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Athletic Director Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

You'll also collaborate closely with athletes, families, coaches, athletic directors, and physicians to ensure safe return-to-play decisions. Your Responsibilities Include * Covering games, practices ...

Athletic Trainer

Normal, IL ยท On-site

$67K - $76K/yr

Work Right is growing! We're looking for a driven, compassionate, and proactive Certified Athletic Trainer to join our team in an industrial setting, where you'll make a direct impact helping workers ...

Athletic Trainer

Eureka, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY: Assist the Head Athletic Trainer with the development, coordination and administration of a comprehensive athletic training program for Eureka College intercollegiate sports.

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Athletic Director information

See Normal, IL salary details

$16.1K

$60.9K

$115.9K

How much do athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic director in Normal, IL is $60,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,600.00 and $75,300.00 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.

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 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.

Do athletic directors make a lot of money?

Athletic directors typically earn a median salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the size of the institution and location. Larger schools or professional sports organizations tend to offer higher compensation, and leadership skills along with relevant experience can influence salary levels.

Is there a demand for athletic directors?

The demand for athletic directors is expected to grow as schools and sports organizations expand their programs, requiring qualified professionals to manage athletic departments. Employment opportunities are typically available in educational institutions, sports clubs, and community organizations, often requiring relevant experience and certifications. Job prospects can vary based on region and level of education or sports specialization.

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Athletic Director jobs in Normal, IL? For Athletic Director jobs in Normal, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Athletic Director jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Athletic Director jobs in Normal, IL are:
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Athletic Director jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Athletic Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Athletic Director job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,856 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations

Eureka College

Eureka, IL โ€ข On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations oversees the daily, internal operations of the athletic department. Demonstrating a willingness and capability to abide by Athletic Department, Eureka College, Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC), St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III rules, the Associate Director for Internal Operations oversees NCAA compliance and internal, daily operations, while also aiding the Director of Athletics as appropriate and assigned with regards to other tasks and special events. This position serves on the athletic department leadership team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Monitor, update, and manage the Athletics Dashboard to ensure accurate roster information and provide that information to campus partners as necessary.
  • In partnership with the Director of Athletics, plan and coordinate a vibrant and thorough student-athlete orientation.
  • Oversee all NCAA Compliance related activities and clearance processes.
  • In partnership with other departmental stakeholders, plan, coordinate, and execute gameday operations as well as special events.
  • Coordinate with Admissions regarding special recruitment events in conjunction with home athletics contests.
  • Serve on committees and operate as the department representative as required.
  • In partnership with the Director of Athletics and other departmental stakeholders, oversee athletic facilities and coordinate their maintenance and improvement with the Director of Facilities.
  • Aid in the coordination of all businesses processes within the department to include but not limited to: accounts payable, budget tracking, hotel reservations, and travel planning for teams and groups.
  • Supervise all athletic department student workers.
  • Coordinate with and oversee the Facility Coordinator for the planning and implementation for outside rentals, camps, and clinics.
  • Serve as the point-person for the department when the Director of Athletics is not available.
  • Assist the Director of Athletics with special projects as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist with the supervision, care for, and inventory equipment and facility.
  • Maintain effective working relationships within the athletic department team and the College as a whole in order to contribute to the overall success of all sport programs.
  • Positively lead and contribute as a member of the Athletic Department both internally, around the college, and to external groups.
  • Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:
Manage and coordinate meetings as assigned.
EDUCATION:
Essential: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four year college or university.
Desirable: Master's Degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Essential: Experience in an athletic administrative role at the college level.
Desirable:
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Valid driver's license. CPR, AED, and First Aid certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
  • Knowledge of the inner workings of a collegiate athletic department.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to deliver knowledge to and instruct student-athletes and professional staff in an effective manner.
  • Knowledge of safety and first aid techniques.
  • Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and implementing effective solutions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with a diverse population.
  • Ability to positively contribute to a team environment.
  • Knowledge of basic computer applications and electronic mail.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Work is routinely performed indoors, in office environments and in gyms, and other recreational environments. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. Off campus travel is required.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Varies, evenings and weekends will be required and necessary to fulfill duties.
TARGET SALARY RANGE: $60,000 to $70,000 annually
BENEFITS:
Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of benefits, here https://www.eureka.edu/staff-faculty/human-resources