Director of Sports
Dubai Heights AcademyTeaching
Status
Actively Hiring
Date Listed25 February 2026
ContractPermanent
PlatformW5_SYNC
About This Role
Dubai Heights Academy
At Dubai Heights Academy, we foster a friendly and inviting work environment. Situated in the Al Barsha South district of Dubai, we are excited to invite new team members to join us.
Established in 2017, our school provides an inclusive and exceptional educational experience to a diverse student body from FS1 to Year 12 (2025-2026) and will extend to Year 13 in the upcoming academic year.
Our modern campus features dedicated buildings for each educational phase, along with a 380-seat auditorium. Additional amenities include three temperature-controlled swimming pools, well-equipped science and computer laboratories, specialized rooms for art, design and technology, music, and drama, a library, three multipurpose sports halls, a full-size football pitch, various outdoor play areas, and two spacious canteens. Our expansive 292,000 sqft campus is home to three phase-specific buildings, including a new secondary facility that opened in August 2025.
Dubai Heights Academy adheres to the National Curriculum for England, which has been adapted to meet local needs and includes Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education, and Social Studies. Additionally, we have collaborated with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to create and implement a unique AI (artificial intelligence) project-based program for secondary students and an early language initiative with social robots for primary students, enriching our well-rounded curriculum.
We are guided by our core philosophy encapsulated in the ethos of ‘Every Child, Every Mind, and Everybody matters,’ which underscores our belief that every student is entitled to receive the highest quality education, irrespective of their background or abilities.
Job Overview
The Director of Sports is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the school’s Physical Education and sports programs. This role entails delivering a high-caliber PE curriculum, developing a robust co-curricular sports framework, and fostering participation, performance, and well-being among all students.
The Director of Sports plays a crucial role in ensuring that athletics contribute to the school’s vision, enhance student outcomes, support elite pathways, and bolster the school’s standing within both local and international sporting communities.
1. Strategic Leadership
•
Formulate and implement a comprehensive sports strategy that aligns with the school’s vision, values, and improvement goals.
•
Establish measurable objectives for student engagement, competitive performance, talent development, and elite pathways.
•
Integrate sports as a vital element in promoting students’ physical health, mental well-being, character development, and leadership skills.
•
Evaluate participation, performance, and impact data to guide planning and ongoing enhancement.
•
Contribute to school self-assessments, preparation for inspections, and strategic initiatives related to student well-being and enrichment.
2. Teaching & Curriculum Delivery
•
Deliver high-quality Physical Education lessons across designated year groups.
•
Design and implement engaging, inclusive, and age-appropriate lessons that align with the curriculum.
•
Tailor instruction to accommodate the varying needs of all students.
•
Evaluate, track, and report on student progress in accordance with school policies.
•
Encourage positive attitudes toward lifelong physical activity and healthy living.
3. Sports Programme Management
•
Lead and manage all co-curricular sports activities, teams, and clubs.
•
Create structured training programs and competition schedules across various sports.
•
Oversee participation in inter-school competitions, leagues, and events (e.g., DASSA, local and international tournaments).
•
Supervise specialized programs like sports academies, ensuring clear paths for development.
•
Coordinate fixtures, transport, staffing, risk assessments, and event logistics.
•
Assist in the efficient scheduling and utilization of sports facilities, including external rentals where applicable.
4. Staff Leadership & Performance Management
•
Guide, manage, and develop the PE and coaching team.
•
Distribute roles and responsibilities to ensure effective program delivery.
•
Conduct performance evaluations, lesson observations, and professional development planning.
•
Offer mentoring, coaching, and support to enhance staff capabilities and expertise.
•
Ensure consistency in teaching quality, student experience, and safeguarding practices.
5. Student Development & Welfare
•
Co-manage the termly after-school enrichment programs.
•
Encourage inclusive sports opportunities for students of all abilities and interests.
•
Identify and nurture talented athletes through advanced training and competition opportunities.
•
Maintain high standards of student welfare, behavior, and safeguarding in all PE and sports activities.
•
Implement suitable risk assessments, supervision, and health and safety protocols.
•
Support student leadership roles such as sports captains, leaders, and ambassadors.
