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Athletic Directors Jobs (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 ...

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Athletic Directors information

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$16.5K

$62.2K

$118.5K

How much do athletic directors jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic directors 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.

How do Athletic Directors typically balance administrative duties with direct engagement in athletic programs?

Athletic Directors often split their time between office-based tasks—like budgeting, compliance, and scheduling—and hands-on involvement with coaches, athletes, and events. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially during peak sports seasons, but effective directors prioritize clear communication and delegation. They regularly attend games and practices to support teams while also ensuring that operational and regulatory requirements are met. This blend of administrative and interpersonal work is key to fostering a successful athletic department.

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 generally need a background in sports management, education administration, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with budget management software, scheduling systems, and compliance tools like NCAA or state athletic association regulations is typical. Outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills help in managing teams, resolving conflicts, and building community relationships. These skills are crucial for creating successful athletic programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering positive environments for student-athletes and staff.

What is the difference between Athletic Directors vs Coaches?

AspectAthletic DirectorsCoaches
CredentialsTypically require a bachelor's degree, often a master's, and relevant certifications (e.g., CPR, coaching licenses)Usually need a bachelor's degree, coaching certifications, and specialized training in their sport
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, school or college campuses, overseeing multiple teams and staffPlaying fields, gyms, training facilities, working directly with athletes
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, colleges, universities, sports organizationsSchools, colleges, sports clubs, youth leagues

While Athletic Directors focus on overall sports program management, compliance, and administration, Coaches work directly with athletes to develop skills and strategies. Both roles require relevant certifications and are integral to sports programs, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are Athletic Directors?

Athletic Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the athletic programs of schools, colleges, or organizations. They manage sports teams, coordinate schedules, hire coaches, and ensure compliance with regulations and budgets. Additionally, Athletic Directors play a key role in fundraising, promoting athletic events, and fostering a positive environment for student-athletes. Their work ensures that athletic programs run smoothly and align with the institution's goals.
More about Athletic Directors jobs
What cities are hiring for Athletic Directors jobs? Cities with the most Athletic Directors job openings:
What states have the most Athletic Directors jobs? States with the most job openings for Athletic Directors jobs include:
Infographic showing various Athletic Directors job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,246 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
District Wide Athletic Director

District Wide Athletic Director

Waterbury Public Schools

Waterbury, CT

$130K - $165K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Waterbury Public Schools 

JOB CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION


 

JOB CLASSIFICATION TITLE: 

District-Wide Athletic Director

DEPARTMENT: Academic Office 

REPORTS TO: Chief Academic Officer

SALARY RANGE: $130,000 - $165,000

UNION AFFILIATION: Non-union

FLSA DESIGNATION: Exempt

Application Procedure:
Apply Online



PART I - SUMMARY OF CLASSIFICATION

The District-Wide Athletic Director provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for all interscholastic athletic programs across the Waterbury Public Schools. The position is responsible for ensuring that athletic programs support the academic mission of the district while promoting student wellness, sportsmanship, leadership, and character development. The District-Wide Athletic Director ensures that all athletic programs operate in compliance with district policies, Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) regulations, and applicable state and federal laws, including Title IX. The position works collaboratively with school administrators to maintain consistent program quality, equitable student access to athletic opportunities, and safe, well-managed athletic programs at both the high school and middle school levels.

PART II - MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

A. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Sports Administration, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in athletic administration or school leadership.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of interscholastic athletics, eligibility standards, athletic program management, and compliance requirements.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse students, staff, families, and community partners.
  • Experience working in an urban school district and/or multicultural environment preferred.

B. CREDENTIALS, LICENSURES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER 

  • Connecticut State Department of Education certification as an Intermediate Administrator/Supervisor (092) required.
  • Additional Connecticut State Department of Education certifications as appropriate.
  • Connecticut State Coaching Permit
  • Current CPR/First Aid Certifications
  • Certificate of Completion for the Module 15 or Module 51 from the Connecticut Coaching Education Program.
  • Possession of a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Class D Operator's License may be required.

C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

  • Knowledge of CIAC regulations, league requirements, and district policies governing interscholastic athletics.
    Knowledge of Title IX compliance requirements related to athletic participation and program equity.
  • Ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate district-wide athletic programming.
    Ability to supervise and evaluate athletic directors, athletic staff, and coaches.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with school administrators, school-based athletic directors, students, families, and community organizations.
  • Ability to manage multiple programs, schedules, and operational priorities across multiple schools.
  • Ability to analyze program needs, manage resources effectively, and ensure equitable program implementation

PART III - POSITION SUPERVISES: 

Supervises assigned certified and non-certified staff, including but not limited to:

  • Supervisor of Health and Physical Education
  • Building-Based High School Athletic Directors or Athletic Coordinators
  • Middle School Athletic Directors or Athletic Coordinators
  • Coaches and Athletic Support Staff

PART IV - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The following identifies the primary functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties.

