Director of Athletics and Student Services - Mercy High School- Burlingame

Mercy High School, Burlingame
Position Description
Job Title: Director of Athletics and Student Services Department: Student Life/ Athletics/ Leadership
Reports To: Head of School FLSA Status: Exempt- Full Time
Prepared By: Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan
Preparation Date: April 2026
Summary
Within the context of the tradition and charism of the Sisters of Mercy, and in faithful support of the Mission and Values of Mercy High School and the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church, the Director of Athletics and Student Services provides strategic leadership and oversight of the school’s athletic program and key areas of student services.
This position is responsible for fostering a holistic, mission-driven student experience that promotes the dignity of each student, cultivates leadership, and supports the development of the whole person- mind, body, and spirit. The Director ensures that Mercy athletics and student services programs reflect the school’s commitment to excellence, equity, and the all-girls educational experience.
The Director of Athletics and Student Services oversees all aspects of the athletic department through direct supervision of the Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer, and manages key student services including transportation systems, strength and conditioning programming, summer programming, and gym and pool operations. This role serves as a key liaison across departments, ensuring alignment between athletics, campus ministry, academics, admissions, facilities, finance, and student life. This role reports directly to the Head of School and is a key member of the school leadership team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Oversight of Athletics Program
● Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the entire athletics program in alignment with Mercy’s mission and values
● Directly supervise and evaluate the Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer
● Collaborate with the Athletic Director to ensure effective management of all interscholastic sports programs, staffing, scheduling, and operations
● Ensure compliance with CIF/CCS, league, and school policies
● Promote a culture of sportsmanship, integrity, inclusion, and student-centered decision-making
● Support program growth, equity across sports, and alignment with the all-girls advantage
● Partner with the Athletic Director in ensuring all communication is timely and that the website is updated and relevant
Student Services and Program Oversight
● Oversee student transportation systems including:
○ Morning and after-school transportation
○ Athletic team transportation
○ Tri-School transportation coordination 1
● Design, implement, and supervise a comprehensive strength and conditioning program aligned with student wellness and athletic performance and is accessible to all students
● Teach a strength and conditioning elective that promotes student wellness, confidence, and lifelong fitness
● Ensure student-athlete support systems are aligned with counseling, health services, and academic expectations
Summer Programming Oversight
● Provide vision, leadership, and oversight for all summer and school break programming in alignment with Mercy’s mission and values
● Design and manage a range of programs, including athletic camps and enrichment opportunities that support student growth and community engagement
● Supervise planning, staffing, scheduling, and daily operations of all programs
● Collaborate with Admissions, Academics, Advancement, and Athletics to align programming with school priorities and enhance visibility and participation
● Oversee registration, family communication, and program logistics
● Partner with the Director of Finance to develop and manage budgets, ensuring programs are financially sustainable and, when appropriate, revenue-generating
Facilities and Operations Management
● Oversee gymnasium and pool operations, including:
○ Scheduling of athletic use, school programming, and external rentals
○ Coordination of rentals in partnership with the Director of Finance, Kohl Mansion Coordinator, and Assistant Head of School for Student Life
○ Communication of maintenance and operational needs with the Director of Facilities
○ Support maintenance and cleaning needs of facilities as needed
● Serve as liaison between athletics and facilities to ensure safe, effective, mission-aligned use of spaces
● Maintain long-term planning for facility usage and program growth
Mission Integration and Campus Collaboration
● Serve as liaison between Athletics and Campus Ministry
● Collaborate with the Director of Campus Ministry and Director of Mission and Catholic Identity to:
○ Plan and oversee seasonal team retreats
○ Develop and implement a coaching ministry program rooted in Mercy values
○ Create and sustain a Mercy athletic prayer tradition
● Ensure athletics is fully integrated into the spiritual and mission life of the school
College Recruitment and Student Advancement
● Oversee and support the college athletic recruitment process in collaboration with counseling and the Athletic Director
● Ensure families and student-athletes are educated on recruitment pathways and expectations
● Build relationships with college programs and external partners as appropriate
Communication and Community Engagement
● Serve as a key liaison between athletics, families, and the broader school community
● Support clear, mission-aligned communication regarding athletics, transportation, and student services
● Represent Mercy High School at athletic events, community functions, and external meetings 2
Financial and Strategic Planning
● Collaborate with the Director of Finance and Athletic Director on:
○ Budget development and oversight
○ Long-term financial planning for athletics and facilities
● Ensure responsible stewardship of school resources in alignment with Mercy values
Additional Responsibilities
● Serve as a member of the Mercy HIgh School Leadership Team
● Serve as a member of Student Life leadership and school-wide committees
● Support school events, traditions, and community-building initiatives
● Be present at key athletic and student life events, including evenings and weekends
● Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School
Supervisory Responsibilities
● Primary- Athletic Director, Athletic Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Staff, Transportation and summer programming staff
● Secondary- Shares responsibilities in supervising the coaching staff under the Athletic Director
Competencies
● Mission-Driven Leadership- Demonstrates commitment to Catholic education and the charism of the Sisters of Mercy; integrates mission and values into leadership and decision-making.