6. Facilities & Resources
•
Supervise the upkeep and enhancement of sports facilities and equipment.
•
Manage the budget for sports programs, covering equipment, travel, staff, and facility rentals.
7. Community & Partnerships
•
Establish connections with local, regional, and national sports organizations.
•
Promote the school’s sports achievements within the community and media.
•
Encourage parent and student involvement in sports initiatives.
•
Aid in enhancing the school’s sports profile and reputation.
Qualifications & Experience
•
Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, Sports Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
•
At least 5 years of experience in school sports leadership.
•
Strong knowledge of the English National Curriculum, with proven GCSE and A Level/BTEC results.
•
Demonstrated success in developing sports programs, leading and managing competitions, and overseeing staff.
•
Thorough understanding of child safeguarding and health & safety standards.
•
Experience in the UAE as Head of PE or in a sports leadership role is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
•
Outstanding leadership and organizational abilities.
•
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
•
Capability to plan strategically while overseeing daily operations.
•
Familiarity with sports science, coaching methodologies, PE curriculum, competition frameworks, and facility management.
•
Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to manage emergencies competently.
In return, we offer:
A positive and innovative learning culture backed by students, staff, parents, and governors.
A collaborative and supportive environment among staff that fosters teamwork and unity.
A Senior Leadership team dedicated to creating the best conditions and outcomes for both staff and students.
Our Compensation and Benefits package includes (where applicable):
Competitive tax-free salary.
Visa and medical insurance coverage.
Airfare allowance.
Tuition fee discounts at the school for up to two children.
End-of-service gratuity as per UAE Labour Law.
Interviews will be conducted at Dubai Heights Academy or via Zoom if an in-person interview is not feasible. The closing date for applications is as posted; however, interviews may occur prior to this date, so early applications are encouraged.
We appreciate all applicants; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.
Safeguarding Statement:
Dubai Heights Academy is deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all employees to share this commitment. All new hires will undergo enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity verification, criminal background checks (from your home country or country of residence), qualification verification (attestation), and employment checks that will explore any gaps in employment along with at least two satisfactory professional references, which will be verified. Applicants may also be required to submit other relevant personal documents, such as degree certificates or marriage certificates. A comprehensive checklist will be provided to successful candidates.
At Dubai Heights Academy, we foster a friendly and inviting work environment. Situated in the Al Barsha South district of Dubai, we are excited to invite new team members to join us.
Established in 2017, our school provides an inclusive and exceptional educational experience to a diverse student body from FS1 to Year 12 (2025-2026) and will extend to Year 13 in the upcoming academic year.
Our modern campus features dedicated buildings for each educational phase, along with a 380-seat auditorium. Additional amenities include three temperature-controlled swimming pools, well-equipped science and computer laboratories, specialized rooms for art, design and technology, music, and drama, a library, three multipurpose sports halls, a full-size football pitch, various outdoor play areas, and two spacious canteens. Our expansive 292,000 sqft campus is home to three phase-specific buildings, including a new secondary facility that opened in August 2025.
Dubai Heights Academy adheres to the National Curriculum for England, which has been adapted to meet local needs and includes Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education, and Social Studies. Additionally, we have collaborated with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to create and implement a unique AI (artificial intelligence) project-based program for secondary students and an early language initiative with social robots for primary students, enriching our well-rounded curriculum.
We are guided by our core philosophy encapsulated in the ethos of ‘Every Child, Every Mind, and Everybody matters,’ which underscores our belief that every student is entitled to receive the highest quality education, irrespective of their background or abilities.
Job Overview
The Director of Sports is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the school’s Physical Education and sports programs. This role entails delivering a high-caliber PE curriculum, developing a robust co-curricular sports framework, and fostering participation, performance, and well-being among all students.
The Director of Sports plays a crucial role in ensuring that athletics contribute to the school’s vision, enhance student outcomes, support elite pathways, and bolster the school’s standing within both local and international sporting communities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership
•
Formulate and implement a comprehensive sports strategy that aligns with the school’s vision, values, and improvement goals.
•
Establish measurable objectives for student engagement, competitive performance, talent development, and elite pathways.
•
Integrate sports as a vital element in promoting students’ physical health, mental well-being, character development, and leadership skills.
