Director of Sports - August 2026 start

We are looking for an outstanding Director of Sports to join our team starting in August 2026 for the academic year 2026-2027.

At GEMS, being an educator is more than just a profession; it is a rewarding career. Our teachers enjoy free access to top-notch CPD programs and have opportunities for advancement within our global organization. With many leadership positions filled by individuals from the GEMS network, our educators can explore various career paths across the globe as we continue to expand into new countries.

Aside from being an excellent workplace, Dubai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city characterized by rapid growth and year-round sunshine. Teachers in Dubai benefit from an exciting lifestyle, with numerous leisure and travel opportunities both regionally and internationally!

All roles come with a comprehensive compensation package that includes:

A competitive tax-free salary, fully furnished private accommodation, tuition for dependents, private health insurance, annual airfare to your home country, and an end-of-service gratuity.

Additionally, GEMS teachers have complimentary access to our loyalty app, GEMS Rewards, which provides substantial discounts on everyday expenses in the UAE. Enjoy thousands of deals and 2-for-1 offers on various services, including flights, hotels, restaurants, and retail shops, allowing you to maximize your earnings and save while working abroad.

Job Responsibilities:

The Director of Sport is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and commercial direction for sports at GEMS Metropole. This pivotal role involves implementing an inclusive Active School model alongside a premier High Performance program, positioning the school as a renowned Centre of Excellence within GEMS and the broader UAE and global sporting community.

The Director of Sport will lead the High Performance Team, oversee the Mustang Sport program, manage the enhancement and development of athletic facilities and high performance curriculum, foster commercial partnerships, and ensure that sports contribute positively to the overall school culture, student wellbeing, and academic achievement.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

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Develop and implement a long-term sports strategy that aligns with the Active School vision and the overarching school improvement plan.

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Advocate for the Mustang sports identity from participation to podium success.

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Execute and oversee the High Performance Curriculum, which encompasses:

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Strength & Conditioning

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Sports Nutrition

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Performance Analysis

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Combat Sport

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Aesthetic Sport

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Football

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Performance Mindset (Red2Blue framework)

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Sustain GEMS Metropole as a GEMS Centre of Excellence for Sport by integrating:

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Professional development pathways for staff

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Hosting and participating in regional and international conferences

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Organizing athlete mid-term camps and elite development experiences

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Provide strategic updates, performance metrics, and impact reports to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Governors.

Leadership

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Oversee the High Performance Team, which includes:

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High Performance Coordinator

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Head of Strength & Conditioning

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Head of Sports Nutrition

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Head of Performance Analysis

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Head of Football

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Head of Combat Sport (Striking)

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Head of Combat Sport (Grappling)

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Head of Aesthetic Performance

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Manage the Individual Athlete Plan (IAP) program and elite athlete pathways.

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Directly supervise Swim Coaching staff.

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Collaborate with the PE Head of Department (HOD) to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to PE/Sport.

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Support the overall objectives and goals of the PE department.

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Create structured pathways for university and professional exit strategies, including:

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Scholarship opportunities in the USA and Canada

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University sport pathways in the UK and Europe

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Direct transitions into professional academies and elite clubs

Operations & Infrastructure

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Oversee the maintenance, development, and strategic enhancement of sporting facilities to meet high-performance and community standards.

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Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, safeguarding, and risk management across all sporting activities.

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Lead operational planning that encompasses scheduling, staffing, events, and compliance measures.

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Work strategically to ensure the long-term viability of facilities through phased development and capital planning.

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Ensure aquatic services adhere to best practices, safety, and compliance standards.

Commercial Growth, Partnerships & Brand Development

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Guide the ongoing development of the Mustang sports brand both regionally and internationally.

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Manage the strategic growth of the Mustang kit program, maximizing the benefits of the Under Armour partnership.

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Create new sponsorship and partnership opportunities with local and global businesses.

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Strengthen relationships with external stakeholders, including:

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DASSA

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Dubai School Games

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UAE National Federations

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International Sporting Organizations

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Collaborate with ESM to enhance external rental usage and optimize facility profitability.

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Develop branded academies, camps, and programs to increase revenue and elevate the school's profile.

Active School & Whole-School Impact

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Work with the Head Teacher of Active School to enhance the Active School unique selling proposition (USP).

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Ensure that sports have a positive impact on student wellbeing, attendance, behavior, leadership, and academic performance.

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Lead major sporting events, community engagement evenings, and showcases.

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Incorporate performance mindset principles into both sports and curriculum delivery.

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Encourage inclusive participation for all students aged 3-18.

People Leadership & Culture

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Recruit, mentor, and manage all PE/sports staff in collaboration with the PE HOD.

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Cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

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Promote professional development in line with Centre of Excellence standards.

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Support staff wellbeing and leadership development through sports.

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Perform any additional responsibilities assigned by the Head Teacher of Active School, Principal, or CEO to support departmental and overall school objectives.

Skills

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Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, or a related field (Master's preferred).

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Proven experience in leading a significant sports department or high-performance program.

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Expertise in developing commercial partnerships and managing sponsorship agreements.

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Experience in academic physical education.

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Thorough understanding of school sport governance, safeguarding, and compliance frameworks.

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Demonstrated success in establishing university scholarship pathways (USA/Canada) and professional sports connections.

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Strategic leadership experience with measurable impacts on participation, performance, and profitability.