Basketball Lead Coach – Fortes Schools, Dubai

About Fortes Education
Fortes Education has been a leading provider of outstanding education in the UAE for over four decades, with a portfolio of premium international schools and nurseries. Our two through-schools, Sunmarke School and Regent International School, provide world-class education from FS1 to Year 13.

About Our Sports Programme
Across our schools, we are delivering a high-calibre, specialist-led sports programme that drives participation, develops talent, and raises the bar for performance.

With strong leadership and established competition pathways, we are now growing our coaching team to lead key sports into an ambitious new phase of excellence.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Basketball Lead Coach to drive the development of our basketball programme across Fortes Schools. This is a performance-focused role with a strong emphasis on preparing elite squads for local, national, and international competitions.

Working closely with the Director of Sport and Head of PE, the Basketball Lead Coach will design, deliver, and continuously enhance a high-performance pathway from primary through to Sixth Form. Your role will ensure that players are technically and tactically prepared to represent the school at the highest levels.

Key Qualities and Requirements

• FIBA-endorsed Level 2 Basketball Coaching Certificate or internationally recognised equivalent
• Background as a competitive player or coach at elite or national level
• A track record of building high-performing teams in schools, clubs, academies, or national systems
• Demonstrated success preparing squads for school leagues and international tournaments
• Strong session planning that develops individual skill, team cohesion, and competitive readiness
• Expertise in positional development, offensive/defensive strategies, set plays, and performance analysis
• Proven ability to coach under pressure and lead high-stakes fixtures
• Experience in coaching or mentoring other staff or junior coaches
• Ability to personalise coaching through individual development plans
• Understanding of strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and athlete recovery
• Passionate advocate for basketball and committed to establishing the sport as a flagship programme across both schools

Professional Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and deliver high-quality training sessions including early morning, lunchtime, and after-school squads
• Lead and support curriculum basketball in collaboration with PE staff, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes and progression
• Select and manage school squads for competitive fixtures across local, national, and international levels including DASSA, BSME, and World School Games
• Fully commit to after-school and weekend fixtures as part of the competitive calendar
• Participate in weekly sports department meetings and contribute to planning, programme development, and event coordination
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain up to date with coaching practices and safeguarding expectations
• Support operational and administrative needs including squad organisation, fixture logistics, and overseas trip planning
• Lead the marketing and promotion of basketball across Fortes schools, showcasing student success and driving visibility through social media and school platforms
• Carry out additional tasks as directed by the Director of Sport in support of the school's vision for excellence in sport

This is a pivotal appointment for our sports programme. The successful candidate will play a central role in creating a culture of excellence, discipline, and achievement in basketball across Fortes schools.

Application Process

If you have the passion, energy, and commitment to drive accelerated outcomes for young people, we will welcome your application. In return, you will join a rapidly evolving organisation that can offer you a central role in our future growth plans.

Candidates are invited to complete our Online Application by visiting:

Please note that due to the expected volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The school reserves the right to make suitable appointments before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process. The appointment start date will be Immediately.

Fortes Education is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures including a satisfactory International Child Protection Certificate, plus resident country Police checks.