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Athletic Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Athletic Director SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT: West Pender Middle School Athletics LOCATION: West Pender Middle School PAY GRADE: District Coaching Supplement Scale FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Principal ...

Athletic Director SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT: West Pender Middle School Athletics LOCATION: West Pender Middle School PAY GRADE: District Coaching Supplement Scale FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Principal ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Athletic Director at Navigator Academy of Leadership is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all aspects of the interscholastic and intramural athletic programs ...

Athletic Director

Aurora, IL · On-site

$800 - $2.3K/wk

The Athletic Director serves as a mission-driven leader responsible for the strategic direction, supervision, and growth of interscholastic athletics and designated co-curricular programs. This role ...

Athletics/Activities/Athletic/Activity Director Date Posted: 7/14/2026 Location: Huerfano School District Date Available: 08/03/2026 Huerfano School District RE-1 Athletic Director Position Purpose ...

Athletic Director

Auburn Hills, MI · 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 ...

New

The Assistant Athletic Director serves as the primary administrative support professional and secondary administrator within the Athletics Department. This position is responsible for overseeing ...

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Athletic Director information

See salary details

$16.5K

$62.2K

$118.5K

How much do athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic director in the United States is $62,246.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Who is the highest paid athletic director?

The highest paid athletic directors typically work at large Division I universities or professional sports organizations, with salaries often exceeding $1 million annually. Compensation varies based on the institution's size, revenue, and success, and may include bonuses and benefits. Top earners often have extensive experience and strong leadership skills in sports administration.

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.

What does an athletic director do?

An athletic director oversees the management and operation of sports programs at schools or organizations, including hiring coaches, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They coordinate athletic events, promote student-athlete development, and often hold certifications in sports management or related fields. The role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of sports policies.

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 degree is best for athletic director?

A bachelor's degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field is typically required for an athletic director. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in sports administration, business, or education, along with experience in coaching or athletic program management.

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 cities are hiring for Athletic Director jobs? Cities with the most Athletic Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Athletic jobs? The most popular types of Athletic jobs are:
What states have the most Athletic Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Athletic Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Athletic Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,246 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Position Title:     Athletic Director                                                    Location: District-Wide

Reports To:        Superintendent                                                      Supervises:  Coaches

Classification:   Certified                                                                  Status:            Full-time

FLSA Status:       Exempt                                                                   Benefit Eligible: Yes 

Work Year:        12 months'                                                              Salary: Range: $TBD

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree
  • Possess or ability to secure an IVP Fingerprint Card.
  • Arizona Administrator License
  • Must have excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite)
  • Two to three years or more of administrative experience
  • Three (3) or more years of experience working as an Assistant Athletic Director, athletic programs and /or coaching.
  • SEI endorsement (or able to attain the endorsement)
  • Valid Arizona Driver's License.
  • Effective written and oral communication
  • CPR/First Aid Certified
  • Have or be able to obtain: NIAAA Certification
  • AIA Certification (coaching, referee pay, etc.) : Bus Driver Certification.
  • Ability to develop presentations in WORD, PowerPoint, Excel or the equivalent in Google Docs

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Attend bi-weekly administrative meetings.
  • Attend all regional and state Athletic Director meetings (virtual and/or in person)
  • Responsible for all aspects of the Athletic Budgets.
  • Ensures coaching staff and programs are fully compliant with district and /or AIA guidelines and adhere to policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for input of all requisitions in Visons according to the athletic budget and do so according to established deadlines.
  • Responsible for determining and running student eligibility according to district policies and deadlines (this is not the responsibility of the building registrars) grade checks frequently.
  • Establish the physical and academic requirements of eligibility for participation in each sport and verify each athlete's eligibility including concussion training and opioid education.
  • Maintains a master calendar of athletic events for all schools within our district.
  • Organizes indoor and outdoor sports activities (e.g. Athletic contest, tournaments, transportation, transportation, radio broadcasts, press release, award programs, etc.).
  • Implement virtual/digital communications: Blackboard, YouTube, ZOOM, Google Meets, etc.)

  • Coordinates coaching subscriptions with AZ Mile split, Hudi and Final Forms:

  • Expect to attend all home games and be available to work nights and weekends as needed.

  • Create frequent flyers and advertisements for sports activities.

  • Manages the student/parent permission forms, insurance, validations, sports physicals requirement, and emergency contact information to ensure all athletic files are complete.

  • Coordinates meals and overnight travel arrangements for athletic events:

  • Coordinates transportation requests for athletic trips with the district transportation department:

  • Coordinates facilities use and specific preparation for all athletic events with building principal and maintenance director:

  • Coordinates game management and ensure proper game supervision: 

  •  Provides leadership in the selection, assignment, and evaluation of athletic coaches and other staff.

  • Arranges for officials, EMT, and local authorities, and assume responsibility for the proper supervision of home games:

  • Monitors budget, expenditures, fund balance, and related financial activities (e.g. deposit of game receipts, fundraisers, etc.):

  • Completes end-of-year sports inventories for each school site:

  • Recommend coaching personnel to the board and evaluate their performance.

  • Routinely holds meetings with coaches as, necessary to keep them informed on matters pertaining to the athletic program:

  • Supports coaches and classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established athletic activities, curriculum and/or individual student plans:

  • Perform additional or other duties as assigned by Superintendent.

Position Goal

  • To support the vision, mission and core values of the SUSD. To adhere to all procedures and policies in the best interest of the district. To professionally carry out assigned duties while seeking to improve process and skillset. Commitment to fostering a collaborative attitude and good sportsmanship for all athletes.

Housing is available.