Director of Rugby - Saints Rugby

Job Description

At Chesterton Academy, athletics are not merely extracurricular activities. They are an extension of our mission to form students in character, leadership, self-mastery, sacrifice, and excellence.
Saints Rugby has become one of the premier high school rugby programs in the Midwest and serves as a powerful instrument for the formation of young men. We are seeking an exceptional leader to continue building and expanding our rugby program from development teams through varsity competition.

Position Summary
The Director of Rugby is responsible for leading, developing, and sustaining the Saints Rugby program from Developmental Teams through Varsity. This position combines coaching, administration, recruitment, mentorship, and Catholic formation. The Director will oversee all aspects of the rugby program, including player development, coach development, program culture, operations, recruitment, and mission integration. The Director will work in partnership with the Head of School and Athletic Director.

The successful candidate understands that rugby is more than a sport. Properly ordered, it is a school of virtue that teaches discipline, courage, brotherhood, perseverance, humility, sacrifice, and leadership.

We are seeking a coach who desires to build not only successful teams, but great men.

The Director oversees the following levels:
Development Program
High School Junior Varsity
High School Varsity

The goal is to create a unified developmental pathway that forms players and leaders from developmental rugby through graduation.

Primary Responsibilities
Program Leadership
Coaching & Player Development
Serve as Head Coach of the Varsity Rugby Team.
Develop age-appropriate training systems for all levels.
Oversee player development from developmental rugby through varsity.
Teach rugby fundamentals, tactics, and sportsmanship.
Promote player safety and best practices.
Foster a culture of discipline, accountability, and brotherhood.

Catholic Formation
Integrate prayer and Catholic identity into team life.
Support the mission and values of Chesterton Academy.
Collaborate with school leadership, faculty, and chaplain.
Encourage virtue formation through athletics.
Serve as a positive Catholic role model for students.
Help young men grow in faith, character, and leadership.

Staff Leadership
Recruit, train, and supervise assistant coaches.
Conduct regular coaching meetings.
Mentor coaches in both rugby instruction and student formation.
Ensure compliance with school, league, and safety requirements.

Recruitment & Enrollment
Assist with student recruitment and retention.
Promote Saints Rugby within local schools and communities.
Support admissions efforts by introducing prospective students to the rugby program.
Help identify student-athletes who may be a good fit for Chesterton Academy.

Operations & Administration
Coordinate scheduling, travel, facilities, and equipment with Athletic Director.
Maintain player rosters and eligibility records.
Assist with budgeting and program planning.
Communicate effectively with families and administration.
Support fundraising and program development initiatives.

Qualifications
Practicing Catholic committed to the teachings of the Church.
Passion for the mission of Catholic education.
Experience as a rugby player, coach, or both.
Ability to mentor and form young men.
Strong leadership and organizational skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work evenings and weekends during the rugby season.
Ability to pass required background checks.
Willingness to complete VIRTUS, SafeSport, and required certifications.
USA Rugby Level 1 Certification or higher.

Preferred
High school or youth rugby coaching experience.
Experience building or growing athletic programs.
Experience in Catholic schools, classical education, youth ministry, or formation work.
Familiarity with the mission and philosophy of the Chesterton Schools Network.

Personal Characteristics
The ideal candidate will be: Joyful, Faithful, Humble, Competitive, Organized, Mission-driven, Relational, A strong mentor and leader of young men

Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
Potential opportunities for additional responsibilities, teaching, admissions support, formation work, or program development may be available for qualified candidates.

To apply, submit the following through the provided application link, do not email resumes:
- Completed candidate application
- Cover letter expressing position of interest
- Current resume
- Essay responding to the prompt: "Having reflected on Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family's mission, which articulates our identity as a Catholic school, explain in what specific ways you anticipate supporting and advancing our school's mission" (maximum one page)
- List of three professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address. Applicants are welcome to include one personal reference (e.g., parish priest, colleagues in volunteer work, or references from other personal pursuits) along with two professional ones.

To apply, fill out and submit the application form at https://www.chestertonacademyoftheholyfamily.com/careers.

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties or responsibilities.

About the Employer

The purpose of Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family is to nurture the minds and the souls of our children through a well-defined and academically rigorous classical education and to develop complete thinkers who learn to draw on faith and reason for the purpose of building the culture of life. We desire to pursue TRUTH, GOODNESS, and BEAUTY, as revealed by God, throughout the school day.
Students at Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family enjoy a cohesive, content-rich education. A broad exposure to many different disciplines helps students avoid the pitfalls of specializing too early, which can lead to limited interests and narrow thinking.