1

Athletic Director Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

Athletic Trainer

Ruston, LA ยท On-site

$35K - $55K/yr

Louisiana Tech Sports Medicine is seeking candidates for the positions of Associate Athletic Trainer & Assistant Athletic Trainer. Sport: Volleyball & Softball. Full-time, 12-month position with ...

Athletic Trainer

Ruston, LA ยท On-site

$35K - $55K/yr

Louisiana Tech Sports Medicine is seeking candidates for the positions of Associate Athletic Trainer & Assistant Athletic Trainer. Sport: Volleyball & Softball. Full-time, 12-month position with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Athletic Director information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$13.3K

$50.2K

$95.7K

How much do athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic director in Ruston, LA is $50,247.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,700.00 and $62,200.00 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 Ruston, LA?

The most popular types of Athletic jobs in Ruston, LA are:

What job categories do people searching Athletic Director jobs in Ruston, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Athletic Director jobs in Ruston, LA are:

What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Athletic Director jobs?

Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Athletic Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Athletic Director job openings in Ruston, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,247 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Senior Associate Athletic Director for Fiscal Operations

Grambling, LA โ€ข On-site

Grambling State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schoolsย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Salary : $75,000.00 Annually
Location : Grambling
Job Type: Full-Time Unclassified
Job Number: 202200426
Division: Athletics
Department: Intercollegiate Athletics
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 11/4/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
This position will perform administrative functions by assisting with planning, organizing, directing the day- to -day operations of the Finance Office for Grambling State Athletics including not limited to expense approval and budgeting teams and administrative units (including major revenue categories).
Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Oversight of daily financial operations.
  • Supervises finance office staff members.
  • Lead in the development, planning, and implementation of the overall athletics department budget.
  • Responsible for monitoring and accurately projecting most revenue categories and operating expenses for teams and administrate units, based on input from other departments.
  • Lead in the development of multi-year financial planning and capital project budgeting.
  • Oversees the financial operations for the Grambling University Foundation, including monthly financial reporting, annual audit and development of financial policies and procedures.
  • Serve as the chief contact with the Grambling University Foundation, including oversight of daily financial activity and fund monitoring.
  • Responsible for the preparation of financial audits and reporting for the athletics department including but not limited to the NCAA Financial Report, associated audit and the Equity in Athletic Disclosure Act (EADA) financial report
  • Responsible for contract research and negotiations for the athletic department vendor contracts.
  • Assist Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics with communication with the Grambling University Foundation Board.
  • Primarily responsible for developing Grambling State Athletics financial policies.
  • Assist the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics with oversight of the daily operations and long-term goal setting for the Finance Office.
  • Responsible for ensuring the successful financial performance of Grambling State Athletics.
  • Represents the Department of Athletics at Conference and/or University Committee meetings.
  • Represents Grambling State mission, vision and values.
  • Serves as exemplar for personal/professional integrity.
  • Other special projects and duties as assigned by the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Qualifications
Minimum:
  • Bachelor' degree in Accounting, Sports Administration, Finance, Business or related field.
  • Two or more years of experience as an administrative, which includes three (3) years of supervisory experience within a collegiate athletics program or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
  • Effective written/oral communication.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Sound judgment and maturity.
  • Ability to work nights and weekends.
  • Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
Preferred:
  • Master's Degree
  • Previous experience in intercollegiate athletics.

Supplemental Information
Applications without the following will not be considered complete.
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Transcript(s) if applicable
  • Curriculum Vitae if applicable
Review of applications will begin August 18th, 2026 and continue until position is filled.
State As a Model Employer
We offer a complete benefits package to eligible employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, short- term disablity, holidays, annual, and sick leave.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Sports Administration, Finance, Business or related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have two or more years of experience as an administrative, which includes three (3) years of supervisory experience within a collegiate athletics program?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question