Strategenius on behalf of New England Innovation Academy (NEIA)
Director of Athletics
Strategenius on behalf of New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), Marlborough, Massachusetts, us, 01752
New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and student-centered leader to serve as its Director of Athletics. This is an extraordinary opportunity to build an athletics program from the ground up at a young and ambitious school entering its next phase of growth. As the first middle and high school in the nation founded on human-centered design principles, NEIA is guided by three strategic pillars: “innovation in everything we do, sustainable expansion, and belonging for all.” The next Director will play a pivotal role in advancing these commitments by shaping how athletics contributes to student growth, community identity, and the evolving culture of the school.
Now in its fifth year, NEIA is entering a period of renewed focus and direction as it proceeds with developing best-in-class programming across all facets of the school. As the school continues to prioritize a more holistic and connected student experience, athletics has naturally emerged as an area with significant potential. Independent school families expect a thoughtfully designed athletics program as part of a well‑rounded school offering, and NEIA is seizing this opportunity to build one that deepens community bonds, enhances student life, and strengthens the school’s visibility in a competitive marketplace.
Reporting to the new Head of School, Dr. Durga Suresh‑Menon, and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Athletics will provide vision, structure, and operational leadership during a formative period in the school’s evolution. This leader will oversee all aspects of the athletics program for grades 6–12, collaborating across academic, residential, and student‑support teams to create a connected and mission‑aligned student journey. The role requires a steady, collaborative presence who understands how to support students who are bright, kind, creative, and wonderfully individual—learners who thrive when adults recognize their strengths and encourage them to explore, take healthy risks, and grow with confidence. This leader must balance strategic design with hands‑on implementation while building trust and coherence across a young and fast‑evolving community.
The Director of Athletics will step into a role defined by both vision and possibility. NEIA is making a $20+ million investment in a new athletics complex that will include outdoor fields opening in Spring 2026 and a state‑of‑the‑art Athletics Center debuting in 2026. As the school anticipates NEPSAC membership and expands interscholastic offerings, the Director will have the rare opportunity to influence program design before facilities open, ensuring that systems, staffing, scheduling, culture, and community engagement are built intentionally from the start. This leader will architect an athletics road map that balances competitive aspiration with inclusive participation; establishes standards and expectations that bring predictability and professionalism; and nurtures a culture where students of all athletic backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. For a relational, strategic builder who thrives in entrepreneurial environments, NEIA offers the chance to create something lasting, meaningful, and foundational to the school’s future.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES In partnership with the Head of School and the senior leadership team, the Director of Athletics will be expected to advance the following priorities:
Build upon NEIA’s emerging athletics program to create a mission‑aligned, student‑centered model. The Director will strengthen and expand NEIA’s early athletics offerings by designing a more comprehensive program that reflects the school’s ethos of curiosity, belonging, and innovation. This includes establishing cohesive systems, structures, expectations, and culture while ensuring that students of all athletic backgrounds feel welcome, motivated, and supported.
Help drive enrollment by recruiting students and student‑athletes and shaping athletics offerings. As a key partner to Admissions, the Director will help attract and enroll students who are excited about contributing to NEIA’s developing program. They will identify strategic sports offerings, expand competitive and non‑competitive pathways, and articulate a vision that resonates with families seeking an innovative school experience.
Recruit, manage, and develop a high‑quality coaching staff. The Director will collaborate with the Head of Teaching & Learning to identify staffing needs and build a stable, skilled bench of part‑time coaches and external partners who align with NEIA’s mission and standards. They will set clear expectations, provide meaningful support, and cultivate a shared vision for student growth, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence.
Design and differentiate Middle School and Upper School athletics programs. With a growing student body and a new facility on the horizon, the Director will build distinct MS and US athletics programs that honor developmental needs, expand opportunities, and prepare students for increasing levels of competition. This work includes setting up age‑appropriate teams, schedules, expectations, and staffing models.
Elevate school spirit, pride, and community identity through athletics. The Director will leverage athletics as a powerful vehicle for belonging and community‑building, uniting students, families, faculty, and staff around shared experiences and a growing sense of athletic identity across both competitive and non‑competitive pathways. They will champion a culture that celebrates effort, growth, achievement, and inclusion.
