DIRECTOR OF SPORT- ST JOHN’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

DIRECTOR OF SPORT

ST JOHN’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

2027

St John’s College is a world-class Christian, African school situated on a beautiful campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric.  The school has an outstanding academic record, with candidates entering the IEB and Cambridge A Level examinations.

St John’s Preparatory, which forms part of St John’s College, seeks to appoint a dynamic, experienced Director of Sport.

As Director of Sport, your leadership, your knowledge of and love for sport are your most valuable qualities. These will help you build our vision for the future. We are looking for an experienced individual who understands first and foremost the value of education through sport. St John’s Preparatory has a long and proud history of sporting endeavour, but we recognise that the role of sport in society is changing. The ideal candidate will head a collaborative process to ensure that St John’s College stays at the forefront of school sport.

The successful candidate will develop a vision of what world-class sporting provision looks like in a school like ours. Sport, for us, is not about win/ lose ratios. Our concern is to develop a much deeper and more sophisticated sporting provision that ensures that sport plays a key role in developing the character and outlook of our boys, allows and ensures that everyone has some fun along the way.

We are seeking a leader who will:

• Work collaboratively to forge a clear vision for the future of all sporting activities at St John’s Preparatory
• Articulate that vision both internally and externally with clarity, vigour and enthusiasm
• Ensure that St John’s Preparatory sport is inclusive and provides opportunities for every student at the right level
• Ensure that our safeguarding responsibilities are front and centre of all we do
• Deploy our team of professional coaches and sports staff, both employed directly and as part time coaches
• Oversee the staffing and timetabling of the school’s sporting programme, ensuring that it dovetails with other users of the school’s facilities
• Take the lead in developing colleagues’ skills and aptitude as sports coaches by leading a culture of continuing professional development and providing training opportunities and courses to support the school’s sporting aims
• Oversee the smooth organisation of events both on and offsite for inter-school fixtures
• Oversee and effectively manage the sports programme, calendar, bookings, transport and budgeting for events and attend Heads of Sports meetings
• Work with the Financial Manager to maintain financial oversight and effective use of budgets
• Play a full role in the life of the school during the course of each term
• Set an example by coaching a range of teams

Requirements:

• Suitable degree and a teaching qualification
• Registered and in good standing with SACE
• 5 + years previous experience as Head of Sport or similar sports leadership role
• A strong understanding of the educational value of sport and its role in the holistic development of boys
• Proven experience in leading and managing change, ideally at a strategic level
• A clear vision for the future of sport within an independent school environment
• An understanding of current trends, best practice and innovation in school sport and athlete development
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding principles and a commitment to promoting the welfare, health and safety of all students
• The ability to build, lead, inspire and develop high-performing teams of coaches and support staff
• Experience in managing sporting programmes, timetables, fixtures, events, facilities and budgets
• Strong organisational, planning, problem-solving and time-management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and can build relationships with a wide range of people, from students to parents, and from colleagues to peer schools

Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the school.

To apply for this position, please complete the application form using the following link Director Of Sport (click HERE!) no later than 11 September 2026.

At St John’s College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John’s College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school’s HR Policies.

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John’s College, taking into account factors such as St John’s College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John’s College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application