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Athletic Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Athletic Trainer

Claremont, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, Performance & Health, the Athletic Trainer works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and ...

Athletic Trainer

Claremont, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, Performance & Health, the Athletic Trainer works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and ...

Athletic Trainer

Claremont, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, Performance & Health, the Athletic Trainer works independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and ...

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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 May 28, 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 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Athletic jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Athletic jobs in Riverside, CA 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, and 18% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $64,940 per year, or $31.2 per hour.
Assistant Assoc. Athletic Director, Finance

Assistant Assoc. Athletic Director, Finance

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, CA

$108.10K - $156.50K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


University Of California Irvine rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The mission of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of California, Irvine is to facilitate and enrich the education and personal growth of its students through their participation in competitive NCAA Division I athletics. Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to the welfare of student-athletes and staff, and advocates an environment that promotes excellence in athletic and academic performance, sportsmanship, diversity, and gender equity. Intercollegiate Athletics also supports the University of California's mission of public service and serves to generate a unifying spirit among students, faculty, staff, and alumni that transcends communities, cultures, and generations. (https://ucirvinesports.com/)



Your Role on the Team

The Assistant Associate Athletic Director, Finance leads the comprehensive financial management and strategic planning for the Athletics Department, overseeing all funds including core, endowed, capital, and revenue sources. This position is responsible for developing, interpreting, and implementing financial concepts and strategies to ensure the department's long-term fiscal health and operational excellence. The role manages a multidisciplinary team, directs budget administration, and provides expert guidance on financial planning, resource allocation, and compliance. As a key member of the executive management team, this position collaborates with campus leadership, coaches, and external partners to drive the department's budget strategy and support the success of intercollegiate student-athlete programs.


What It Takes to be Successful

Required:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of financial modeling, long-term revenue maximization strategies, and creative financial approaches.
  • Knowledge of finance and budget policies, practices and systems; budgeting and reporting techniques; fund accounting; athletics administration; accounting and bookkeeping.
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing for presenting complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills at all levels as well as a diverse population, with a demonstrated service orientation and critical thinking ability.
  • Client services oriented; good listening, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
  • Solid organizational skills for managing multiple projects and priorities in a high volume environment.
  • Advanced skills in financial analysis, forecasting, and fiscal management using spreadsheets, and database software.
  • Ability to provide vision, long-term analysis, and mentorship to team members, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive solutions, provide executive advising, and facilitate strategic decision making.
  • Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and function effectively as a member of a cross-functional team.
  • Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
  • 5-10 yearsAccounts payable, budgeting, forecasting, general ledger, reconciliation and reporting.
  • 3-5 yearssupervisory experience


Preferred:

  • In- depth knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
  • Knowledge of EADA/NCAA reporting requirements and scholarship budget management.
  • Ability to supervise both business office staff and sports programs, ensuring compliance and operations excellence.
  • Professional certification preferred.
  • 3-5 yearsworking in intercollegiate athletics or sports entity

Total Rewards

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.


The expected pay range for this recruitment is $108,100.00- $156,500.00 (Annual).
Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

  • Background Check and Live Scan
  • Employment Misconduct*
  • Legal Right to work in the United States
  • Vaccination Policies
  • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
  • Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php


Closing Statement:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.


Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

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