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Associate Athletic Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Athletics

Madison, NJ · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Campus Recreation, Club Sports, and Intramurals indirectly report to the Director through an Associate Athletic Director. The Director is a visible campus leader who connects athletics to Drew ...

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Associate Athletic Director information

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$16.5K

$62.2K

$118.5K

How much do associate athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate athletic director in the United States is $62,246.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Athletic Director vs Athletic Director?

AspectAssociate Athletic DirectorAthletic Director
ResponsibilitiesSupports senior management, manages specific departments or programs, oversees operationsOverall leadership of athletic department, strategic planning, budget management, hiring
Required CredentialsRelevant experience in sports management, often a master's degree, certificationsExtensive experience in athletic administration, advanced degrees often preferred
Work EnvironmentCollege or university athletic departments, sports organizationsSame as Associate Athletic Director, higher-level decision-making

The main difference between an Associate Athletic Director and an Athletic Director lies in scope and responsibility. The Associate Athletic Director typically supports the department's leadership by managing specific areas, while the Athletic Director holds overall responsibility for the entire athletic program. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the Athletic Director has broader strategic and administrative duties.

What are Associate Athletic Directors?

Associate Athletic Directors are senior administrators within a college or university's athletic department who help oversee the daily operations, compliance, and strategic planning of sports programs. They often supervise specific areas such as compliance, facilities, marketing, or student-athlete services, and report to the Athletic Director. Their roles may include managing budgets, coordinating events, enforcing NCAA regulations, and supporting coaches and athletes. The position requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as a thorough understanding of collegiate athletics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Athletic Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Athletic Director, you typically need a solid background in sports administration, budgeting, and compliance, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in sports management or a related field. Familiarity with NCAA regulations, athletic management software, and event scheduling systems is crucial. Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills set top candidates apart by enabling effective team management and stakeholder engagement. These abilities are vital for maintaining program integrity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering successful athletic programs.

How does an Associate Athletic Director typically collaborate with coaches and other department staff?

An Associate Athletic Director works closely with coaches, trainers, and administrative staff to ensure the smooth operation of athletic programs. This collaboration often involves coordinating schedules, managing compliance with regulations, and supporting the development of student-athletes. Regular meetings and open communication are essential, as the Associate Athletic Director often acts as a bridge between coaching staff and upper administration, helping to align departmental goals and address challenges as they arise.
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What cities are hiring for Associate Athletic Director jobs? Cities with the most Associate Athletic Director job openings:
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Associate Athletic Director for External Relations

Associate Athletic Director for External Relations

Northwest Nazarene University Inc

Nampa, ID • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description:

NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS

Associate Athletic Director for External Relations


Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division II level. NNU is a member of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) which is comprised of the following ten members: University of Alaska-Anchorage, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Central Washington University, Montana State University-Billings, Northwest Nazarene University, Saint Martin's University, Seattle Pacific University, Simon Fraser University, Western Oregon University, and Western Washington University. NNU offers the following nine sports for women: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field (indoor and outdoor), STUNT, and volleyball. NNU offers the following eight sports for men: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, lacrosse, and track & field (indoor and outdoor).


Description of Position

Northwest Nazarene University is accepting applications for the position of Associate Athletic Director for External Relations. This is a community relations, event coordinating, professional sales position. Depending on experience this position could be hired as an Assistant Athletic Director rather than Associate. This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position that reports to the Director of Athletics.


Northwest Nazarene University is sponsored by the Church of the Nazarene and seeks to reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the body of Christ in its faculty, staff, administration and students. All those interested are encouraged to apply and will be evaluated equitably.


Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Directs and oversees the NNU Athletics Operations Team in the logistics, marketing, and growth of the annual NNU Athletics golf tournament, student-athlete Kettle Awards Banquet, and other special fundraising/marketing events.
  • Cultivates, solicits, and manages NNU Athletics corporate sponsorships; contacts area businesses and individuals regarding opportunities to partner with NNU Athletics and brand NNU Athletics within the Boise Valley.
  • Develops and implements game day promotions that highlight relationships with area businesses, community members, and strategic partners.
  • Leads the ‘Nampa’s Home Team,’ initiative in building strong connections with the Mayor’s office, school districts, chambers, businesses, and other organizations.
  • Implements a ticket sales plan, attracting more fans and increasing revenue.
  • Assists the Athletic Director in all Athletics Advisory Council functions.
  • Updates, enhances, and oversees nnusports.com giving links and information.
  • In coordination with the Athletic Director, grows and enhances giving within the Nighthawks Athletics Association fostering relationships with business partners, donors, and constituents.
  • Oversees and assists coaches in the fundraising efforts of individual sports programs; assist select coaches in developing and managing sport-specific booster clubs.
  • Regularly collaborates and partners with other University offices including University Advancement, Marketing, Admissions, Alumni Office, and the Office of Mission and Ministry, in an effort to coordinate and maximize opportunities to promote, brand, and fundraise for NNU Athletics.
  • Reviews and follows up on grant opportunities that could benefit NNU Athletics.
  • Promotes and develops spiritual formation and leadership, academic excellence, athletic competitiveness, and community engagement.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and related experience
  • Sufficient skills, knowledge and training to perform the essential functions of this position
  • The University requires that all candidates be Christians (preferably in the Wesleyan tradition), and must be comfortable with and in agreement with the mission and lifestyle values of NNU; candidates are asked to respond to the information items listed on the NNU Christian Mission requirements
  • High motivation and commitment to the University, organizational skills, the ability to self-start, be calm under pressure, meet deadlines, work without direct supervision, multi-task, problem solve, and relate to a variety of personalities under diverse circumstances
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Proficiency in utilizing workplace technology

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree
  • Collegiate level athletic administrative and/or coaching experience
  • Development and/or marketing experience
  • Operations and/or event management experience
  • Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations

Compensation

Salary will be determined by the educational background and experience of each applicant and will be discussed with individual candidates as they are invited to interview for this position. Full-time personnel will be offered access to a benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance for employee and family, life and disability insurance, flexible spending plan, health savings account, tuition benefits, opportunities for professional development and a retirement program.


Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended).