Director of Athletics

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls grades 9-12 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks an innovative and student-centered Athletic Director well versed in best practices in independent school education to begin in July 2025.

The Athletic Director is a highly visible and energetic school leader who establishes a clear vision for athletics and promotes high standards of integrity, competitiveness, sportsmanship and accountability.  The ideal candidate will be a role model for girls with strong leadership, management and team building skills and possess the ability to engage effectively with students, parents and faculty and staff.   The candidate must have exceptional initiative, judgment and problem-solving skills.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Athletic Director will:

• Oversee the total operation of the athletic program and ensure full alignment of the athletic program with Merion Mercy’s mission and vision.
• Gauge the effectiveness of the athletic program and ensure that the program is responsive to the competitive landscape.
• Stay abreast of innovations in sports science and nutrition to ensure the program stays current in advancing student health and wellness, safety, and achievement.
• Ensure that coaching positions are filled with mission-centered and properly trained coaches who perform their duties with the highest level of professionalism and provide the best possible care to all student athletes.
• Mentor coaches to be an extension of the athletic department and ensure alignment with program standards and values.
• Proactively market the athletic program to internal and external audiences including appropriate, proactive retention efforts for all current students.
• Oversee the scheduling and organization of athletic practices, games and preseason programming, transportation logistics and hiring of game officials.
• Oversee a summer sports program in support of enrollment goals in collaboration with enrollment management.
• Ensuring the optimal condition and safety of all athletic equipment, facilities, fields and courts.
• Represent the school to various state, regional, and national athletic associations.
• Steward relationships and communicate effectively.
• Establish and maintain high standards of communication for the Athletic Department and all teams.
• Support students who aspire to play collegiate sports, as well as the students’ parents and college counselors.
• Prepare and implement an annual departmental budget.
• Work closely with the senior administrative team on capital projects, academic schedules, admissions and development events relating to athletics.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Position requirements include

• Master's Degree in Athletic Administration (preferred), Bachelor's Degree in Health, Fitness or Education;
• Successful track record working with student athletes, preferably in independent schools;
• Experience serving in an administrative level position or higher with supervisory experience and
• Appreciation of and commitment to girls’ education and serving the needs of a diverse population.

Founded in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy and located on a beautiful 12-acre campus on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Merion Mercy currently enrolls close to 400 students from diverse geographic areas and socioeconomic groups. Merion Mercy’s academic program consistently challenges each student to prepare for college and a lifetime of service, thus developing competent and compassionate women for the future. Merion Mercy’s faculty and staff are committed to providing a holistic education that not only stresses academic and personal excellence but also encourages all students to “Live Mercy and Seek Justice,” an educational philosophy that builds a true sense of sisterhood that extends beyond the classroom.

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references to Anne Gregg, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, [email protected].

More information about working at Merion Mercy Academy can be found at: www.merion-mercy.com/careers.