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Athletic Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Athletic Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$17.2K

$64.9K

$123.6K

How much do athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic director in Riverside, CA is $64,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $80,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Athletic jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Athletic jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Athletic Director jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Athletic Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Athletic Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Athletic Director jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Athletic Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Athletic Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,940 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Code: 8031

DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION: Office of Athletics

POSITION: Exempt (12 months), Full-time (40 Hours) 

SALARY RANGE: $90,000- $105,000

HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification,

commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

AVAILABLE: Immediately

POSTING DATE: August 13th, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled, Apply Immediately.

Definition of Classification:

The Deputy Athletic Director is a senior executive administrator who serves as second in-command to the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics (VPIA) at the University of Redlands. Provides strategic leadership and planning related to all athletics operations, including but not limited to: internal operations, budgeting, capital planning initiatives, contract management, human resource management, sponsorships, special events and sport supervision. This position will also serve as a liaison to internal and external groups including Student Life and Advancement/Alumni Relations, outside contractors and other groups. This position will serve as the designated sport administrator for assigned athletic teams.

This position requires flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as well as the ability to travel, as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as liaison and meet regularly with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Represents the department in a positive manner and effectively advocates for the interests of the University and the department.
• Collaborates with key stakeholders, including coaches, student-athletes, University administration, and conference officials to align operational strategies with overarching development goals.
• Oversees athletic sponsorships and community engagement efforts in collaboration with the University Advancement office.
• Manages all contractual agreements with external and internal vendors, operators, visiting institutions and/or suppliers.
• Engages in multi-year fiscal planning, assessing revenue and expense categories in conjunction with the VPIA.
• Manages the athletic department policies and procedures. Recommends operating guidelines or changes to policy/procedures, as needed.
• Supports VPIA with leadership of key strategic partnership initiatives, revenue generation and cross-functional projects.
• Mentors coaches and supports emerging unit leaders while building strong connectivity and partnership across the University community.
• Serves as sport administrator for assigned sports.
• Oversight of Compliance, Sports Medicine and Sport Performance areas.
• Supervises, plans, directs, and assigns work of assigned staff; makes hiring and disciplinary decisions; provides feedback on performance and approve timesheets.
• Executes special projects, strategic planning initiatives and other duties as assigned by the VPIA.

Qualification Guidelines

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

Experience/Training/Education:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3-5 years in collegiate athletic administration
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgement.
• A valid California Class C CA drivers’ license with a good driving record is required. Note: Out-of-state licenses are valid until appointment. A valid California Class “C” driver’s license must be obtained within ten (10) days of appointment (in accordance with CA Vehicle Code 12505c).

Preferred

• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience leading several administrative teams at one time

Knowledge and Skills:

• Communicate effectively and follow instructions, both verbally and in writing.
• Aptitude to learn new and evolving technology and recommend ways to improve position’s efficiency.
• Excellent technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to recommend appropriate courses of action within established guidelines.
• Ability to foster strong, positive relationships and align both internal and external resources to achieve university objectives.
• Ability to exercise discretion and work with confidentiality.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Working Conditions:

Standard office setting. Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.

Physical Demands:

Incumbents regularly sit for long periods; walk short distances on a regular basis; may travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work; use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reach with hands and arms; stoop or kneel or crouch to file; climb stairs; speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; and lift, carry and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

TO APPLY: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call (909) 748-8040. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at (909) 748-8040 to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.

HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is defined as the Hiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity, and relevant qualifications.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.
DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECK: Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver’s License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS: For certain positions typically in Public Safety, Facilities, Athletics and Information Technology Services departments, employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers, in addition to a pre-employment physical exam, will also be required to pass a psychological evaluation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

Human Resources (redlands.edu)

SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER