Director of Athletics & Activities
About the Employer
Job Summary
We are seeking a well-rounded leader who can contribute to all aspects of the school, including Culture, Instruction, Safety, and Operations. The successful candidate will have the ability to use, navigate, and learn several technology platforms in use by the District and the League.
Position Overview
Deering High School seeks a Co-Curricular Director to help lead a positive, inclusive, and academic-focused school community. Under the guidance of the Principal and aligned with the District Strategic Priorities, the Co-Curricular Director supports a culture of Equity, Academic Excellence, and Student Well-being.
Essential Responsibilities
• Develops, oversees, and manages the budget for all Athletics and Activities.
• Supervises, evaluates, and hires all Coaches and Advisors.
• Administers all regulations of the Maine Principals Association (MPA) and Southern Maine Activities Association (SMAA), including student eligibility, all paperwork and permissions, policies, practices with the Co-Curricular Department and coordination and collaboration with all League Co-Curricular Directors.
• Collaborates and coordinates with the City Rec Department and other City Staff for field time, practice time, and space availability.
• Works with the Athletic Booster Organization.
• Manages compliance with Title IX laws and regulations.
• Oversees transportation for athletic events and field trips.
• Attends local, district, state, and league meetings - representing Portland High School.
• Organizes events including Open Houses, Meet the Coaches, and other Award Events.
Change Agent Mindset
• Sees education as a relentless effort towards improving students' lives, believing in their ability to make a difference and inspiring others to do the same;
• Not satisfied with the status quo.
Leadership Orientation
• Takes strong and principled positions,
• Leans into difficult conversations and decisions,
• Balancing authority with humility,
• Encouraging innovation.
Student-Centered
• Keeps student needs central to every action and decision.
Relationship-Oriented
• Recognizes the deep importance of relationships,
• Builds rapport and trust,
• navigates diverse personalities,
• Values authentic collaboration.
Coaching Orientation
• Champions and advocates for staff,
• Provides actionable feedback,
• Appreciates efforts,
• Views mistakes as learning opportunities.
Resourceful
• Optimizes available resources and networks confidently to broaden impact.
Highly Responsive
• Flexible and able to adjust when faced with unexpected, real-time problems.
Strong Communicator
• Shares clear, thoughtful, well-defined information,
• Including in-depth data presentations,
• and synthesizes findings effectively.
Competencies
• Working knowledge of pertinent curriculum standards,
• techniques for integrating and adapting curriculum,
• and effective instructional practices.
• Understanding of the teaching and learning process,
• including the ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and trauma-informed practices that engage culturally diverse populations.
• Thorough knowledge of Portland Public Schools (PPS) policies and procedures and state and federal regulations and laws.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to motivate staff and foster strong morale and performance.
• Value for linguistic diversity;
• Candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity.
• Ability to manage multiple work streams and projects effectively.
• Ability to serve as Principal in the absence of the Principal and as designated Administrator when needed.
Education, Training, and Experience
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in Supervision, Educational Administration, School Curriculum, or a closely related field.
• Five years of successful coaching experience;
• School-based or District Leadership experience, preferred.
Credential Requirements
• Maine State Athletic Director 215 Certification;
• Certified (or certifiable) as Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrator.
Special Requirements
• Attendance at evening and weekend school activities, events, or other community events and functions, as required.
Employment Details
• Schedule: Full year, full-time, 1.0 FTE;
• Assignment: Permanent;
• Overtime: Salaried position, not eligible for overtime;
• Contract: Part of PAA Union (see 2023-2026 CBA here, next contract under negotiation);
• Salary: Based on experience and education as per CBA (25-26 range was $101,338-$124,742; 26-27 range will be higher);
• Benefits: Generous benefits package, including 25 vacation days per year and full health and dental benefits (see here);
• Reports to: Principal
About Deering
We are a comprehensive public high school in Portland, ME, serving about 900 students. As one of the most diverse schools in Maine, we are committed to disrupting inequities in our community by creating a joyful place of learning designed to ensure that every student succeeds.