Assistant Athletic Director

Role overview

Franklin Road Academy is looking for a thoughtful, organized, and student-focused Assistant Athletic Director to oversee middle school athletics. This is a 12-month leadership role based in Nashville, Tennessee, and it reports to the Director of Athletics as part of the school’s athletic leadership team. The position is centered on setting the direction, managing day-to-day operations, and delivering a strong middle school sports experience.

The role is especially important in shaping students’ first formal experiences in athletics. The ideal leader will build a program that emphasizes skill growth, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and character while maintaining a competitive but age-appropriate environment for every student-athlete.

Program leadership and strategy

• Guide the middle school sports program so it stays aligned with the school mission and the broader goals of the athletic department.
• Review program options, participation patterns, and competitive opportunities to support healthy and intentional growth.
• Create and carry out a connected development plan that prepares students for upper school athletics.
• Encourage multi-sport involvement and a developmentally appropriate model that values learning, confidence, and long-term growth over early specialization.

Coaching leadership and development

• Work with the Director of Athletics and Head of Middle School to recruit, hire, support, and assess middle school coaches.
• Set clear coaching standards that reflect the school’s values, including sportsmanship, student safety, and character formation.
• Provide ongoing communication and professional development for the coaching staff.

Operations and administration

• Handle the operational side of middle school athletics, including scheduling, transportation, facilities, equipment, and game-day coordination.
• Make sure the program follows league rules, school policies, and accepted practices for student-athlete health and safety.
• Oversee budgets and resource use in coordination with the athletic department.

Student-athlete experience

• Be consistently present at practices and contests.
• Partner with teachers and administrators to support student well-being and academic balance.
• Build an environment that is positive, inclusive, and centered on participation, growth, and enjoyment.
• Communicate regularly and clearly with students, families, and coaches.

Collaboration and community engagement

• Coordinate with the Director of Athletics and varsity head coaches to keep all levels of the program aligned.
• Represent FRA positively within the middle school and the wider community.
• Develop strong working relationships with families, faculty, and community partners.

Additional school responsibilities

• Teach up to three classes and serve as a middle school advisor when needed.
• Serve as a head varsity coach as part of the wider athletic program.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree is preferred. Experience in coaching and/or managing middle school athletics is important, along with strong leadership, organization, and communication abilities. A solid understanding of adolescent development and age-appropriate athletic programming is required. The role also calls for flexibility to work evenings and weekends, and a strong commitment to Franklin Road Academy’s mission and values.

Preferred background

Experience in independent schools is preferred. The school is also looking for someone with a collaborative leadership style, the ability to build trust across groups, a passion for using athletics to develop leadership and character, and the judgment to balance long-term planning with daily execution.

Physical demands

This position involves work in both indoor and outdoor athletic settings. It requires frequent standing and walking, occasional running, and the ability to work in changing weather conditions. The job may also involve lifting or helping move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Additional information

This job description is intended to summarize the main responsibilities and the general level of work involved; it is not a complete list of every duty or qualification. All employees are expected to support the mission of Franklin Road Academy and contribute to the broader life of the school.

About Franklin Road Academy

Franklin Road Academy is committed to offering a challenging educational experience within an inclusive Christian community. Its mission is to develop leaders of integrity and purpose, inspire a lifelong love of learning through a dynamic academic program, and prepare students for success in life. The school encourages students to explore their interests through academics, the arts, athletics, and servant leadership, while nurturing compassionate global citizens guided by Christian principles.