Director of Basketball / Coach / Admissions Associate

Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts | Type: Full Time

About the Role

Applewild is opening a new 50,000 square foot athletic and wellness center in November 2026. This fully-funded facility will feature two basketball courts, a 6-lane swimming pool, 4 squash courts, a strength and conditioning room, virtual golf, visiting team locker rooms, full commercial laundry, and a new student center. The state-of-the-art facility supports our mission to nurture curious learners and empower them to lead with confidence, courage, and humanity.

The school seeks ambitious and entrepreneurial coaches to direct the development of key athletic programs, including boys or girls teams in Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse, or Volleyball. The position may be full or part-time, and the coach may utilize Applewild’s facilities for club/AAU team development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high-quality workouts and skill development practices.
• Prioritize player safety, well-being, and sportsmanship at all times.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for students, promoting collaboration, self-control, respect, and teamwork.
• Work with AAU and other “feeder” programs to raise awareness of Applewild’s day and junior boarding program among coaches and parents seeking high-quality athletic and academic preparation for secondary school.
• Identify opportunities for the School to gain visibility among coaches, parents, and prospective athletes through social media, training facilities, sponsorships, event participation, and networking.
• Recruit and retain high-character, high-ability student-athletes who embody Applewild’s values both academically and athletically, utilizing generous merit and financial aid scholarships.
• Work closely with Admissions to strategically deploy scholarship resources.
• Research and evaluate prospective student-athletes’ academic and athletic credentials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with recruits, families, and external partners through consistent communication and campus/program visits.
• Develop and execute camps, clinics, and other outreach or program development activities, including hosting or developing an AAU program on-site.
• Assist with day-to-day athletic program operations, including equipment management, scheduling, and travel coordination.
• Depending on full or part-time status, complete a secondary duty within the school, such as teaching or filling another role as needed.

Requirements

• Available for some evening and weekend responsibilities.
• Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record; must be willing and able to drive students in 15-seat passenger vans.
• Must pass background check (CORI, SORI/Fingerprinting).
• National or regional coaching certification preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certified (Applewild offers certification course).
• Able to comfortably navigate our hilly campus and lift up to 50 pounds.
• College degree required.

Qualifications

• Preference given to candidates with 3+ years of experience working with students aged 10-15.
• Preference given to individuals who played their sport in college.

About Applewild School

Applewild is a day and junior boarding school on 42 acres in North Central Massachusetts, serving 370 students from infancy through 9th grade. Our residential program serves students in grades 3-9, with 70 beds available for students from around the world. The school is accredited through the Association of Independent Schools of New England and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools, and The Junior Boarding School Association.

Applewild nurtures curious learners and empowers them to lead with confidence, courage, and humanity. The school draws students from 25 cities/towns, multiple states, and countries. Foundations at Applewild, located on the Fitchburg campus, serves students with diagnosed language-based learning disabilities.

Pay

Compensation is based on experience, skills, and job responsibilities. The hourly range is $25-55 per hour (or full-time salary of $40-60k plus incentives).

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Reduced tuition for infant, toddler, preschool, and prekindergarten programs
• Tuition remission for mission-aligned children in grades K-9
• On-campus housing possible