District Athletic Program Leaderships

  • Provide leadership and oversight for all district interscholastic athletic programs at the high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, including unified sports programs.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive districtwide athletic program aligned with district goals and student development priorities.
  • Establish consistent expectations, procedures, and standards for athletic programs across all schools.
  • Coordinate districtwide athletic schedules, competitions, facility usage, and transportation in collaboration with school administrators and operations staff.
  • Promote sportsmanship, academic achievement, and positive student conduct in all athletic programs.
  • Provide leadership and oversight for the high school athletic directors and middle school athletic director to ensure alignment with district expectations and CIAC feeder program standards.
  • Ensure athletic trainers provide appropriate medical support for student-athletes and are present at athletic events and activities as required

Compliance and Governance

Ensure compliance with Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) rules and regulations, league requirements, and district policies.
Oversee district compliance with Title IX and other applicable state and federal regulations governing athletics.
Maintain records, reports, and documentation related to student eligibility, participation, and athletic program operations.

Ensure Athletic Directors are keeping up-to-date records of coaching credentials and state permits. 

Personnel Leadership

Work collaboratively with high school athletic directors to recruit, recommend for hire, supervise, and evaluate coaches and district athletic staff in accordance with district procedures.
Provide training and professional development for coaches and athletic directors focused on student safety, positive coaching practices, and program expectations.
Supervise school-based athletic directors in the day-to-day management of athletic programs.

Supervise and evaluate the Supervisor of Health and Physical Education

Student-Athlete Support and Safety

Ensure that all student-athletes meet eligibility requirements and maintain academic expectations.
Oversee implementation of safety protocols, including concussion management, medical clearance requirements, and emergency procedures.

Maintains respect at all times for confidential information.
Promote equitable access to athletic participation for students across all schools and programs.

Enforces sportsmanlike behavior at all times and imposes penalties for breach of such standards of students

Collaborate with the Director of Safety and Security to ensure all playing and practice areas are safe with proper emergency protocols established.

Ensure all Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are functioning properly and in accessible areas and are aware of their locations at each school. 

  Ensure appropriate procedures are in place for the reporting, documentation, and communication of student-athlete injuries in coordination with athletic trainers, school nurses, coaches, and administration. 

  Receive and monitor student-athlete injury reports to ensure appropriate follow-up, communication, and compliance with district procedures. 

Budget and Resource Management

Develop and manage the district athletics budget in collaboration with district leadership.
Monitor expenditures, equipment purchases, and program needs to ensure responsible fiscal management and equitable allocation of resources.
Coordinate with facilities and operations staff regarding athletic facility scheduling, maintenance, and improvements.

Family and Community Engagement

Serve as the district liaison for athletics with students, families, community organizations, and athletic governing bodies.
Promote district athletic programs and highlight student achievements across the community.
Address concerns related to athletic programming in a timely and professional manner.

Other Duties

Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee

PART V - WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:Employees appointed to positions in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility, and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class. A physical examination may be required. 

Frequency: Place an "X" in each box that is appropriate to your job. 

NEVER (N) 

OCCASIONALLY (O) FREQUENTLY (F) 

CONSTANTLY (C)

0 % of Shift 

1-33% of Shift 34-66% of Shift 

67-100% of Shift

Working Conditions 

C Working Conditions 

C

Physical Demands 

Depth Perception 

X

           

Standing 

X

Color Distinction 

X

         

Walking 

X

Peripheral Vision 

X

         

Sitting 

X

Driving 

X

         

Lifting 

Physical Strength:

           

Carrying 

Little Physical Effort (-10 lbs.) 

X

         

Pushing 

Light Work (-20 lbs.) 

X

         

Pulling 

Medium Work (20-50 lbs.) 

X

         

Climbing 

Heavy Work (50-100 lbs.) 

X

         

Balancing 

Very Heavy Work (100+ lbs.) 

X

         

Stooping 

Environmental Conditions

           

Kneeling 

Cold (50 degrees F or less) 

X

         

Crouching 

Heat (90 degrees F or more) 

X

         

Crawling 

Reaching 

Handling 

Grasping 

Temperature Changes 

Wetness 

Humidity 

Extreme Noise or Vibration 

X  

X

X

X  

         

Twisting 

Exposure to Chemicals 

X

         

Feeling 

Exposure to Gases and Fumes 

X

Talking 

Exposure to Unpleasant Odors 

X

Hearing 

 X

 Exposure to bodily fluids 

X

Repetitive Motion 

Exposure to dampness 

X

Hand/Eye/Foot Coordination 

Confinement to a Small or Restricting Area 

X

Visual Acuity/Near 

Mechanical Hazards 

X

Visual Acuity/Far 

Physical danger or abuse 

X

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities and duties performed by personnel so classified. 

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.