the date shown but following consultation may be changed to reflect or anticipate changes in the role that are commensurate with the job title and salary.
The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subject to appropriate checks: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self-Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, at least 2 references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). For positions into Senior Management a Prohibition from Management Check (s128 Directive) will also be undertaken.
All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.
ASL is dedicated to fostering courageous global citizenship in a diverse and inclusive school environment. In our international community, we aspire for the cultures and backgrounds of our employees to mirror those of our families and student body, and we enthusiastically welcome applications from candidates who bring diverse life experiences, perspectives and skills. Educators with knowledge of global education and prospective applicants for any position who are committed to diversity and inclusion are particularly welcome to apply. The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity or parental status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law.