Director of Sports

Job Description

Director of Sports – August 2026 start
 

Job Description

We are looking to hire an outstanding Director of Sports to join our team effective August 2026 – AY 26-27.

Teaching at GEMS is not just a job, it’s a career. Our teachers enjoy free access to leading CPD programs and have the opportunity to grow with the company on a global scale. With most of our leaders coming from within the GEMS network of schools, GEMS teachers are in a unique position to consider career opportunities across the world as we expand into more and more countries.

As well as being a great place to work; Dubai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, rapidly expanding city where the sun shines all year round. Teachers in Dubai enjoy an exciting lifestyle, with opportunities for new and exciting leisure activities and travel across the region and further afield!

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including:

Competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence, and end of Service Gratuity.

GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards www.gemsrewards.com which provides significant savings on day to day life in the UAE. We offer thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing the opportunity to save whilst working overseas.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyse performance data to identify trends, inform strategic planning and secure continuous improvement in student participation and achievement.
• Support the line management, development and performance of colleagues within the department and across the school, promoting accountability and high standards.
• Lead and coordinate sporting events and initiatives that enrich the curriculum, particularly within The Active School (Years 7–9), and raise the profile of sport.
• Keep abreast of national and international developments in sport, performance and education, proposing and leading innovative initiatives where appropriate.
• Provide coaching and mentoring for staff, ensuring effective induction, professional growth and succession planning within the department.
  

Skills

• Embody and consistently role model the school’s core values, actively promoting and supporting its vision, ethos and culture.
• Hold a BEd or Bachelor’s degree with PGCE/PGDE (or equivalent) and Qualified Teacher Status. A Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification is desirable.
• Demonstrate proven leadership experience in teaching and developing Sport, with a strong track record of delivering outstanding teaching and learning.
• Have a personal track record of high performance in sport, bringing credibility, authenticity and insight to the role.
• Possess expertise in establishing and nurturing successful partnerships with expert providers, governing bodies and renowned sports professionals across a range of disciplines.
• Show a strong understanding of what constitutes high-quality educational and sporting provision, and how to secure excellence within a UAE context.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in the use of technology to enhance individual and team performance, analysis and athlete development.
• Work collaboratively with Heads of Department and senior leaders to ensure that student needs — academic, pastoral and performance — are fully met.
• Be deeply committed to student welfare, safeguarding and the achievement of all learners.
• Bring drive, enthusiasm, determination and energy to continuously improve the in-school sporting experience and competitive success of students.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and confidence with staff, students, parents and external partners.
• Demonstrate strong leadership capability, with the ability to both lead high-performing teams and contribute effectively within a wider leadership structure.
• Exhibit a growth mindset, showing reflective practice, resilience and a solutions-focused approach.
• Be highly organised, able to prioritise effectively and remain calm and focused under pressure.
• Show a willingness to collaborate, share best practice and contribute positively to the professional learning culture of the school.
• Be open-minded, innovative and forward-thinking, with the creativity to drive continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate a genuine aspiration to work within a Centre of Excellence for Sport, embracing opportunities to enhance both school impact and personal career development.
•  Be willing to contribute fully to the wider life of the school through active engagement in extra-curricular provision and community-based events.
  

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.