•
Evaluate participation, performance, and impact data to guide planning and ongoing enhancement.
•
Contribute to school self-assessments, preparation for inspections, and strategic initiatives related to student well-being and enrichment.
2. Teaching & Curriculum Delivery
•
Deliver high-quality Physical Education lessons across designated year groups.
•
Design and implement engaging, inclusive, and age-appropriate lessons that align with the curriculum.
•
Tailor instruction to accommodate the varying needs of all students.
•
Evaluate, track, and report on student progress in accordance with school policies.
•
Encourage positive attitudes toward lifelong physical activity and healthy living.
3. Sports Programme Management
•
Lead and manage all co-curricular sports activities, teams, and clubs.
•
Create structured training programs and competition schedules across various sports.
•
Oversee participation in inter-school competitions, leagues, and events (e.g., DASSA, local and international tournaments).
•
Supervise specialized programs like sports academies, ensuring clear paths for development.
•
Coordinate fixtures, transport, staffing, risk assessments, and event logistics.
•
Assist in the efficient scheduling and utilization of sports facilities, including external rentals where applicable.
4. Staff Leadership & Performance Management
•
Guide, manage, and develop the PE and coaching team.
•
Distribute roles and responsibilities to ensure effective program delivery.
•
Conduct performance evaluations, lesson observations, and professional development planning.
•
Offer mentoring, coaching, and support to enhance staff capabilities and expertise.
•
Ensure consistency in teaching quality, student experience, and safeguarding practices.
5. Student Development & Welfare
•
Co-manage the termly after-school enrichment programs.
•
Encourage inclusive sports opportunities for students of all abilities and interests.
•
Identify and nurture talented athletes through advanced training and competition opportunities.
•
Maintain high standards of student welfare, behavior, and safeguarding in all PE and sports activities.
•
Implement suitable risk assessments, supervision, and health and safety protocols.
•
Support student leadership roles such as sports captains, leaders, and ambassadors.
6. Facilities & Resources
•
Supervise the upkeep and enhancement of sports facilities and equipment.
•
Manage the budget for sports programs, covering equipment, travel, staff, and facility rentals.
7. Community & Partnerships
•
Establish connections with local, regional, and national sports organizations.
•
Promote the school’s sports achievements within the community and media.
•
Encourage parent and student involvement in sports initiatives.
•
Aid in enhancing the school’s sports profile and reputation.
Qualifications & Experience
•
Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, Sports Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
•
At least 5 years of experience in school sports leadership.
•
Strong knowledge of the English National Curriculum, with proven GCSE and A Level/BTEC results.
•
Demonstrated success in developing sports programs, leading and managing competitions, and overseeing staff.
•
Thorough understanding of child safeguarding and health & safety standards.
•
Experience in the UAE as Head of PE or in a sports leadership role is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
•
Outstanding leadership and organizational abilities.
•
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
•
Capability to plan strategically while overseeing daily operations.
•
Familiarity with sports science, coaching methodologies, PE curriculum, competition frameworks, and facility management.
•
Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to manage emergencies competently.
In return, we offer:
A positive and innovative learning culture backed by students, staff, parents, and governors.
A collaborative and supportive environment among staff that fosters teamwork and unity.
A Senior Leadership team dedicated to creating the best conditions and outcomes for both staff and students.
Our Compensation and Benefits package includes (where applicable):
Competitive tax-free salary.
Visa and medical insurance coverage.
Airfare allowance.
Tuition fee discounts at the school for up to two children.
End-of-service gratuity as per UAE Labour Law.
Interviews will be conducted at Dubai Heights Academy or via Zoom if an in-person interview is not feasible. The closing date for applications is as posted; however, interviews may occur prior to this date, so early applications are encouraged.
We appreciate all applicants; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.
Safeguarding Statement:
Dubai Heights Academy is deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all employees to share this commitment. All new hires will undergo enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity verification, criminal background checks (from your home country or country of residence), qualification verification (attestation), and employment checks that will explore any gaps in employment along with at least two satisfactory professional references, which will be verified. Applicants may also be required to submit other relevant personal documents, such as degree certificates or marriage certificates. A comprehensive checklist will be provided to successful candidates.