ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Athletic Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diocese of Trenton

Athletic Director

NJ

Athletic Director Department: Athletics Reports To: Head of School Classification: Exempt/ 12 months Full-time Notre Dame High School, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Trenton, is a dynamic ...

Jupiter Christian School

Athletic Director

Jupiter, FL · On-site

Jupiter Christian School Athletic Director Founded in 1963, Jupiter Christian School is committed to excellence in teaching the mind, reaching the heart, and inspiring servant leaders to impact the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAthletic Director Jobs

Athletic Director information

See salary details

$16.5K

$62.2K

$118.5K

How much do athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 are Athletic Directors?

Athletic Directors are professionals who manage and oversee sports programs at schools, colleges, or other organizations. They are responsible for hiring coaches, coordinating game schedules, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Athletic Directors play a crucial role in promoting sportsmanship, student-athlete welfare, and program success. They often work closely with administrators, coaches, and the community to build strong athletic programs.

Who is the highest paid athletic director?

The highest paid athletic directors typically work at large Division I universities or professional sports organizations, with salaries often exceeding $1 million annually. Compensation varies based on the institution's size, revenue, and success, and may include bonuses and benefits. Top earners often have extensive experience and strong leadership skills in sports administration.

What are some common challenges Athletic Directors face when managing sports programs?

Athletic Directors often face challenges balancing limited budgets while ensuring all teams have the resources they need to succeed. They also navigate compliance with league and school regulations, coordinate scheduling for multiple sports, and manage the expectations of coaches, athletes, and parents. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for problem-solving and maintaining a positive environment. Collaborating effectively with school administration and community stakeholders is also key to overcoming these challenges.

What Does an Athletic Director Do?

An athletic director is a school administrator who runs all aspects of the sports program for a school or institution. An athletic director provides strategic direction for the program and all of its coaches, athletes, and staff. Athletic directors manage the program budget and administer recruiting initiatives, staff scheduling, and benchmarks. The athletic director of a college or university also works with regulatory agencies, such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), to ensure compliance with policies and mandates.

What qualifications do I need to be an athletic director?

To become an athletic director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field, along with several years of experience in coaching or sports administration. Many positions also prefer or require a master's degree and relevant certifications such as the Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) credential. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of sports programs are essential for success in this role.

What does an athletic director do?

An athletic director oversees the management and operation of sports programs at schools or organizations, including hiring coaches, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They coordinate athletic events, promote student-athlete development, and often hold certifications in sports management or related fields. The role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of sports policies.

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

To thrive as an Athletic Director, you need expertise in sports management, budgeting, and organizational leadership, often supported by a degree in sports administration or a related field. Familiarity with compliance systems, scheduling software, and certifications like CPR or First Aid are typically required. Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills help build relationships with coaches, athletes, and stakeholders. These abilities are crucial to effectively manage athletic programs, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a positive sports environment.

What degree is best for athletic director?

A bachelor's degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field is typically required for an athletic director. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in sports administration, business, or education, along with experience in coaching or athletic program management.

What is the difference between Athletic Director vs Coach?

AspectAthletic DirectorCoach
Required CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree in sports management, physical education, or related field; coaching certifications may be preferredTypically requires coaching certifications, relevant experience, and sometimes a bachelor's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentAdministrative setting overseeing multiple teams and staff at schools or sports organizationsOn-field or gym environment directly coaching athletes and teams
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, colleges, universities, sports clubsSchools, sports teams, athletic programs

The main difference between an Athletic Director and a Coach lies in their responsibilities. An Athletic Director manages the overall athletic programs, budgets, and staff, while a Coach focuses on training and developing athletes. Both roles require relevant certifications and experience, but their daily tasks and scope differ significantly.

More about Athletic Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Athletic Director jobs? Cities with the most Athletic Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Athletic jobs? The most popular types of Athletic jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Athletic Director jobs? The top employers for Athletic Director jobs are:
What states have the most Athletic Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Athletic Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Athletic Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Athletic Director jobs are:
Athletic Director jobs near you

Athletic Director

Northwest Ohio Classical Academy

Toledo, OH

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Northwest Ohio Classical Academy (NOCA) seeks a full-time Athletics Director (AD). The Athletic Director is responsible for the administration, coordination, and supervision of all athletic programs at NOCA. The ideal values and fosters a culture of collaboration, empowerment, integrity, creativity, and virtue. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional communication, and the ability to work effectively with students, staff, families, and the wider community. Evening and weekend availability is required. The AD will report directly to the Executive Director and will carry out the Mission of the school.

NOCA Athletic Director Responsibilities

  • Athletic Director (AD) will provide general oversight of all NOCA athletic programs. AD will serve as primary point of contact for athletics and regularly report to the Executive Director. AD will perform the following duties within each athletic program:
  • Roster formation.
  • Coaching selections.
  • Facility oversight and maintenance related to program activities.
  • Internal program communication.
  • External communication related specifically to athletic program.
  • Develop program budgets.
  • Develop and manage K-8 league play opportunities.
  • Athletic Director will provide oversight and manage all NOCA athletic coaches.
  • Athletic Director is responsible for school-wide communication related to athletics.
  • Athletic Director will manage compliance with PAPs, permission packets, and fee collection across athletic department.
  • Athletic Director will coordinate and approve practice schedules across all athletic programs.
  • Athletic Director will schedule interscholastic contests for all junior high and high school programs.
  • Athletic Director will collaborate with Executive Director to establish an OHSAA-compliant athletics uniform branding guide and will serve as primary point-of-contact for uniform design proposals and decisions.
  • Athletic Director will collaborate with Executive Director and Operations Manager to develop and manage athletics budgets across all programs.
  • Athletic Director will work with Athletics Committee to set goals related to sports culture and philosophy.
  • Athletic Director will work with NOCA Dean of Students to maintain discipline, and a culture of virtue and sportsmanship, across all programs.
  • Athletics Director will facilitate the creation of new athletics programs as directed by NOCA?s Executive Director and Board of Trustees.
  • Provide support to NOCA administration in the areas of event planning and non-athletic student activities coordination.

Qualifications:

  • Value a rigorous liberal arts education.
  • Bachelor?s degree.
  • Possess exceptional written and oral communication skills as well as computer systems skills.
  • Possess excellent organization skills and an ability to coordinate multiple tasks and activities.
  • Have a commitment to model moral character in line with the school?s core virtues and the pursuit of the True, Good, and Beautiful.
  • Must pass necessary background checks.

About Northwest Ohio Classical Academy:

NOCA is Ohio?s first state-chartered, publicly-funded, independently-governed, tuition-free, classical school. It is curriculum school of the Barney Charter School Initiative of Hillsdale College, a network of classical charter schools united by curriculum and purpose. NOCA opened its doors in 2019, with 210 students in grades K-8, and has seen strong and steady growth. It now serves grades K-12 to over 600 students. NOCA is a flourishing school with a passionate, dedicated faculty, staff, and families who value and enthusiastically support NOCA?s mission.

Apply