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Athlete Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Athletes First

Senior Manager, Licensing

New York, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

N/A About Athletes First Athletes First is a full-service athlete management firm that has been representing elite NFL players since its inception in 2001. Based in Southern California, with ...

Reidhealth

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Primary responsibilities would include injury prevention strategies for athletic teams, initial assessment and subsequent management of injuries to student-athletes, coordinate and supervise a ...

Reidhealth

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Athletic Trainer - PRN 5135 Athletic Training Schedule : Day Shift. PRN/ as needed About the ... Manage healing wounds, to include inspection, treatment, and appropriate referral. * Apply and ...

New Mexico Junior College

Head Athletic Trainer

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$90K - $98K/yr

Management of discipline and correction will follow the NMJC Student Handbook and the NMJC Student-Athlete Handbook. * The head Athletic Trainer coach will be expected to plan, organize and execute ...

New Mexico Junior College

Head Athletic Trainer

Hobbs, NM · On-site

$90K - $98K/yr

Management of discipline and correction will follow the NMJC Student Handbook and the NMJC Student-Athlete Handbook. * The head Athletic Trainer coach will be expected to plan, organize and execute ...

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Athlete Manager information

What is an athlete manager?

Athlete managers are professionals who oversee the careers of athletes, handling various aspects such as contract negotiations, sponsorship deals, public relations, and daily logistics. They act as a liaison between the athlete and teams, sponsors, media, and other stakeholders to ensure the athlete’s best interests are represented. Athlete managers may also provide guidance on financial planning, career development, and personal branding to help athletes achieve long-term success. Their goal is to allow athletes to focus on their performance while managing the business side of their careers.

How does an athlete manager typically collaborate with coaches and sponsors to support an athlete's career?

Athlete Managers serve as a vital link between athletes, coaches, and sponsors, ensuring everyone is aligned with the athlete's goals and schedule. They regularly communicate with coaches to coordinate training sessions, competitions, and recovery periods, making sure logistics run smoothly. Additionally, they work closely with sponsors to negotiate contracts, fulfill endorsement obligations, and maintain positive relationships. This collaboration requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills, as Athlete Managers often mediate between different stakeholders to prioritize the athlete's best interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an athlete manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Athlete Manager, you need expertise in contract negotiation, sports marketing, and athlete representation, often supported by a degree in sports management or business. Familiarity with management software, legal document platforms, and CRM tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, networking ability, and conflict resolution skills help build trust and foster productive relationships with athletes and stakeholders. These skills ensure effective athlete advocacy, career growth, and successful management in a competitive sports industry.

What is the difference between Athlete Manager vs Sports Agent?

AspectAthlete ManagerSports Agent
CredentialsOften requires sports management or related certificationsRequires licensing and certification, such as a sports agent license
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with athletes, teams, and coachesNegotiates contracts, endorsements, and deals with teams and brands
Employer & IndustrySports organizations, management firms, or independentlySports agencies, management firms, or independently
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles supporting athlete careersMore focused on contract negotiations and endorsements

While both roles support athletes, an Athlete Manager primarily oversees overall career development and day-to-day needs, whereas a Sports Agent specializes in contract negotiations and endorsement deals. Both roles require industry knowledge and certifications, but their focus areas differ within the sports industry.

How do you become an athlete manager?

To become an athlete manager, individuals typically need a background in sports management, business, or related fields, along with strong communication and negotiation skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in sports agencies or management firms can also be helpful, and networking within the sports industry is important for career advancement.

How much do athlete managers make?

Athlete managers typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, with top managers in professional sports earning significantly more. Compensation often depends on experience, client roster size, and the level of athletes managed, with some earning commissions or performance-based bonuses.

What does an athlete manager do?

An athlete manager oversees the professional and personal affairs of athletes, including contract negotiations, sponsorships, and public relations. They coordinate training schedules, manage media interactions, and ensure compliance with league or sport regulations. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge are essential for this role.
More about Athlete Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Athlete Manager jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Athlete jobs?