Prepare the school for the opening and use of its new athletics facility in 2026. As NEIA completes a major investment in its athletic infrastructure, the Director will lead planning for program expansion, scheduling, safety, and community use. They will ensure that the new facility becomes a hub for school spirit, improved offerings, and increased visibility across the region.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Strategic Leadership & Program Vision
Lead NEIA’s transition into NEPSAC league competition and position the school for sustainable athletic excellence
Build and grow competitive athletic programs by establishing team cultures, performance standards, and pathways for student‑athlete success
Seek and recommend appropriate non‑league competition to ensure robust competitive opportunities
Maintain accurate athletic records, statistics, and historical data for all competitive programs
Coaching & Staff Leadership
Support coaches with resources, guidance, and ongoing development
Serve as a coach for two athletic seasons
Mediate disputes between athletes and coaches or within coaching staff, fostering healthy team dynamics
Operations, Logistics & Compliance
Oversee all operational aspects of the athletics program, including scheduling of practices and games, postseason logistics, transportation, facilities use, officials, non‑league contests, and three‑season program operations
Ensure compliance with all league rules, policies, and regulations; develop, maintain, and annually update the Coaching Handbook; and uphold consistent standards of sportsmanship, conduct, dress, and safety
Coordinate facility rentals to outside groups and provide necessary information for billing, budgeting, and staffing
Partner with Facilities and Housekeeping/Transportation to ensure athletic spaces are safe, well‑maintained, properly equipped, and supported by preventative maintenance plans
Publish regular athletics communications, including weekly Game Day schedules
Student‑Athlete Support & Academic Partnership
Partner with Enrollment to recruit, assess, and support student‑athletes, ensuring alignment with NEIA’s competitive and mission‑driven goals
Monitor academic eligibility and collaborate with faculty and administrators to provide timely academic interventions and support
Coordinate with the Athletic Trainer/Nurse Manager to ensure all student‑athletes have proper medical clearance and maintain accurate health and participation records
Provide resources and support to student‑athletes to promote well‑being, growth, and performance
Community Engagement & School Partnerships
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications, Alumni Development, and other departments to promote athletic programs and highlight accomplishments
Build and strengthen partnerships with the Town of Marlborough, community organizations, and external groups to enhance athletic opportunities
Develop alumni athletic events, community relationships, and fundraising opportunities
Represent athletics across admissions, family engagement, alumni relations, and advancement
Serve as a member of NEIA’s administrative team and contribute to school‑wide leadership initiatives
Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual athletics budget responsibly and transparently
QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES NEIA seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial leader who is energized by the opportunity to build an athletics program from the ground up. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and skilled recruiter who understands how athletics can shape school identity, drive enrollment, and strengthen community. They bring experience in secondary‑school athletics—preferably as an Athletic Director or senior leader in a strong program—and the judgment, adaptability, and confidence required to lead in a dynamic, start‑up environment. Equally important is a relational, student‑centered approach: someone who is deeply engaged with the community, inspires pride in participation, champions students wholeheartedly, nurtures their confidence, and creates pathways for learners of all athletic backgrounds to evolve, connect, and discover new possibilities.
The next Director of Athletics will be a master collaborator and exceptional communicator who builds trust, fosters belonging, and partners effectively across departments while also serving as the architect who creates structure, sets culture, and brings clarity during a pivotal moment in NEIA’s evolution.
Additionally, the ideal candidate brings:
A deep commitment to NEIA’s values of belonging, curiosity, and student voice, demonstrated through inclusive practices that create welcoming and supportive environments for diverse student populations
Approachability, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm for joining a close‑knit community
Strong relationship‑building skills and a collaborative mindset across departments
Demonstrated leadership capacity that inspires, mentors, and develops coaches and student‑athletes
Professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, honesty, and personal accountability
A flexible and nimble approach suited to a fast‑paced, evolving school environment
Strength in leading and managing change with positivity and clarity, paired with the adaptability to navigate shifting priorities and multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
Critical thinking and problem‑solving strengths that support thoughtful decision‑making
Strong organizational and planning skills that help bring coherence to complex systems
The ability to balance independence with teamwork, partnering effectively while also leading with confidence
Insight to evaluate student performance and potential within a competitive yet supportive athletic model
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (education administration or sports management)
Three to five years of experience in athletic administration
Prior coaching experience
Demonstrated experience in student recruitment
Direct working knowledge of athletics in secondary schools (independent schools preferred)
CPR certification preferred
Proven ability to recruit, hire, and develop coaches and external partners
Demonstrated success in building or significantly expanding an athletics program
Experience with differentiating Middle School and Upper School programming
Knowledge of health, safety, and wellness programs for athletes
Experience using technology effectively and strong current knowledge of emerging tools
Risk management focus and understanding of compliance requirements
Basic knowledge of preventive maintenance and operation of athletic facilities
Experience in establishing new systems, processes, and procedures
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Now in its fifth year, NEIA is entering a period of renewed focus and direction as it proceeds with developing best-in-class programming across all facets of the school. As the school continues to prioritize a more holistic and connected student experience, athletics has naturally emerged as an area with significant potential. Independent school families expect a thoughtfully designed athletics program as part of a well‑rounded school offering, and NEIA is seizing this opportunity to build one that deepens community bonds, enhances student life, and strengthens the school’s visibility in a competitive marketplace.
