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Athlete Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Head Athletic Trainer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$25.75 - $35.25/hr

... Athlete Development Status: Full-Time, Exempt, 12 month Grade 12 Division: President No. Direct Reports: 3-10 Target Weekly Hours: 40 Location: 2807 N Glebe (Main Campus) Benefits Eligibility: Yes ...

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Athlete Development information

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$29K

$53.4K

$81K

How much do athlete development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for athlete development in the United States is $53,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Athlete Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Athlete Development, you need a strong background in sports science, coaching, and performance analysis, often supported by relevant degrees and certifications such as CSCS or NASM. Familiarity with athlete management systems, video analysis tools, and training technology is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and motivational skills help build trust and foster growth in athletes. These abilities ensure the effective development of athletic talent and holistic support for athletes’ performance and well-being.

How does an Athlete Development professional typically collaborate with coaches and support staff to enhance athlete performance?

Athlete Development professionals work closely with coaches, sports psychologists, nutritionists, and medical teams to create comprehensive plans tailored to each athlete's needs. They coordinate regular check-ins, assessments, and feedback sessions to monitor progress and address challenges. Collaboration ensures that all aspects of an athlete's physical, mental, and emotional development are supported, leading to well-rounded performance improvements. This multidisciplinary teamwork is essential for fostering a positive environment and helping athletes reach their full potential.

What is athlete development?

Athlete development refers to the process of nurturing and enhancing the skills, abilities, and overall well-being of athletes throughout different stages of their careers. This involves physical training, mental conditioning, skill acquisition, and personal growth, often guided by coaches, trainers, and support staff. The goal is to help athletes reach their full potential while maintaining long-term health and success in their chosen sport.

What is the difference between Athlete Development vs Sports Coach?

AspectAthlete DevelopmentSports Coach
CredentialsCertifications in sports science, strength & conditioning, or athletic trainingCoaching certifications, such as NSCAA, USCC, or sport-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, gyms, sports academies, or schoolsSports fields, gyms, or indoor arenas
Employer & IndustrySports academies, universities, youth programsSchool teams, professional teams, community sports programs
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on athlete performance enhancement and training programsFocus on team strategy, game tactics, and direct coaching

While both roles aim to improve athletic performance, Athlete Development focuses on training programs, physical conditioning, and long-term athlete growth. Sports Coaches primarily direct team strategies, game tactics, and on-field instruction. The two roles often collaborate but serve different aspects of athletic success.

More about Athlete Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Athlete Development jobs? Cities with the most Athlete Development job openings:
What states have the most Athlete Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Athlete Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Athlete Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Associate Director, Student-Athlete Professional Development

