Director of Sports - August 2026 start
About This Role
We are seeking an exceptional Director of Sports to become part of our team starting in August 2026 for the AY 26-27. At GEMS, teaching transcends mere employment—it is a fulfilling career. Our educators benefit from complimentary access to premier CPD programs and have the chance to advance within a global framework. With many of our leaders emerging from the GEMS network, our teachers are uniquely positioned to explore career opportunities worldwide as we expand into additional countries.
Beyond being an outstanding workplace, Dubai is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city that continues to grow, basking in sunshine throughout the year. Educators in Dubai experience an invigorating lifestyle, with numerous leisure activities and travel opportunities both regionally and internationally!
All roles come with an attractive compensation package, which includes:
- A competitive tax-free salary
- Fully furnished individual accommodation
- Complimentary schooling
- Private medical insurance
- Annual airfare to your home country
- End-of-service gratuity
GEMS teachers also receive free access to our loyalty app, GEMS Rewards, offering notable savings on daily expenditures in the UAE. With thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 deals on flights, hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, your salary stretches further, enhancing your ability to save while working abroad.
Job Responsibilities:
The Director of Sports will provide strategic, operational, and commercial leadership for sports at GEMS Metropole. This role is pivotal in implementing an inclusive Active School model alongside a top-tier High Performance program, positioning the school as a recognized Centre of Excellence within GEMS and the broader UAE and global sports community.
The Director leads the High Performance Team and the Mustang Sport program, oversees the improvement and development of sports facilities, high performance curriculum, and GEMS Centre of Excellence for Sport, fosters commercial partnerships, and guarantees that sports positively influence the school's culture, wellbeing, and academic success.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Formulate and execute a long-term sports strategy that aligns with the Active School vision and the overall school improvement plan.
- Propel the Mustang sports identity from participation to podium success.
- Implement and oversee the High Performance Curriculum, incorporating:
- Strength & Conditioning
- Sports Nutrition
- Performance Analysis
- Combat Sport
- Aesthetic Sport
- Football
- Performance Mindset (Red2Blue framework)
- Maintain GEMS Metropole as a GEMS Centre of Excellence for Sport, which includes:
- Professional development pathways for staff
- Hosting and attending regional/international conferences
- Conducting athlete mid-term camps and elite development experiences
- Present strategic updates, performance metrics, and impact reports to the Senior Leadership Team and Governors.
Leadership
- Directly manage the High Performance Team, which includes:
- 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)
- Head of Aesthetic Performance
- Oversee the Individual Athlete Plan (IAP) program and elite athlete pathways.
- Supervise the Swim Coaching team.
- Collaborate with the PE Head of Department to ensure a cohesive approach to PE/Sport.
- Support the overall aims and objectives of the PE department.
- Create structured pathways for university and professional exits, including:
- Scholarship routes to the USA and Canada
- UK and European university sports pathways
- Direct entry into professional academies and elite clubs
Operations & Infrastructure
- Manage the upkeep, development, and strategic improvement of sporting facilities to meet high-performance and community standards.
- Ensure robust health and safety protocols are in place.
Apply via the WhatSchool platform.