COMMISSIONER, CITY-WIDE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS & ACADEMICS

The Commissioner of Interscholastic Athletics and Academics provides leadership and oversight for a comprehensive citywide sports and extracurricular academic program within Milwaukee Public Schools. Directs a team of two full-time staff who manage the district's Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) high school athletic programs, ensuring full compliance with all governing regulations and standards.

The Commissioner oversees a team of five full-time staff responsible for coordinating a robust elementary and middle school sports program that serves students across the community. Includes oversight of the district's extracurricular academic programs, including chess, debate, and forensics. The Commissioner actively cultivates sponsorships and partnerships with community organizations to enhance access to high-quality athletic and academic enrichment opportunities for all students.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in athletics and extracurricular programming, with demonstrated strengths in team leadership, community engagement, and program development. The successful candidate will possess the creativity, strategic vision, and commitment to equity necessary to elevate Milwaukee Public Schools' athletics and extracurricular programs fostering inclusive, supportive environments that promote student participation, achievement, and personal growth both on and off the field.

Salary Range: $98,287 - 141,817

Applications for the following position are being accepted by the Office of Human Resources through Monday, November 3, 2025.

A current resume must be attached to the completed application. Additionally, ALL candidates must attach transcripts confirming the required degrees (unofficial transcripts can be submitted prior to interviews, however official transcripts will be required upon hire).

If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify human resources at lamothkp@milwaukee.k12.wi.us that you are sending hard copies.

If you are selected for the next stage of the interview process, you will be contacted via email to submit electronic professional references. Identified references will receive an online reference check to complete.

No applications or application materials will be accepted after the deadline date.

Appointment is subject to a criminal background check, a drug/alcohol test and credential verification.

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in sports management, recreation, education, physical education, or related field.
• Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) preferred.
• Membership in professional organizations, including Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association (WADA), and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of increasingly responsible full-time experience in the management of youth and/or high school sports programs.
• Experience working in a large urban agency preferred.

• Provides guidance and supervision to full and part-time staff to ensure fulfillment of job duties, responsibilities, and professional growth.
• Prepares and manages a budget in excess of $5.8million.
• Conducts regular site visits (evenings and weekends) to determine program effectiveness and to provide evaluation feedback and support to staff.
• Determines coaching and supply allocations for high school athletic programs.
• Oversees the hiring of Interscholastic Sport coaches and Athletics and Academics coaches ensuring all hiring requirements are met.
• Oversees the hiring of game officials and event support staff.
• Provides guidance as necessary to school administrators concerning their Interscholastic Athletic, Interscholastic Academic, and youth sports programs.
• Ensures compliance with eligibility rules for all athletic programs and investigates rule violations as necessary.
• Identifies alternative ways to secure funding to meet program needs.
• Oversees marketing of MPS Interscholastic and youth sports programs.
• Oversees district permit process.
• Prepares manuals and resource materials for all programs.
• Works with Recreation Facilities staff to ensure outdoor fields are properly prepared for competition.
• Implements business practices and policies including contract development, oversight of fees and charges, inventory control and supply purchases.
• Oversees hiring, assigning, training and evaluating athletic officials.
• Conducts meetings and develop training opportunities for coaches and athletic directors.
• Establishes partnerships with other MPS departments and schools, governmental units, agencies and community-based organizations to provide sports programming.
• Assists with Recreation Department activities as needed.
• Serves on various committees as required and assigned.
• Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.