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Athletic Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Avera Health

Athletic Trainer

Cresco, IA · On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

Collaborate, coordinate, and communicate with athletes, parents, coaches, athletic director, physicians, rehabilitation teams, and others. Order, maintain, and use special equipment and supplies to ...

Avera Health

Athletic Trainer

Cresco, IA · On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

Collaborate, coordinate, and communicate with athletes, parents, coaches, athletic director, physicians, rehabilitation teams, and others. Order, maintain, and use special equipment and supplies to ...

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All JobsAthletic JobsAthletic Director JobsAthletic Director Jobs in Iowa

Athletic Director information

See Iowa salary details

$15.5K

$58.5K

$111.3K

How much do athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic director in Iowa is $58,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an athletic director?

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.

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 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 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 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.

Do athletic directors get paid well?

Athletic directors typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on the size of the institution, location, and level of responsibility. According to industry data, median annual salaries range from around $60,000 to over $100,000, with larger schools and universities offering higher compensation. Many athletic directors also benefit from additional perks such as bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

Is it hard to get an athletic director job?

Securing an athletic director position can be competitive, often requiring extensive experience in sports management, leadership skills, and relevant certifications. Candidates typically need a background in coaching, administration, or related fields, along with strong organizational and communication abilities.

What are the roles of an athletic director?

An athletic director oversees the management and administration of sports programs at a school or organization, including hiring coaches, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting student-athlete development. They coordinate scheduling, oversee facilities, and often serve as a liaison between staff, students, and the community. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of sports regulations are essential for this role.

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.
More about Athletic Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Athletic jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Athletic jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Athletic Director jobs in Iowa?

For Athletic Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Athletic Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Athletic Director jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Athletic Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Athletic Director job openings:

Athletic Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Athletic Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,466 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Athletic Trainer

Avera Health

Cresco, IA • On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Location:

Cresco, IA

Worker Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Evening Shift (United States of America)

Join Our Team!

At Regional Health Services, we strive to create a positive, team-oriented work environment for our staff. Our professional team of clinical, administrative, and support staff work each day to better serve and care for our community. If you would like to join us on our mission, apply today!

Position Highlights

POSITION SUMMARY: The Athletic Trainer prevents, examines, and treats injuries of an athlete. Collaborate, coordinate, and communicate with athletes, parents, coaches, athletic director, physicians, rehabilitation teams, and others. Order, maintain, and use special equipment and supplies to be used with athletes. Services include treatments, documentation, and communication.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree from a CAATE accredited institution in Athletic Training, NATA/BOC Certified, and eligible for licensure in the State of Iowa, CPR/AED certification.

Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs for all age groups that will be receiving services.

Ability to remain calm in emergency or crisis situations.

BLS (CPR) certified.

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About Avera Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Avera Health, based in Sioux Falls, SD, US, is a significant player in the healthcare industry. This notable network of healthcare providers, hospitals, and health facilities serves over a million people across five Midwestern states. The health network was formed with the 1994 partnership of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, with its roots in compassionate service dating back to the late 1800s. Renowned for its commitment to providing excellent care and improving the health of individuals and communities, it has made significant strides in the medical field. Notable achievements include consistently high rankings in the top 15% of U.S. hospitals for clinical performance and patient outcomes.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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