Director of Sports - August 2026 start
About This Role
Job Description
We are eager to welcome an exceptional Director of Sports to our team, starting in August 2026 for the academic year 26-27. Teaching at GEMS is more than just a job—it's a fulfilling career. Our educators benefit from complimentary access to premier CPD programs and have the chance to advance their careers globally. With the majority of our leadership positions filled by individuals from within the GEMS network, our teachers are uniquely positioned to explore opportunities as we expand into new countries. Beyond being an excellent workplace, Dubai is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city that is rapidly growing, where sunshine graces the skies year-round. Teachers in Dubai enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, with ample opportunities for new leisure activities and travel both regionally and beyond!
All positions come with a comprehensive remuneration package that includes: a competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to your country of residence, and an end-of-service gratuity. GEMS teachers also have complimentary access to our loyalty app, GEMS Rewards (www.gemsrewards.com), which offers considerable savings on daily expenses in the UAE. With thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 deals on flights, hotels, restaurants, and retail, your salary will stretch further, enhancing your ability to save while working abroad.
Job Responsibilities:
The Director of Sport is tasked with providing strategic, operational, and commercial leadership for sports at GEMS Metropole. This role is responsible for implementing an inclusive Active School model in conjunction with a top-tier High-Performance program, establishing the school as a recognized Centre of Excellence within GEMS and the broader sporting landscape, both in the UAE and globally. The Director of Sport will lead the High Performance Team and the Mustang Sport program, oversee the development and enhancement of sporting facilities, high-performance curriculum, and drive commercial partnerships, while ensuring that sports positively influence the overall culture, wellbeing, and academic outcomes of the school.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Formulate and execute a comprehensive sports strategy that aligns with the Active School vision and the overall improvement plan for the school.
- Propel the Mustang sporting identity from participation to podium success.
- Implement and oversee the High-Performance Curriculum which includes: Strength & Conditioning, Sports Nutrition, Performance Analysis, Combat Sport, Aesthetic Sport, Football, and Performance Mindset (Red2Blue framework).
- Maintain GEMS Metropole’s status as a GEMS Centre of Excellence for Sport through: professional development for staff, participation in regional and international conferences, and conducting athlete mid-term camps and elite development experiences.
- Present strategic updates, performance data, and impact reports to the Senior Leadership Team and Governors.
Leadership
- Directly manage the High Performance Team, comprising: High Performance Coordinator, Head of Strength & Conditioning, Head of Sports Nutrition, Head of Performance Analysis, Head of Football, Head of Combat Sport (Striking), Head of Combat Sport (Grappling), and Head of Aesthetic Performance.
- Oversee the Individual Athlete Plan (IAP) program and pathways for elite athletes.
- Supervise the Swim Coaching staff.
- Collaborate with the Head of PE to ensure a cohesive approach to PE/Sport.
- Support the overarching goals and objectives of the PE department.
- Create structured pathways for university and professional exits, including: USA and Canada scholarship routes, UK and European university sports pathways, and direct entry into professional academies and elite clubs.
Operations & Infrastructure
- Manage the maintenance, development, and strategic enhancement of sports facilities to meet both high-performance and community standards.
- Ensure effective health and safety systems, safeguarding compliance, and risk management protocols across all sporting activities.
- Lead operational planning, including scheduling, staffing, events, and compliance frameworks.
- Strategically plan for facility future-proofing through phased development and capital planning.
- Guarantee aquatic services meet best practices, safety, and compliance standards.
Commercial Growth, Partnerships & Brand Development
- Spearhead the ongoing development of the Mustang sports brand both regionally and internationally.
- Oversee the strategic management and growth of the Mustang kit program, maximizing the value of the Under Armour partnership.
- Identify and cultivate new sponsorship and partnership opportunities with local and international businesses.
- Strengthen connections with external stakeholders such as DASSA, Dubai School Games, UAE National Federations, and International Sporting Bodies.
- Collaborate with ESM to increase external rental usage and optimize facility profitability.
- Develop branded academies, camps, and programs to enhance revenue generation and elevate the school’s profile.
Active School & Whole-School Impact
- Work alongside the Head Teacher of Active School to promote and enhance the Active School unique selling proposition (USP).
- Ensure sports contribute positively to student wellbeing, attendance, behavior, leadership, and academic achievement.
- Lead significant sporting events, engagement evenings, and community showcases.
- Integrate performance mindset principles throughout sports and curriculum delivery.
- Advocate for inclusive participation opportunities for all students aged 3-18.
People Leadership & Culture
- Recruit, develop, and manage the performance of all PE/sports staff alongside the Head of PE.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Propel professional development in line with Centre of Excellence standards.
- Support staff wellbeing and leadership development through sports.
Undertake any additional responsibilities as assigned by the Head Teacher of Active School, Principal, or CEO that are necessary to support departmental and school-wide objectives and outcomes.
Skills
- Degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Proven track record of leading a large-scale sports department or high-performance program.
- Experience in developing commercial partnerships and managing sponsorship agreements.
- Background in academic PE.
- Strong knowledge of school sport governance, safeguarding, and compliance frameworks.
- Demonstrated success in establishing university scholarship pathways (USA/Canada) and connections to professional sports.
- Strategic leadership experience with quantifiable impact on participation, performance, and profitability.
GEMS Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is mandatory for all appointments.
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