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College Athletic Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Education Career Page

Athletic Director

Aurora, IL · On-site

$800 - $2.3K/wk

The Athletic Director serves as a mission-driven leader responsible for the strategic direction ... Organize and oversee college athletic signing days and formal recognition ceremonies. Academic ...

Catholic Diocese of Rockford

Athletic Director

Aurora, IL · On-site

$800 - $2.3K/wk

Job Type Part-time Description The Athletic Director serves as a mission-driven leader responsible ... oversee college athletic signing days and formal recognition ceremonies. Academic Excellence ...

Whitman College

Assistant Athletic Director

Walla Walla, WA · On-site

$37.49 - $39.58/hr

WHITMAN COLLEGE Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful ... POSITION PURPOSE The Assistant Athletic Director will support the mission of the College and the ...

Whitman College

Assistant Athletic Director

Walla Walla, WA · On-site

$37.49 - $39.58/hr

WHITMAN COLLEGE Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful ... POSITION PURPOSE The Assistant Athletic Director will support the mission of the College and the ...

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How much do college athletic director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for college athletic director in the United States is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a college athletic director do?

A college athletic director works at a community college or university. They supervise programs, hire coaches, order equipment, and work to promote the success of the athletic division. A college athletic director also monitors the budget, which may include fundraising, distribution of funds, and strategy planning. It is the responsibility of a college athletic director to ensure that each athlete and coach follows local and national policies and regulations. They are also responsible for the public image of their college's sports program.

What is a college athletic director?

College athletic directors are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the athletic programs of colleges or universities. They handle budgeting, hiring coaches, ensuring compliance with athletic regulations, and promoting the school's sports teams. Athletic directors also work with other departments to support student-athlete success both on and off the field. Their leadership ensures that athletic programs operate smoothly and align with the institution's goals.

What is the difference between College Athletic Director vs College Sports Coach?

AspectCollege Athletic DirectorCollege Sports Coach
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often master's; experience in sports administrationBachelor's degree; coaching certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, meetings, overseeing entire athletic programsTraining facilities, sports fields, direct team interaction
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities managing athletic departmentsColleges and universities coaching specific teams
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding administrative roles in college sportsLearning about coaching responsibilities and career paths

The main difference is that a College Athletic Director oversees the entire athletic department, managing budgets, compliance, and staff, while a College Sports Coach focuses on training and leading specific sports teams. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college athletic director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Athletic Director, you need strong leadership abilities, organizational skills, and a solid background in sports administration or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with NCAA regulations, budgeting software, and athletic management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities help you collaborate with coaches, student-athletes, and institutional stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure compliance, effective program management, and the overall success of collegiate athletic programs.

What are some common challenges faced by college athletic directors in managing athletic programs?

College Athletic Directors often balance multiple responsibilities, including budget management, compliance with NCAA regulations, and fostering student-athlete success both academically and athletically. A major challenge is maintaining program competitiveness while ensuring ethical standards and academic integrity are upheld. Additionally, Athletic Directors work closely with coaches, university leadership, and external stakeholders, requiring strong communication and organizational skills to align diverse interests and sustain program growth.
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College Athletic Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Athletic Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,999 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Athletic Director

Education Career Page

Aurora, IL • On-site

$800 - $2.3K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description:

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 ensures alignment with the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS), particularly in the areas of Mission and Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Operational Vitality.


Responsibilities Aligned to NSBECS


Mission and Catholic Identity (Standard 1)

• Ensure all athletic and co-curricular programs reflect and advance the Catholic mission of St. Edward.

• Promote faith formation, sportsmanship, integrity, and servant leadership among student-athletes and coaches.

• Model Catholic values in leadership, decision-making, and community engagement.

Governance and Leadership (Standard 3)

• Provide fair, consistent, and unbiased leadership across all IHSA athletic and activity programs.

• Serve as the official IHSA representative and ensure compliance with conference and state regulations.

• Recruit, hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate coaching staff.

• Manage hiring process including all required documentation and trainings required by the Diocese of Rockford and the IHSA or other organizations.

• Create or maintain coach’s handbooks aligned to Diocese of Rockford employee expectations.

• Organize and oversee college athletic signing days and formal recognition ceremonies.

Academic Excellence (Standard 7)

• Support the development of the whole student by reinforcing academic accountability and eligibility standards. Produce and disseminate reports.

• Collaborate with coaches, counselors and administration to guide student-athletes in the college recruitment process.

• Promote co-curricular activities that enhance student engagement and leadership development.

Operational Vitality (Standard 10)

• Oversee scheduling, transportation, officials, budgets, and supervision of athletic contests.

• Maintain facilities, equipment, and safety standards in conjunction with facility manager.

• Collaborate with Marketing, Admissions, and Advancement to support enrollment growth initiatives.

• Create and manage athletic and activities-related content to promote programs and celebrate student success, including social media, newsletters, websites, and online athletic

• Maintain effective communication with families, staff, alumni, and the broader community.


Pay Range: $800-$2,300 for the Fall/Winter sports season.


View Diocese of Rockford Summary of Benefits


Requirements:


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