The most popular types of Athlete jobs are:

What states have the most Athlete Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Athlete Manager jobs include:

Athlete Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Athlete Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Senior Manager, Licensing

Athletes First

New York, NY • On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Reports To: SVP, Sales
Location: A1 Office - New York City, NY
Direct Reports: N/A
About Athletes First
Athletes First is a full-service athlete management firm that has been representing elite NFL players since its inception in 2001. Based in Southern California, with satellite offices in New York City, NY, Gainesville, FL, and Atlanta, GA. Athletes First is a staple in the sports representation business. Over the years, we've created a culture built around the two key components of our industry: exude extreme power while remaining intimately personal. Our mission is simple: Do the right things, with the right people, for the right reasons.
Role Overview
The Senior Manager, Licensing will lead Athletes First's licensing business across trading cards and the broader universe of NFL, NFLPA, and NCAA licensed products - collectibles, digital assets, and emerging categories. Working in close partnership with senior leadership, this role will shape strategy, own key partner relationships, and unlock new earning opportunities for our clients. The Senior Manager, Licensing will partner cross-functionally with marketing, legal, creative, finance, and athlete management while cultivating deep relationships across the industry's leading manufacturers and licensees contributing to Athletes First's reputation as a best-in-class licensing partner
Key Responsibilities & Duties
  • Serve as the principal liaison for trading cards and NFL/NFLPA/NCAA licensee partnerships, spanning brand, product development, athlete relations, operations, accounting, legal, and sustainability teams.
  • Establish best practices and provide leadership across licensing obligations and contribute to ongoing improvements that strengthen Athlete Firsts licensing function.
  • Manage the full sales cycle for assigned partnerships, from prospecting and ideation through pitching, negotiation, contracting, and close - in close partnership with senior leadership
  • Execute partnerships end-to-end with precision, partnering closely with player agents and internal stakeholders to drive flawless delivery.
  • Maintain strategic, day-to-day relationships with all major trading card manufacturers and NFL/NFLPA/NCAA licensed partners across digital, serving as a key point of contact for collaborations and ongoing communications.
  • Build deep expertise across trading cards and the broader NFL/NFLPA/NCAA licensed product ecosystem, with current insight of established players, emerging entrants, industry trends, and licensing structures.
  • Lead negotiations and manage the lifecycle of licensing agreements, ensuring contractual compliance and maximizing value for Athletes First and its clients.
  • Educate internal teams and clients on distinctions between licensed and unlicensed products, including the broader implications for our athletes.
  • Oversee procurement, allocation, and execution of athlete assets (autographs, digital content) across licensed product initiatives, ensuring quality control and on-time delivery.
  • Track and analyze product and partnership performance, including secondary market dynamics, and translate insights into actionable recommendations for stakeholders and clients.
  • Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to deepen relationships, surface new opportunities, and stay ahead of market shifts.
  • Operate within a team-first selling culture - sharing leads, ideas, and opportunities and contribute meaningfully to Athletes First's "better together" philosophy.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required; marketing or business focus a plus.
  • 5-7 years of licensing or directly relevant experience, including a proven sales track record.
  • Strong fluency in the trading card ecosystem, including manufacturer relationships, licensing agreements, and the distinction between licensed and unlicensed products.
  • Experience supporting and contributing to complex contract negotiations and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities at pace.
  • Creative, entrepreneurial mindset with genuine passion for athlete marketing and collectibles innovation.
  • Analytical aptitude, with the ability to translate product performance and market trends into clear takeaways.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; polished and credible with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Competitive, driven, and highly collaborative - equally effective working across peers, partners, and senior leadership.
  • Genuine knowledge of and passion for the sports business, particularly the NFL and NCAA.
  • Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

What We Offer
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Cell Phone Reimbursement
  • Flexible PTO
  • Exposure to the highest levels of professional sports and a front-row seat working alongside elite NFL athletes, coaches, and front office executives

Athletes First is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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