Associate Director, Student-Athlete Professional Development

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Dartmouth College rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information Posting date 03/25/2026 Closing date Open Until Filled Yes Position Number 1129365 Position Title Associate Director, Student-Athlete Professional Development Hiring Range Minimum $79,500 Hiring Range Maximum $88,000 Union Type Not a Union Position SEIU Level Not an SEIU Position FLSA Status Exempt Employment Category Regular Full Time Scheduled Months per Year 12 Scheduled Hours per Week 40 Schedule Occasional work outside of typical business hours to accommodate the needs of the student population. Location of Position Hanover, NH Remote Work Eligibility? Onsite only Is this a term position? No If yes, length of term in months. NA Is this a grant funded position? No Position Purpose The Associate Director, StudentAthlete Professional Development supports the design and implementation of a careerdevelopment strategy tailored to the unique needs of Dartmouth's varsity studentathletes. Reporting to the Director, External Partnerships & Special Projects (Center for Career Design), this role coordinates career programming within Dartmouth Peak Performance (DP2), cultivates alumni and employer relationships, and serves as a subjectmatter resource for the Center for Career Design's sportsandrecreation career track. The Associate Director works collaboratively across campus units, leveraging existing career resources while developing targeted initiatives that align with the careerdevelopment process for studentathletes. Description DP2 Career Development - Dartmouth College Athletics DP2 Career Development is focused on maximizing programming and services to help Dartmouth student-athletes access career education, skills, connections, and internship and job placement opportunities. More on DP2:
  • Behind every Big Green victory: The 31-person support system for Dartmouth athletics - The Dartmouth DP2's mission extends beyond immediate athletic performance-the program uses sport as a vehicle to develop leaders for life.
  • Austin Driggers, Spaht Family Executive Assoc AD for Peak Performance: "The purpose of athletics at Dartmouth and other Ivy League institutions is to enhance the learning and the growth and development of our student athletes."
  • Lyndsay Ostler, Senior Assoc AD for Student-Athlete Development assists the coaches with the recruitment process in evaluating student-athletes' academics and navigating the admissions application process and deadlines while providing strategic leadership to Academic Support and Career Development.
Center for Carer Design DP2 works closely with Center for Career Design, which supports all Dartmouth undergraduates in exploring career interests, identifying strengths and opportunities, applying for jobs and internships, preparing for interviews, and learning about the professional world. Working collaboratively with employers, alumni, faculty, parents, and other colleagues - all of whom help educate students about the ever-changing world of work.
  • Joe Hayes, Director of External Partnerships & Special Projects within the Dartmouth Center for Career Design, leads strategy for employer, alumni, and family supporter engagement in order to expand access to opportunities, strengthen meaningful connections, and drive impactful career outcomes for students.
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp Bachelors plus 3-5 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
  • Bachelor's degree in career development, student affairs, sports management, business, or a related field and three to five years of relevant experience (career services, studentathlete support, employer relations, or equivalent).
  • Demonstrated experience in career development, coaching, or advising, preferably with studentathletes or within higher education.
  • Proven ability to support the development and implementation of careerrelated programming, including networking events, employerengagement initiatives, and careerreadiness workshops.
  • Strong relationshipbuilding skills with experience cultivating partnerships with employers, alumni, and external stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of career pathways in the sports and recreation industries and the ability to guide students interested in these fields.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
  • Ability to assess program effectiveness and utilize data to inform decisionmaking and enhance student outcomes.
  • Understanding of the unique careerdevelopment needs of varsity studentathletes and familiarity with NCAA regulations as they pertain to career and professional development.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments and initiatives.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an understanding of how to support diverse student populations in career development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in higher education, career development, sports management, business, or a related field.
  • Experience working in career services within a college or university setting, particularly with studentathletes.
  • Knowledge of employerengagement strategies and experience building partnerships that create career opportunities.
  • Familiarity with careerassessment tools (e.g., CliftonStrengths, MBTI) to support student career exploration.
  • Experience developing and managing mentorship or alumni networking programs at the program/project level.
  • Knowledge of NCAA compliance regulations related to studentathlete professional development and career opportunities.
  • Understanding of designthinking or lifedesign methodologies and their application to career coaching and advising.
  • Proficiency with careermanagement platforms (Handshake, LinkedIn, PeopleGrove) and other digital tools used in career services.
  • Experience facilitating workshops, trainings, or presentations for diverse audiences, including students, employers, and faculty.
Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries Mariruth Graham Department Contact Phone Number mariruth@dartmouth.edu Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title Joe Hayes, Director External Partnerships & Special Projects Department Contact's Phone Number Joseph.S.Hayes@dartmouth.edu Equal Opportunity Employer Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all. Background Check Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Preferred, but not required Special Instructions to Applicants Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy Additional Instructions Consider uploading a list of references, letter of recommendation, work product under Additional Documents. Quick Link https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/85100 Key Accountabilities Description Assist in developing and delivering career & lifedesign programming for varsity studentathletes, ensuring alignment with the career discernment process, networking opportunities, and experientiallearning initiatives Percentage Of Time 25 Description Support the expansion of the Big Green athletic career network by managing specific outreach projects, cultivating relationships with alumni, employers, and industry professionals, and helping to broaden career opportunities for studentathletes Percentage Of Time 25 Description Act as a subjectmatter resource for DCCD's sportsandrecreation career track, creating specialized resources, programs, and advising opportunities for students and alumni under the guidance of the Director Percentage Of Time 15 Description Partner with DCCD, DP2, and other campus partners to integrate existing careerdevelopment resources while tailoring initiatives for studentathletes; propose enhancements to senior leadership Percentage Of Time 15 Description Gather and report program effectiveness data, preparing concise summaries for the Director and other key stakeholders Percentage Of Time 10 Description Coordinate careerrelated events, employerengagement initiatives, and networking opportunities, overseeing logistics and studentassistant support to ensure highimpact connections for studentathletes Percentage Of Time 10 - -- Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all. -- Performs other duties as assigned.

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