Junior Cougar Athletic Director

Diocese of Lansing

  • Lansing, Michigan
  • Today

    Highlights

    This position will provide leadership, organization, and vision for our youth athletic programs serving students in grades K–8, working collaboratively with our Catholic partner schools, coaches, families, and community. Mission Alignment: Supports the Catholic identity and mission of Lansing Catholic High School and understands the role athletics plays in developing young people of faith, character, and service.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationLansing, Michigan
    Websitehttps://www.dioceseoflansing.org/human-resources/careers

    Description

    Lansing Catholic High School is seeking an energetic, passionate, and relationship-driven individual to serve as our Junior Cougar Athletic Director. This position will provide leadership, organization, and vision for our youth athletic programs serving students in grades K–8, working collaboratively with our Catholic partner schools, coaches, families, and community.
     
    This is a program building leadership position, not simply an administrative role. We are looking for an individual who will take ownership of the Junior Cougar experience, develop relationships, identify opportunities for growth, and bring creative ideas to life. The successful candidate will be a visible and engaged leader who is excited about building something special for our young athletes and families.
     
    Our vision is to create a youth athletic experience that offers something for everyone, from community based recreational opportunities that emphasize fun, participation, and family engagement to competitive programs for our older teams.
     
    We believe youth athletics should be about more than wins and losses. It should be about forming young people, strengthening families, building community, and creating experiences that make students excited to be Cougars.
     
    Key Responsibilities
     
    Program Building and Strategic Leadership
    Provide vision and direction for the continued development and growth of Junior Cougar athletics.
    Take initiative in identifying new opportunities, expanding participation, and improving existing programs.
    Develop a comprehensive youth athletic experience that balances participation, skill development,enjoyment, and appropriate competitive opportunities.
    Build a sustainable program structure that creates a positive progression from introductory youth sports to competitive opportunities for older athletes.
    Establish meaningful connections between Junior Cougar programs, partner schools, and Lansing Catholic High School.
    Demonstrate creativity, initiative, and ownership in advancing the mission and long-term success of Junior Cougar athletics.
    Collaborate with the Lansing Catholic Athletic Department to align youth programs with the school's mission, values, and athletic philosophy.
     
    Community and Relationship Building
    Serve as the primary connection between Junior Cougar athletics, partner schools, coaches, families, and the Lansing Catholic community.
    Build strong, positive relationships with school administrators, parents, volunteers, and community partners.
    Create a welcoming, inclusive, and family friendly athletic environment where students and families feel connected and valued.
    Promote opportunities for community engagement through athletic events, youth nights, camps, and other activities.
    Be a visible, approachable, and enthusiastic ambassador for Junior Cougar athletics.
     
    Coaching and Athlete Development
    Recruit, support, and develop youth coaches who understand the importance of positive coaching and age-appropriate athlete development.
    Establish clear expectations for sportsmanship, communication, character, and the overall student-athlete experience.
    Promote an athletic philosophy that values effort, teamwork, accountability, personal growth, and enjoyment.
    Support competitive programs for older teams that prepare student-athletes for future opportunities while maintaining a focus on their overall development.
    Help ensure that every athlete, regardless of ability, has an opportunity for a meaningful and positive experience.
     
    Program Operations
    Coordinate schedules, facilities, registrations, communications, and program logistics.
    Work collaboratively with partner schools and the Lansing Catholic Athletic Department to maximize resources and opportunities.
    Assist with budgets, equipment needs, program fees, and responsible financial management.
    Ensure programs follow applicable school policies, safety procedures, and diocesan requirements.
    Evaluate programs regularly and identify ways to improve the experience for athletes, coaches, and families.
     
    Ideal Candidate
    We are looking for someone who is more than a program administrator. We want a builder, connector, and leader who is excited about creating something special for our young athletes and families.
     
    The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
    Program Builder: Has an entrepreneurial mindset, sees opportunities for growth, and is motivated to turn ideas into successful programs.
    Personable and Relationship-Driven: Naturally connects with students, parents, coaches, and school leaders. Enjoys being part of the community.
    Self Starter and Go Getter: Takes initiative, identifies opportunities, solves problems, and follows through without needing constant direction.
    Passion for Youth Sports: Understands that the youth athletic experience should be developmentally appropriate, enjoyable, and focused on the whole child.
    Strong Organizational Skills: Can manage multiple sports, schedules, people, and responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail.
    Collaborative Leadership: Works effectively with partner schools, coaches, volunteers, and families toward a shared vision.
    Positive and Enthusiastic Attitude: Brings energy, creativity, and a solution oriented mindset to the position.
    Commitment to Formation: Recognizes that athletics provides an opportunity to develop character, leadership, resilience, sportsmanship, and lifelong values.
    Mission Alignment: Supports the Catholic identity and mission of Lansing Catholic High School and understands the role athletics plays in developing young people of faith, character, and service.
     
    Preferred Qualifications
    Experience in youth athletics, coaching, athletic administration, recreation management, or related fields.
    Demonstrated ability to build, organize, and lead programs or community initiatives.
    Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
    Experience working with youth, parents, coaches, and volunteers.
    Understanding of the unique developmental needs of elementary and middle school athletes.
    Familiarity with Catholic education and school communities is preferred.
     
    What Success Looks Like
    Success in this role will not be measured solely by participation numbers or winning games. It will be reflected in:
    Young athletes who love their experience and want to continue participating.
    Families who feel welcomed, connected, and proud to be part of the Cougar community.
    Strong partnerships between Lansing Catholic and our partner schools.
    Coaches who understand their role as mentors, teachers, and positive influences.
    Programs that provide meaningful opportunities for both recreational and competitive athletes.
    Continued growth, innovation, and improvement in the Junior Cougar athletic experience.
    A sustainable youth athletic structure that builds enthusiasm, pride, and a lasting connection to Lansing Catholic.
     
    Our Mission
    At Lansing Catholic, we believe athletics is an extension of our educational and faith mission. Through sports, we have the opportunity to help young people grow not only as athletes but also as teammates, leaders, and individuals of character.
     
    The Junior Cougar Athletic Director will help lay that foundation by creating an environment where faith, family, fun, development, and competition work together to provide an exceptional youth athletic experience.
     
    Our goal is simple: Build great experiences, develop great young people, and create a community where every child is proud to be a Cougar.
     
    To apply for the position, submit a cover letter and resume to the online application.
     

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