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Director Athletic Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wesleyan

Athletic Operations Coordinator

Middletown, CT · On-site

$22.41 - $25.95/hr

Reporting to the Equipment Room Manager, the Athletic Operations Coordinator will assist the ... directed toVice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator. Wesleyan ...

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How much do director athletic operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for director athletic operations 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.

Who is the highest paid athletic director?

The highest-paid athletic directors typically work at major 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 includes base salary, bonuses, and incentives.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In athletic operations, senior roles such as Director of Athletic Operations can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially in large organizations or universities. High-level executive positions in sports management, professional coaching, or sports administration also often offer compensation in this range, typically requiring extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications.

What does a Director of Athletic Operations do?

A Director of Athletic Operations oversees the daily administrative and logistical functions of an athletic department. Their responsibilities typically include organizing sports events, managing facilities, coordinating schedules, supervising staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and handling budgets. They play a crucial role in making sure athletic programs run smoothly and efficiently, supporting both athletes and coaches. This position often serves as a central point of contact between athletic teams, school administration, and external organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Athletic Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Athletic Operations, you need expertise in sports management, budgeting, event coordination, and a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with athletic management software, scheduling systems, and compliance regulations such as NCAA rules is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient athletic program administration, regulatory compliance, and positive experiences for athletes and staff.

What is the difference between Director Athletic Operations vs Athletic Program Coordinator?

AspectDirector Athletic OperationsAthletic Program Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often master's, relevant certificationsBachelor's degree, relevant certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSenior management, overseeing multiple teams or departmentsSupport role, assisting with program implementation and logistics
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, budget management, policy developmentEvent planning, scheduling, athlete support

The main difference is that the Director Athletic Operations holds a senior leadership role focused on strategic oversight and management, while the Athletic Program Coordinator handles more operational, day-to-day tasks supporting athletic programs. Both roles require relevant experience and certifications, but the scope and level of responsibility differ significantly.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as Chief Executive Officers, investment bankers, specialized surgeons, and certain senior corporate executives can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced education, leadership skills, and often involve long hours and high responsibility levels.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Athletic Operations, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Athletic Operations often manages complex scheduling, logistics, and compliance across multiple sports programs, which can be challenging due to overlapping events and evolving regulations. Balancing the needs of coaches, athletes, and administrative staff while ensuring seamless event execution requires strong organizational and communication skills. Proactively using scheduling software, maintaining open lines of communication, and staying updated on NCAA or other governing body requirements are key strategies for addressing these challenges and ensuring smooth department operations.

How much does a director of operations make in sports?

A director of athletic operations typically earns between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the level of the organization, location, and experience. Higher salaries are common in professional sports or large collegiate programs, where leadership and management skills are essential.
What cities are hiring for Director Athletic Operations jobs? Cities with the most Director Athletic Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Athletic Operations jobs? The most popular types of Athletic Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Director Athletic Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Athletic Operations jobs include:
Director Athletic Operations jobs near you
Director of Athletic Facilities & Operations

Director of Athletic Facilities & Operations

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

New

Job description

Assistant Director - Athletic Facilities and Internal Operations
Assistant Director - Athletic Facilities and Internal Operations
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Athletics
LOCATION: Grand Rapids, W.A. Lettinga Campus
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
SALARY: $58,000 - $62,000
Summary:
The Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations provides strategic leadership for the planning, management, and continuous improvement of athletic facilities and operational functions. This position supports the department's strategic initiatives by enhancing operational efficiency, promoting sustainable practices, and delivering exceptional service while ensuring a safe, high-quality environment for student-athletes, coaches, staff, and visitors. These responsibilities are performed in an ethical manner consistent with the University's mission, vision, and values, which include diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Responsibilities:
Facilities Management
  • Provide strategic leadership of the day-to-day operations of the student center and all other athletic facilities.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive facility maintenance and capital improvement plans in collaboration with campus facilities personnel.
  • Coordinate daily operations, scheduling, and usage of all athletic venues for practices, competitions, camps, rentals, and special events.
  • Conduct routine facility inspections and recommend improvements to enhance the student-athlete and fan experience.
  • Oversee preventative maintenance programs for athletic equipment and facility infrastructure.
Operations & Event Management
  • Direct all game-day and event operations for home athletic contests, ensuring a first-class experience for student-athletes, officials, spectators, and visiting teams.
  • Develop and maintain operational procedures for athletic events, including staffing, security, emergency preparedness, and crowd management.
  • Coordinate logistics for athletic competitions, including officials, transportation, locker room assignments, signage, and event setup.
  • Provide leadership and oversight for the comprehensive scheduling of athletic facilities, events, and operational personnel.
  • Provide leadership and oversight for all ticketing operations associated with athletic events, ensuring exceptional customer service and efficient event execution.
  • Manage the planning, coordination, and execution of all internal and external camps hosted within the Student Center and athletic facilities.
  • Identify, develop, and manage revenue-generating opportunities through the use of athletic facilities and the Student Center, including but not limited to sports clubs, camps, tournaments, rentals, and special events.
Budget & Resource Management
  • Develop, administer, and monitor facilities and operations budgets while identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
  • Oversee purchasing, inventory, and replacement schedules for athletic equipment, furnishings, and operational supplies.
  • Assist in long-range planning for facility enhancements, renovations, and new construction projects.
Personnel & Leadership
  • Supervise facilities and operations staff, including full-time employees, student workers, and event personnel.
  • Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate game operations staff to ensure efficient event execution.
  • Foster a culture of customer service, professionalism, and continuous improvement within athletics operations.
Risk Management & Safety
  • Develop and implement emergency action plans and facility safety protocols for all athletic venues.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, ADA requirements, and institutional risk management policies.
  • Coordinate with campus safety, emergency personnel, and external vendors to ensure safe athletic events.
  • Ensure athletic venues are prepared according to NCAA, conference, affiliations, and institutional standards.
Collaboration
  • Serve as the primary liaison which will include but not limited to campus facilities management, public safety, conference representatives, dining services, and external vendors regarding athletic operations.
  • Collaborate with coaches, athletic training, sports performance, communications, ticketing, and university departments to support departmental goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred in recreation, sports management, or physical education.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the administration and management of campus recreation, athletic training, and operation of a fitness facility.
  • Knowledge of all proper safety procedures and regulations as related to this position.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems, including the internet, Microsoft Office suite, and Publisher.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation, and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to students, parents, faculty, staff, and others while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, both written and oral, which transcend diverse audiences.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to: standard criminal background check and employment reference checks. Select positions may be subject to drug/alcohol screening.
  • Ability to perform under stressful situations. Must be able to travel (including overnight stays).
  • No regular lifting requirements, occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.
  • Demonstrated motivational and problem-solving capabilities with a high degree of integrity, ethics, and dedication to the mission of the University.

Davenport University is committed to building and supporting a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. Davenport University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants and students without unlawful discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, veteran, or military status, marital status, height, weight, genetic information, or other protected status.
DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Revision Date: 5-8-2017

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