Reporting to the new Head of School, Dr. Durga Suresh‑Menon, and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Athletics will provide vision, structure, and operational leadership during a formative period in the school’s evolution. This leader will oversee all aspects of the athletics program for grades 6–12, collaborating across academic, residential, and student‑support teams to create a connected and mission‑aligned student journey. The role requires a steady, collaborative presence who understands how to support students who are bright, kind, creative, and wonderfully individual—learners who thrive when adults recognize their strengths and encourage them to explore, take healthy risks, and grow with confidence. This leader must balance strategic design with hands‑on implementation while building trust and coherence across a young and fast‑evolving community.
The Director of Athletics will step into a role defined by both vision and possibility. NEIA is making a $20+ million investment in a new athletics complex that will include outdoor fields opening in Spring 2026 and a state‑of‑the‑art Athletics Center debuting in 2026. As the school anticipates NEPSAC membership and expands interscholastic offerings, the Director will have the rare opportunity to influence program design before facilities open, ensuring that systems, staffing, scheduling, culture, and community engagement are built intentionally from the start. This leader will architect an athletics road map that balances competitive aspiration with inclusive participation; establishes standards and expectations that bring predictability and professionalism; and nurtures a culture where students of all athletic backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. For a relational, strategic builder who thrives in entrepreneurial environments, NEIA offers the chance to create something lasting, meaningful, and foundational to the school’s future.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES In partnership with the Head of School and the senior leadership team, the Director of Athletics will be expected to advance the following priorities:
Build upon NEIA’s emerging athletics program to create a mission‑aligned, student‑centered model. The Director will strengthen and expand NEIA’s early athletics offerings by designing a more comprehensive program that reflects the school’s ethos of curiosity, belonging, and innovation. This includes establishing cohesive systems, structures, expectations, and culture while ensuring that students of all athletic backgrounds feel welcome, motivated, and supported.
Help drive enrollment by recruiting students and student‑athletes and shaping athletics offerings. As a key partner to Admissions, the Director will help attract and enroll students who are excited about contributing to NEIA’s developing program. They will identify strategic sports offerings, expand competitive and non‑competitive pathways, and articulate a vision that resonates with families seeking an innovative school experience.
Recruit, manage, and develop a high‑quality coaching staff. The Director will collaborate with the Head of Teaching & Learning to identify staffing needs and build a stable, skilled bench of part‑time coaches and external partners who align with NEIA’s mission and standards. They will set clear expectations, provide meaningful support, and cultivate a shared vision for student growth, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence.
Design and differentiate Middle School and Upper School athletics programs. With a growing student body and a new facility on the horizon, the Director will build distinct MS and US athletics programs that honor developmental needs, expand opportunities, and prepare students for increasing levels of competition. This work includes setting up age‑appropriate teams, schedules, expectations, and staffing models.
Elevate school spirit, pride, and community identity through athletics. The Director will leverage athletics as a powerful vehicle for belonging and community‑building, uniting students, families, faculty, and staff around shared experiences and a growing sense of athletic identity across both competitive and non‑competitive pathways. They will champion a culture that celebrates effort, growth, achievement, and inclusion.
