Assistant Principal/ Athletic Director (AP/AD)
- Burke County Schools
- Valdese, North Carolina
- Full Time
Date Posted: 6/3/2026
Application Deadline: 6/17/2026
Starting Date: 7/1/2026
Job ID: 346104
Location: Draughn High School
Terms of Contract: Administrative Contract, 10-12 months, full-time, benefit eligible
Monthly Salary: State Salary Schedule for Assistant Principals (plus local supplement)
Reports To: Principal and Curriculum Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Qualifications/Requirements Required QualificationsHold or be eligible for a North Carolina Principal License.
Demonstrated leadership experience in a school setting.
Strong background in curriculum, instruction, school operations, and student services.
Knowledge of athletic program administration, student eligibility requirements, and extracurricular activities.
Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to effectively work with students, staff, parents, community members, and district leadership.
Training in the North Carolina Teacher Evaluation Process or its equivalent.
Experience as a school administrator.
Experience coordinating or supervising athletic programs and extracurricular activities.
The Assistant Principal/Athletic Director assists the Principal in providing leadership and supervision to ensure a safe, effective, and high-quality educational environment for all students and staff while directing and overseeing the school's interscholastic athletic program. This position promotes academic excellence, positive school culture, student achievement, athletic success, and compliance with district, conference, state, and federal requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Instructional LeadershipAssist in leading the instructional program and promoting high-quality teaching and learning.
Support implementation of the School Improvement Plan, district initiatives, and Board of Education goals.
Use student performance data to guide instructional decisions and interventions.
Assist in monitoring curriculum implementation and instructional effectiveness.
Support school-wide efforts to improve student achievement and academic growth.
Support daily school operations, including scheduling, supervision, and building management.
Assist in establishing and maintaining effective procedures for the daily functioning of the school.
Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal policies and regulations.
Help manage school resources, materials, equipment, and facilities.
Coordinate the use of facilities for school and community activities as assigned.
Support and enforce a positive, equitable, and effective student discipline system.
Build positive relationships with students and promote a safe, respectful school climate.
Oversee student attendance, behavior, and support services.
Assist with student enrollment, records management, and health requirements.
Promote student engagement and participation in academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities.
Assist in supervising and evaluating staff performance in accordance with district expectations.
Support professional development initiatives that improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
Mentor and support new teachers, coaches, and staff members.
Participate in the recruitment, selection, and retention of personnel.
Assist in supervising athletic coaches and support staff.
Coordinate and oversee the school's interscholastic athletic program.
Ensure compliance with North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) regulations, conference requirements, and district policies.
Promote sportsmanship, character development, academic achievement, equity, and student participation in athletics.
Assist in the recruitment, supervision, support, and evaluation of athletic coaches in collaboration with the Principal.
Coordinate athletic schedules, transportation, facilities usage, and event management.
Monitor student-athlete eligibility and ensure compliance with academic, attendance, and participation requirements.
Ensure appropriate safety procedures, risk management practices, and emergency protocols are implemented for athletic activities.
Coordinate athletic event supervision and game management.
Maintain records related to athletic participation, eligibility, and program operations.
Ensure athletic facilities and equipment are maintained in a safe and functional condition.
Assist with athletic budgeting, purchasing, fundraising oversight, and inventory management.
Coordinate athletic awards programs, banquets, recognition events, and seasonal meetings.
Collaborate with district personnel regarding transportation, facilities, and athletic operations.
Support the development and implementation of long-range goals for the athletic program.
Promote positive communication between school, families, and the community.
Serve as a liaison among coaches, students, parents, officials, conference representatives, and community organizations.
Address athletic and school-related concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Foster positive school and community engagement through academic and athletic programs.
Maintain effective communication with stakeholders, including staff, parents, district leadership, and community partners.
Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring school safety and emergency plans.
Coordinate with staff and public safety agencies as needed.
Ensure adherence to Board of Education policies and established procedures.
Monitor compliance with district, state, and federal regulations affecting school operations and athletics.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with students, staff, families, community members, and district personnel.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, support, and develop staff, coaches, and student leaders.
Effective problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, priorities, deadlines, and events in a fast-paced educational environment.
Knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment practices, and school improvement processes.
Knowledge of school safety procedures, crisis management, student discipline, and restorative practices.
Understanding of North Carolina educational laws, policies, and regulations, including NCHSAA athletic requirements and eligibility standards.
Ability to analyze and utilize student performance, attendance, behavioral, and program data to support continuous improvement.
Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, students, parents, community organizations, and district leadership.
Ability to support and promote both academic and extracurricular programs while maintaining a focus on student achievement and well-being.
Proficiency in the use of technology for communication, data management, scheduling, and operational responsibilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Maintain professional growth through ongoing learning and professional development.
Stay informed of current educational leadership and athletic administration best practices.
Support the Principal in achieving school improvement goals and continuous improvement efforts.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal, Curriculum Director, or Superintendent.
Ability to perform tasks that may require standing, walking, lifting, and movement throughout the school campus and athletic facilities.
Ability to supervise indoor and outdoor activities and events, including evening and weekend athletic events as required.
Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and maintain effective supervision of students and staff in a variety of settings.
Karen Auton, Deputy Superintendent
Burke County Public Schools
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