● Strategic Thinking- Aligns athletics and student services with the school’s long-term vision; sets priorities and supports sustainable program growth.
● Collaboration- Builds strong, respectful relationships; fosters teamwork and shared responsibility across departments.
● Operational Excellence- Manages systems and programs with clarity, organization, and efficiency.
● Student-Centered Approach- Prioritizes student growth, well-being, and leadership development; promotes inclusive practices that support all students.
● Communication- Communicates clearly, professionally, and in alignment with the school’s mission.
● Judgment and Decision-Making- Makes sound, timely decisions; involves appropriate stakeholders and communicates reasoning with clarity.
● Leadership- Inspires and motivates others; builds trust, influences effectively, and recognizes contributions.
● Managing People- Provides supervision, feedback, and support; develops staff and fosters accountability and growth.
● Problem Solving- Identifies and resolves challenges thoughtfully; analyzes information and navigates complex situations with professionalism.
● Project Management- Plans and executes projects effectively; manages timelines, resources, and communication to ensure completion.
● Computer Skills- Comfort with Google Suites and working within databases systems
Qualifications
● Commitment to Catholic education and the Mission and Values of Mercy High School
● Strong leadership experience in athletics, student services, or school administration
● Knowledge of high school athletic programs and operations
● Experience in program development, supervision, and systems management
● Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment 3
Education and/or Experience
● Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education or Athletic/ Sports Management preferred
● Minimum of five years experience in athletic administration, school leadership, or related field
● Minimum of five years coaching experience
● Strength and conditioning certification preferred
● Must have an athletic background
● Must have a mission-based leadership background
● At least five years teaching experience preferred
Other Requirements
● Ability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, and weekends
● Ability to travel locally for athletic events
● Valid driver’s license
Physical Demands
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of the job, the individual is regularly required to talk or hear. The individual is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The individual is occasionally required to stand, stoop or kneel. The employee may be asked occasionally to travel from the main school building and Student Life and Athletic Center to Russell Hall which is downhill going; uphill returning. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision. The employee must be able to set up, take down, and move athletic equipment. The employee must be physically able to coach. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs while performing his/her duties. The employee must be able to use a ladder to move equipment and supplies.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions while attending and supervising games outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually high. Regular sounds include bouncing balls, game play, strength training, whistles, and coaching. The work environment is a fast-paced and demanding environment where one must deal with conflicts in a calm and professional manner. The employee is always a visible representative of Mercy High School.
Salary Salary is commensurate with experience of the applicant. (Range $105,000-127,000)
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION All school staff of Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of San Francisco shall be employed without regard to race, color, sex, ethnic or national origin and will consider for employment, qualified applicants with criminal histories. (Administrative Handbook #4111.4)
Send resume and cover letter to: 4
Lynn Beal, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, at lbeal@mercyhsb.com. Please include the subject line “Director of Athletics and Student Services”. First round interviews will begin the week of May 18, 2026.