Prepare the school for the opening and use of its new athletics facility in 2026. As NEIA completes a major investment in its athletic infrastructure, the Director will lead planning for program expansion, scheduling, safety, and community use. They will ensure that the new facility becomes a hub for school spirit, improved offerings, and increased visibility across the region.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Strategic Leadership & Program Vision
Lead NEIA’s transition into NEPSAC league competition and position the school for sustainable athletic excellence
Build and grow competitive athletic programs by establishing team cultures, performance standards, and pathways for student‑athlete success
Seek and recommend appropriate non‑league competition to ensure robust competitive opportunities
Maintain accurate athletic records, statistics, and historical data for all competitive programs
Coaching & Staff Leadership
Support coaches with resources, guidance, and ongoing development
Serve as a coach for two athletic seasons
Mediate disputes between athletes and coaches or within coaching staff, fostering healthy team dynamics
Operations, Logistics & Compliance
Oversee all operational aspects of the athletics program, including scheduling of practices and games, postseason logistics, transportation, facilities use, officials, non‑league contests, and three‑season program operations
Ensure compliance with all league rules, policies, and regulations; develop, maintain, and annually update the Coaching Handbook; and uphold consistent standards of sportsmanship, conduct, dress, and safety
Coordinate facility rentals to outside groups and provide necessary information for billing, budgeting, and staffing
Partner with Facilities and Housekeeping/Transportation to ensure athletic spaces are safe, well‑maintained, properly equipped, and supported by preventative maintenance plans
Publish regular athletics communications, including weekly Game Day schedules
Student‑Athlete Support & Academic Partnership
Partner with Enrollment to recruit, assess, and support student‑athletes, ensuring alignment with NEIA’s competitive and mission‑driven goals
Monitor academic eligibility and collaborate with faculty and administrators to provide timely academic interventions and support
Coordinate with the Athletic Trainer/Nurse Manager to ensure all student‑athletes have proper medical clearance and maintain accurate health and participation records
Provide resources and support to student‑athletes to promote well‑being, growth, and performance
Community Engagement & School Partnerships
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications, Alumni Development, and other departments to promote athletic programs and highlight accomplishments
Build and strengthen partnerships with the Town of Marlborough, community organizations, and external groups to enhance athletic opportunities
Develop alumni athletic events, community relationships, and fundraising opportunities
Represent athletics across admissions, family engagement, alumni relations, and advancement
Serve as a member of NEIA’s administrative team and contribute to school‑wide leadership initiatives
Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual athletics budget responsibly and transparently
QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES NEIA seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial leader who is energized by the opportunity to build an athletics program from the ground up. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and skilled recruiter who understands how athletics can shape school identity, drive enrollment, and strengthen community. They bring experience in secondary‑school athletics—preferably as an Athletic Director or senior leader in a strong program—and the judgment, adaptability, and confidence required to lead in a dynamic, start‑up environment. Equally important is a relational, student‑centered approach: someone who is deeply engaged with the community, inspires pride in participation, champions students wholeheartedly, nurtures their confidence, and creates pathways for learners of all athletic backgrounds to evolve, connect, and discover new possibilities.
The next Director of Athletics will be a master collaborator and exceptional communicator who builds trust, fosters belonging, and partners effectively across departments while also serving as the architect who creates structure, sets culture, and brings clarity during a pivotal moment in NEIA’s evolution.
Additionally, the ideal candidate brings:
A deep commitment to NEIA’s values of belonging, curiosity, and student voice, demonstrated through inclusive practices that create welcoming and supportive environments for diverse student populations
Approachability, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm for joining a close‑knit community
Strong relationship‑building skills and a collaborative mindset across departments
Demonstrated leadership capacity that inspires, mentors, and develops coaches and student‑athletes
Professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, honesty, and personal accountability
A flexible and nimble approach suited to a fast‑paced, evolving school environment
Strength in leading and managing change with positivity and clarity, paired with the adaptability to navigate shifting priorities and multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
Critical thinking and problem‑solving strengths that support thoughtful decision‑making
Strong organizational and planning skills that help bring coherence to complex systems
The ability to balance independence with teamwork, partnering effectively while also leading with confidence
Insight to evaluate student performance and potential within a competitive yet supportive athletic model
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (education administration or sports management)
Three to five years of experience in athletic administration
Prior coaching experience
Demonstrated experience in student recruitment
Direct working knowledge of athletics in secondary schools (independent schools preferred)
CPR certification preferred
Proven ability to recruit, hire, and develop coaches and external partners
Demonstrated success in building or significantly expanding an athletics program
Experience with differentiating Middle School and Upper School programming
Knowledge of health, safety, and wellness programs for athletes
Experience using technology effectively and strong current knowledge of emerging tools
Risk management focus and understanding of compliance requirements
Basic knowledge of preventive maintenance and operation of athletic facilities
Experience in establishing new systems, processes, and procedures
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