About Cascades Academy

Cascades Academy was founded in 2003 with a deep commitment to experiential learning, academic excellence, and community engagement. The school is a leader in innovative, 21st century education and will be the first school in Oregon to implement the Mastery Transcript (sending class of 2027).

Now in its 23rd year, the school has grown to 240 students PreK-12 and has expanded its campus footprint to include 45 beautiful acres on the scenic Deschutes River. The school is actively considering its next phase of campus master planning to accommodate future enrollment growth and strategic initiatives.

Cascades Academy strives to cultivate and maintain a supportive, inclusive community for all employees and actively promotes access and inclusion. Cascades Academy values employees who are committed to our mission, are prepared to engage fully in a learning community, and are excited to bring their authentic selves to work. Cascades Academy’s culture is highly collaborative and puts what is best for students at the center of the work.Regularly named one of the Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon, our faculty and staff see each other as teammates and feel motivated to do their best work here.

Position Description

The Athletic Director (AD) provides strategic leadership for Cascades Academy’s athletics and physical education programs, advancing the school’s mission while fostering student growth, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging. The AD oversees program vision and execution, including daily operations, staffing, supervision, risk management, scheduling, and the overall student-athlete experience. This role also includes teaching physical education across grades K–12.

Cascades Academy’s athletics program features a dynamic blend of traditional sports—cross country, track & field, volleyball, and basketball—alongside distinctive offerings such as skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and ultimate frisbee.

While the middle school program is well established, the school seeks a visionary leader to shape the next phase of athletics, particularly in the upper school. The Athletic Director will play a pivotal role in evolving and strengthening this diverse program, overseeing and assessing all aspects of intramural, interscholastic, and auxiliary athletics, and contributing to the development of summer athletic offerings.

Position Details

Application Instructions

To apply, please complete the application on our website, including your resume, cover letter, and at least 1 letter of recommendation. No phone calls, please.

It is the policy of Cascades Academy to provide equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental impairment, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other status protected by applicable law. Specifically, employment opportunities are and shall be open to all qualified applicants solely on the basis of their experience, aptitudes, abilities and training; advancement is and shall be based on the individual’s achievement, performance, ability, attitude and potential for promotion. 

Program Leadership and Vision

• Provide programmatic vision and long-range planning for PK–12 athletics and physical education programs in partnership with the leadership team
• Articulate and implement a developmentally appropriate and mission-aligned philosophy for athletics and PE that prioritizes character, teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and  healthy competition
• Build a positive, inclusive athletics culture where participation is encouraged, and students feel known, challenged, and supported.
• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and student-support colleagues to promote a healthy balance among academics and athletics.
• Establish and maintain consistent expectations for conduct, citizenship, and community standards across all teams.

Physical Education Teaching

• Teach developmentally appropriate physical education courses aligned with the school’s goals for health, fitness, skill development, teamwork, and lifelong wellness.
• Support students with a range of prior experience and ability levels, ensuring access and meaningful participation.

• Demonstrate  thoughtful, respectful, and effective classroom management techniques which support active learning and promote responsibility, self-management, and positive relationships
• Assess  and write reports of student progress twice a year.
• Write progress reports and participate in parent/teacher conferences (as needed)
• Attend all faculty meetings, community meetings, and student support meetings

Coach Supervision, Hiring, and Development

• Supervise, support, and evaluate all coaches (faculty coaches, stipended coaches, and any external/seasonal coaches).
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and manage external coaches as needed, ensuring alignment with Cascades Academy’s mission, school policies, and expectations for working with adolescents.
• Establish clear systems for coach communication, preseason meetings, practice planning, and end-of-season reflection.
• Provide ongoing coaching development and feedback, including expectations for sportsmanship, student safety, communication with families, and collaboration with faculty.
• Ensure all coaches complete required clearances and training (e.g., background checks, concussion education, CPR/First Aid/AED expectations, etc., as applicable).
• Maintain and revise the coaches’ manual each year

Operations, Scheduling, and Game Management

• Serve as the school’s primary representative to local and regional athletic leagues and attend meetings to coordinate schedule, registration and ensure compliance with applicable rules and policies
• Coordinate with Bend Parks and Recreation to promote, organize, and register sports teams
• Build and manage athletics schedules, including practices, games, officials, transportation, and facility use.
• Maintain league and conference relationships.
• Oversee home event logistics and safety (supervision, officials, table/scorekeeping, athletic spaces, and emergency preparedness).
• Manage athletics systems and communications (calendar platforms, team pages, transportation notes, and family updates).

Budget, Equipment, and Facilities

• Develop and manage the athletics budget in coordination with the Head of School and Business Office, with responsibility for planning, forecasting, purchasing, and stewardship of resources
• Coordinate with Director of Finance & Operations on scheduling field and gym rentals
• Coordinate with Business Office on athletic coaching stipends; amounts and timing
• Oversee purchasing and inventory of equipment, uniforms, supplies, and program needs; maintain orderly storage systems and replacement cycles.
• Coordinate facility readiness and needs with appropriate campus staff (fields, gym spaces, weight/fitness areas, storage, and safety checks).
• Identify strategic program investments and cost-saving opportunities consistent with program goals.
• Partner with the Director of Marketing & Communications to order on brand athletics wear

 Communication

• Serve as the primary athletics contact for families, faculty, students and external partners.
• Distribute clear, timely communications including season welcome emails, schedules, logistics and expectations.
• Recognize and celebrate student-athletes, coaches and volunteers throughout the school year. 

Risk Management, Health, and Safety

• Ensure athletics and PE adhere to best practices for student health and safety, including concussion protocols, supervision standards, emergency action plans, and facility safety.
• Coordinate with the school health coordinator and administrators regarding injuries, return-to-play/return-to-learn considerations, and incident documentation.
• Maintain required documentation and reporting systems for participation, waivers, incidents, and compliance.

About Cascades Academy

Cascades Academy is a PK-12 independent school located in Bend, OR.

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