Interim Assistant Director of Physical Education

About Grace

Grace Church School is a JK–12 independent school located on two nearby campuses in downtown New York City. An Episcopal school, welcoming children of all faiths and of none, Grace believes in the inherent, precious dignity of every individual and seeks to provide an outstanding education worthy of our common humanity.

Grace is a school of big ideas, and our structured curriculum promotes academic excellence through a pedagogy of joy: an approach that reflects our belief that joy is the fuel of academic achievement, and that students learn best when motivated by delight, wonder, curiosity, and purpose. We work hard to nurture a culture of dignity and belonging, and we seek to foster in each student skills of intellectual excellence and habits of ethical virtue. Grounded in tradition, the school remains ever open to innovation, looking to the best research on the science of learning and the craft of teaching to advance the timeless values and aspirations of our mission. 

About the Position

Grace Church School seeks to hire a full-time Interim Assistant Director of Physical Education to support students in grades JK–12. Reporting to the Director of Athletics and Physical Education, this position serves as Department Chair of Physical Education, combining teaching and coaching responsibilities with leadership of the JK–12 PE program, schedule, and staff.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education (Preferred: Master's Degree)
• Physical Education teaching experience
• Prior coaching experience at the middle school and/or high school level
• Experience in a department leadership, scheduling, or administrative capacity preferred
• Strong classroom management skills
• Seeks to join a collaborative work environment
• Proficiency with Google (Docs, Sheets)
• Excellent grammar, organizational, and communication skills

Responsibilities:

• Provide JK–12 leadership for the Physical Education program
• Develop and maintain a vertically aligned JK–12 PE curriculum
• Lead curriculum mapping and Understanding by Design implementation
• Support the implementation of equitable grading and assessment practices
• Lead professional development related to assessment, technology, artificial intelligence, student engagement, and culturally responsive practices

• Mentor teachers and provide instructional guidance, feedback, and support
• Conduct informal classroom observations and assist with teacher evaluation and improvement plans
• Support new, interim, and substitute teachers
• Organize and facilitate PE department meetings and professional learning opportunities
• Promote collaboration among Lower, Middle, and High School PE teachers
• Participate in hiring committees, resume reviews, interviews, demonstration lessons, and candidate selection
• Assist with PE faculty assignments, staffing decisions, and coverage needs

• Support the Director of Athletics and Physical Education with daily department operations
• Create department communications, procedures, calendars, schedules, and planning documents
• Assist with beginning-of-year planning, faculty calendars, parent portals, and school events
• Communicate regularly with administrators, teachers, students, and families
• Collaborate with division heads and other department leaders on schoolwide initiatives
• Track High School PE attendance and communicate attendance concerns to students, families, advisors, and administrators

• Help manage Physical Education budget
• Review department spending and prioritize safety, instructional quality, and student access
• Purchase and maintain equipment, uniforms, Field Day shirts, and staff apparel
• Maintain equipment inventories and plan for repair or replacement
• Coordinate use of gyms, outdoor spaces, and classrooms

• Develop and monitor department policies, expectations, and safety procedures
• Support student discipline and facilitate follow-up communication with teachers and families
• Develop recess expectations and behavior interventions
• Lunch, recess, and other supervisory duties

• Coordinate permits, transportation, equipment, lunches, shirts, staffing, stations, and parent communication for Field Day (single-day event)
• Plan and oversee Lower School Recreation Day (single-day event)

• Coach or site supervisor for multiple seasons within the 5–12 athletics program
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics and Physical Education

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time faculty position, and the expected salary will be based on the faculty salary scale, ranging from $68,000–$155,040, commensurate with education, experience, and total workload. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life/disability, flexible spending accounts, generous 403(b) contributions with immediate vesting and access to $3100 in professional development funds per year, beginning in your second year of employment.

Compensation for coaching is paid separately according to an hourly stipend rate.

Grace Church School is an equal opportunity employer. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty. At Grace we embrace the diversity of diversities in our community, and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. Candidates for the position should be willing to engage actively and thoughtfully within a school committed to academic and ethical excellence, one that honors the dignity of all.
 
How to Apply

To apply, visit our website and submit a cover letter and résumé for consideration.