1

Athletic Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Athletic Director Saint Mary of the Assumption of Lake Leelanau/St. Mary School Employment Type: Part-time Location: Lake Leelanau, MI Athletic Director St. Mary School on the Leelanau Peninsula is ...

Athletic Director Saint Mary of the Assumption of Lake Leelanau/St. Mary School Employment Type: Part-time Location: Lake Leelanau, MI Athletic Director St. Mary School on the Leelanau Peninsula is ...

Athletic Director

Auburn Hills, MI ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Position Profile Oakland Christian School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Athletic Director to lead and grow our K-12 school athletic programs in alignment with our mission, the policies of OCS ...

Athletic Director

Auburn Hills, MI ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Position Profile Oakland Christian School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Athletic Director to lead and grow our K-12 school athletic programs in alignment with our mission, the policies of OCS ...

Assistant Athletic Director SUPERVISOR: Athletic Director LOCATION: District Wide JOB SUMMARY The Assistant Athletic Director assists in managing, promoting, organizing, and directing a program of ...

Athletic Director

Oxford, MI ยท On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Through effective communication, and collaboration with coaches, staff, and the community, the Athletic Director aims to create a dynamic and inclusive athletic environment that not only drives ...

Athletic Director

Oxford, MI ยท On-site

$55 - $80/hr

Through effective communication, and collaboration with coaches, staff, and the community, the Athletic Director aims to create a dynamic and inclusive athletic environment that not only drives ...

Athletic Director

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Regularly collaborate with other Co-curricular Directors to plan, develop and schedule events, games and transportation * Evaluate Athletic programs on an annual basis. Make recommendations for co ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Athletic Director information

See Michigan salary details

$14.4K

$54.3K

$103.3K

How much do athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic director in Michigan is $54,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,300.00 and $67,100.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Athletic jobs in Michigan are:

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Athletic Director jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Athletic Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Athletic Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,254 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Athletic Director

Diocese of Gaylord

Lake Leelanau, MI โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago


Job description

Position: Athletic Director
Saint Mary of the Assumption of Lake Leelanau/St. Mary School
Employment Type: Part-time
Location: Lake Leelanau, MI
Athletic Director
St. Mary School on the Leelanau Peninsula is currently accepting applications for an Athletic Director. This role manages all aspects of our athletic department. We are looking for a leader who can grow amp; lead our athletic programs, mentor coaches, encourage student growth and strengthen school spirit through Christ-centered sportsmanship. Candidates should have strong organizational skills, a passion for youth development and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents and community partners. Prior experience in athletic administration, coaching or related field required. This is a part-time year-round position. Some evenings and weekends required.