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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.  Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office of Sports Administration (OSA) manages all CPS interscholastic sports programming and facilitates seasonal participation for both high school and elementary-level athletic competitions. CPS Athletics and Sports Programs provides all students, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity, opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally in controlled, safe activities outside of the traditional classroom. Participation in school sports provides students with experiences that foster character, citizenship, and academic achievement.

Job Summary: 

The Director of Sports Operations will partner with the Executive Director to provide oversight of all Elementary and High School sports at Chicago Public Schools, ensuring the compliance and coherence of all programs, in alignment with department and district priorities.This includes designing and implementing programs for elementary and high school students in grades 6-12 that raise students’ awareness for academic success and post secondary opportunities. The Director of Sports Operations will have Budget responsibility for equipment and uniform purchases, awards and trophies, supervision of contracts with outside vendors, and coordinate Chicago Public Schools elementary and high school championship events.

The Director of Sports Operations will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Budget oversight and support

• CPL City Championship coordinator elementary and high school

• Facilitate the purchasing of Awards for Championship Events

• Sign off and approval of payroll for Coaches, Assignors, and game Officials

• Inventory audit: Cross reference purchases with equipment

• Manage the uniforms and equipment purchase process

• Develop a comprehensive academic advising program for athletes

• Create, establish, and implement network-wide eligibility system

• Track, monitor, and improve the eligibility system

• Develop strategic plans and goal setting for all district-wide sports programming K-12.

• Liaise with Principals and Elementary Network Coordinators for sports operations issues

• Create a district wide evaluation system focused on coaches and athletic directors  professional growth and development.

• Maintain ongoing communications with all school Official Representatives re: athletic programs

• Work collaboratively with the Chicago Park District officials as we share facilities throughout the year

• Secure insurance certificates for usage of outside venues as well as CPS stadiums 

• Implement and develop assigned programs and services for CPS’ K-12 sports programs 

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Director of Sports Operations must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Physical Education or related field required.  Master’s degree preferred.

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in interscholastic sports or a related field required 

• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory/management experience required

• Familiarity with Chicago Public School elementary and interscholastic sports preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Proven experience with interscholastic and elementary sports, and well-versed in multiple sports programs.

• Demonstrated ability to supervise and work effectively with people of multiple personalities and diverse backgrounds and to cultivate an atmosphere of responsiveness, respect, and teamwork.

• Proven experience leading major initiatives from inception to completion.

• Excellent technical skills including written, oral, and presentations, ability to communicate insights to a variety of audiences through reports, presentations, and tools designed to increase information utilization at all levels of the organization;

• Strong leadership and team-building skills; ability to focus a diverse group of professionals around a clear goal and then monitor progress towards that goal;

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and drive multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of a team;

• High standards for performance and ability to maximize employee performance.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency -Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 -Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.