Associate Athletic Director in Huntersville, North Carolina at SouthLake Christian Academy Inc

Department: Athletics
Reports To: Athletic Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Full-Time, 12-Month

Mission
SouthLake Christian Academy exists for the sake of God's glory and mission; proclaiming the gospel, educating and discipling the whole person in all aspects of God's reality.

Vision
That Christ may be preeminent in all things.

"And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." — Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

Athletics and the Mission of SouthLake Christian Academy

Athletics at SouthLake Christian Academy are not a supplement to our mission — they are an expression of it. Every sport, every practice, every competition is an opportunity to proclaim the gospel, disciple the whole person, and reflect the preeminence of Christ before students, families, opponents, and the broader community. We believe God-given athletic talent is stewarded best when developed within a framework of biblical truth, Christian character, and intentional discipleship.

Every member of the Athletic Department staff is expected to fully embrace the mission and vision of SouthLake Christian Academy, modeling a vibrant, authentic Christian faith that permeates the culture of our programs and the lives of our student-athletes.

Position Summary
The Associate Athletic Director serves as the second-in-command of the Athletic Department and a partner in Christ-centered athletic ministry. This position carries primary responsibility for partnering with the SLCA Director of Communications and Marketing for external communications, social media strategy, and athletic website administration, as well as equipment management — all executed through the lens of the school's Christian mission. The Associate Athletic Director acts on behalf of the Athletic Director in their absence and collaborates with coaches, administration, and the community to enhance the department's Gospel-centered witness, brand, and operational excellence. This individual understands that telling the story of our athletic programs is ultimately telling the story of what God is doing in the lives of our students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Spiritual Leadership and Culture
Support the Athletic Director in fostering a Christ-centered culture across all athletic programs.
Model Christian character, integrity, and servant leadership in all interactions with coaches, athletes, and families.
Actively participate in department devotionals, prayer, and spiritual development activities.
Approach all communications and media work as an act of service and witness to the school's Christian mission.

Leadership and Administration
Assist the Athletic Director in the day-to-day administration of all athletic programs and operations.
Act as the Athletic Director in their absence, assuming full administrative authority and responsibility.
Assist in the supervision and evaluation of coaches and athletic support staff.
Assist with scheduling, event management, transportation coordination, and facility usage.
Participate in budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting as directed.

Communications and Media Relations
In conjunction with the SLCA Director of Communications and Marketing, serve as the department's primary communications coordinator, managing all athletic-related news and announcements.
Draft press releases, game recaps, athlete spotlights, and department updates that reflect the school's Christian values.
Tell the stories of student-athletes in ways that highlight character, faith, and growth alongside athletic achievement.
Cultivate positive relationships with local media, journalists, and broadcasting partners.
Respond to public and media inquiries in a timely, professional, and Christ-honoring manner.

Social Media and Website
In conjunction with the SLCA Director of Communications and Marketing, develop and execute a social media strategy that reflects the school's Christian mission and brand across all platforms.
Create content — graphics, photos, videos, stories — that celebrates student-athletes and uplifts the school's faith community.
Ensure that all digital content is consistent with the school's Statement of Faith and community standards.
Maintain, update, and continuously improve the athletic department website for accuracy, accessibility, and visual appeal.
Monitor analytics across platforms and provide regular performance reports and strategic recommendations.
Coordinate photography and videography coverage of athletic events.

Equipment Management
Oversee procurement, inventory, distribution, maintenance, and collection of all athletic equipment and uniforms.
Maintain accurate equipment inventory records and conduct regular audits across all sports programs.
Coordinate with coaches to assess needs and submit purchasing requests within budget.
Manage vendor and supplier relationships for equipment, uniforms, and sporting goods.
Ensure all equipment meets applicable safety standards and is properly maintained and stored.

Desired Christian Outcomes

The Associate Athletic Director will be evaluated on the following Christ-centered outcomes in addition to operational performance:

• Communications and media content that consistently reflects and advances the school's Christian mission.
A social media presence that is a positive, faith-filled witness to the broader community.
Student-athletes who feel seen, celebrated, and encouraged in their faith through the stories told about them.
A department culture where this role models servant leadership and Christ-like integrity.
Equipment and operational systems that free coaches to focus on discipleship and development.

Qualifications

Faith Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
Must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ with a personal, saving faith in Him as Lord and Savior.
Must affirm and be willing to sign the school's Statement of Faith.
Must be an active, participating member of a local evangelical Christian church.
Must demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with biblical principles in all areas of personal and professional conduct.
Must have a genuine commitment to Christian education and the use of athletics as a discipleship platform.

Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree required in Athletic Administration, Communications, Sports Management, or related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in athletic administration, sports information, or communications preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing social media accounts and website platforms, preferably in an educational or ministry setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proficiency in social media platforms, content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite), and CMS platforms.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Knowledge of athletic equipment management and vendor relations.
Photography and/or video editing experience preferred.
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Valid state driver's license required.

Physical Requirements

The Associate Athletic Director must be able to attend indoor and outdoor athletic events in varied conditions, lift and transport equipment as needed (up to 50 lbs.), and perform standard office tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.