1

Athletes First Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

Director, Properties

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/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 ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Athletes First information

See salary details

$14

$20

$29

How much do athletes first jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for athletes first in the United States is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Athletes First job?

An Athletes First job typically refers to a role within Athletes First, a sports agency that represents professional athletes. These jobs can include positions in athlete representation, contract negotiation, marketing, public relations, and client services. Employees work closely with athletes to manage their careers, endorsements, and legal matters. The goal is to provide top-level support to help athletes succeed on and off the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Athletes First position, and why are they important?

To excel in a role with Athletes First—a prominent sports agency—you typically need a background in sports management, contract negotiation, and client relationship development, often supported by a relevant degree or prior experience in athlete representation. Familiarity with athlete management software, CRM systems, and knowledge of compliance regulations such as NCAA or professional league policies is valuable. Excellent interpersonal communication, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive mindset set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for successfully representing athletes, managing complex negotiations, and fostering successful, long-term client-agent relationships.

What does a typical day look like for someone working at Athletes First as an athlete agent or representative?

A typical day in this role involves engaging directly with clients (athletes), negotiating contracts, coordinating with teams and sponsors, and managing client promotions or media appearances. You’ll frequently collaborate with legal, marketing, and administrative teams to ensure comprehensive support for your clients. The environment is fast-paced and client-focused, often requiring travel to games, events, or meetings. This dynamic structure allows agents to build strong industry connections and sharpen negotiation skills, opening up advancement opportunities to senior agent or executive roles.

How much do athletes first interns get paid?

Interns at Athletes First typically receive hourly pay that varies based on experience and role, with some internships offering stipends or hourly wages aligned with industry standards. Compensation may also depend on the specific department and location, and interns often gain valuable experience in sports agency operations and contract negotiations.
What cities are hiring for Athletes First jobs? Cities with the most Athletes First job openings:
What states have the most Athletes First jobs? States with the most job openings for Athletes First jobs include:
Infographic showing various Athletes First job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $42,416 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Director, Property & Media Sales

Director, Property & Media Sales

Athletes First

New York, NY

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

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
Athletes First is hiring a Director of Properties & Media Sales, based in our New York City office to drive revenue growth across our portfolio of brand platforms. We're looking for a proven dealmaker who can architect integrated partnerships that span live experiences, premium content, and best-in-class athlete talent and execute across the full sales cycle.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

  • Sell integrated sponsorships across our portfolio of proprietary tent-pole properties, including marquee experiential activations, signature event series, and emerging platforms across the sports and culture calendar.
  • Sell into our media and content portfolio, including athlete- and coach-led franchises, original video series, podcasts, and branded content produced in partnership with our in-house creative team.
  • Develop integrated pitches that bring together Properties, Media, and elite talent from the Athletes First roster into category-exclusive partnerships.
  • Prospect, qualify, and close new business with national brands and their agencies of record; grow, expand, and renew existing partnerships.
  • Partner cross-functionally with internal Properties, Content, Talent, and Marketing teams to deliver compelling, insight-driven solutions for clients.
  • Lead deal structuring and negotiation end-to-end, including pricing, scope, contracting, and approvals
  • Steward partnerships post-sale alongside our Account Management team to ensure flawless execution, drive renewals, and identify upsell opportunities.
  • Represent Athletes First externally at industry events, client meetings, and key cultural moments to build the brand and grow the network

Qualifications

  • 6+ years of sponsorship, media, or integrated brand-partnership sales experience, ideally spanning a mix of live events, content/IP, and talent.
  • Proven track record of closing six- and seven-figure integrated deals with national brands and holding-company agencies.
  • Strong existing relationships with senior brand decision-makers (CMOs, Heads of Sponsorship/Partnerships, Brand and Media leads) and agency partnership teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to build creative, insight-led pitches and navigate complex, multi-stakeholder deals.
  • Sharp commercial instincts with comfort across pricing, deal structure, and contract negotiation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communicator; a polished presenter in person and on camera.
  • Collaborative operator who thrives in a cross-functional environment and treats internal teams like clients.
  • Self-starter with disciplined pipeline habits and a builder's mindset - energized by a high-growth environment where the playbook is still being written.

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.