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Full Time Athletic Director information

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$16.5K

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$118.5K

How much do full time athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time athletic director?

To thrive as a Full Time 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 budgeting software, scheduling systems, and compliance platforms like NCAA or NAIA regulations is crucial. Leadership, strong communication, and organizational skills help build effective teams and foster positive relationships with staff, athletes, and the community. These skills ensure efficient program management, regulatory compliance, and the promotion of a successful and inclusive athletic environment.

How hard is it to get a job as a full time athletic director?

Securing a full-time athletic director position typically requires relevant experience in sports management or coaching, a bachelor's degree in a related field, and strong leadership skills. Competition can be high, and candidates often need to demonstrate successful program management and relevant certifications such as CPR or athletic administration credentials.

What are some common challenges faced by a full time athletic director, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Full-time Athletic Directors often manage multiple sports programs, budgets, and compliance requirements, which can be challenging to balance. Candidates should be prepared to address issues such as coordinating schedules, resolving conflicts between teams or staff, and ensuring adherence to league and institutional policies. Building strong communication and organizational skills, as well as staying current on best practices in athletic administration, can help candidates excel in this role. Additionally, fostering positive relationships with coaches, athletes, and the community is essential for a successful and fulfilling experience.

What is the difference between Full Time Athletic Director vs Assistant Athletic Director?

AspectFull Time Athletic DirectorAssistant Athletic Director
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire athletic program, manages staff, budgets, and complianceSupports Athletic Director, manages specific departments or projects
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in sports management or related field, relevant certificationsSimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentAdministrative office, athletic facilities, meetings with staff and coachesAssists in daily operations, often in the same environment
Industry UsageCommonly used in colleges, universities, and high schoolsOften a stepping stone to Athletic Director roles

The Full Time Athletic Director holds a leadership role overseeing the entire athletic program, while the Assistant Athletic Director supports these efforts and manages specific areas. Both roles require relevant credentials and work in similar environments, but the Athletic Director has broader responsibilities and authority.

Where do full time athletic directors make the most money?

Full-time athletic directors tend to earn the highest salaries at large universities, professional sports organizations, and private schools with extensive athletic programs. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the size of the institution or organization influence salary levels, with larger and more prominent institutions offering higher compensation.

What does a full time athletic director do?

A Full Time Athletic Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of an athletic program at a school, college, or organization. This includes managing budgets, hiring coaches, scheduling games and events, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting the athletic program. They play a key role in fostering a positive environment for student-athletes and often serve as a liaison between coaches, athletes, and administration. Additionally, Athletic Directors may be involved in fundraising, marketing, and community outreach to support their programs.

Are full time athletic directors in demand?

Full time athletic directors are in steady demand, especially at the high school and college levels, due to the ongoing need for sports program management, compliance, and student engagement. Employment opportunities can vary based on the size of the institution and geographic location, with strong competition for positions requiring relevant experience and certifications such as a master's degree in sports management or related fields.
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Full Time Athletic Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Athletic Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,246 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Athletic Director

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 hours ago

Olivet Nazarene University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

361st of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Bourbonnais
Job Type: Full-Time Staff
Division: Student Development
Department: Athletics
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Position Summary
As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.
Olivet Nazarene University seeks an experienced, visionary leader to serve as its next Athletic Director. ONU Athletics has established itself as one of the premier athletic programs in the NAIA, capturing 15 consecutive CCAC Commissioner's Cup championships while consistently competing for conference and national championships across a broad range of sports. With 22 varsity programs, exceptional facilities, and a tradition of developing student-athletes who excel spiritually, academically, and competitively, ONU Athletics is positioned for continued growth.
The Athletic Director will provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the department while advancing the University's Christ-centered mission of developing students for lives of service to God and humanity. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Development and serving on the Student Development Leadership Team, the Athletic Director will lead coaches and staff, steward resources, cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni and donors, champion student-athlete success, and build upon a nationally respected tradition of excellence.
This is an opportunity to lead a growing department while shaping the next generation of Tiger Athletics through innovation, collaboration, and servant leadership.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Foster a Christ-centered and mission-driven culture of excellence, integrity, servant leadership, and competitive success throughout the athletic department.
  2. Provide strategic leadership for the athletic department and plan for future expansion, including new athletic programs and facilities as appropriate.
  3. Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and develop athletic staff to promote excellence in leadership, competitive success, and student-athlete development.
  4. Support academic achievement and persistence of student-athletes by addressing the needs of student athletes including advising, tutoring, early warning/intervention systems, and other appropriate services available online or on campus.
  5. Partner with Admissions and university leadership to establish enrollment goals and support recruitment strategies that strengthen both athletic participation and overall university enrollment.
  6. Collaborate with Student Development to ensure integration with student-centered and student services programming.
  7. Manage and provide long-term oversight of athletic facilities of Birchard Gymnasium, Parrott Convocation Center, McHie Arena, Snowbarger Athletic Complex, Ward Field and Varsity Weight Rooms.
  8. Serve as the primary ambassador for ONU Athletics by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, conference partners, community members, and prospective students.
  9. Partner with Advancement in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and funding opportunities.
  10. Work with the university's communication and marketing team to promote athletic programs and represent the athletic department in media relations and public appearances.
  11. Ensure compliance with all NAIA rules and regulations as well as conference and institutional policies.
  12. Oversee the preparation and submission of necessary compliance reports in partnership with faculty athletics representative and university registrar.
  13. Responsible for completion and submission of the annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act report.
  14. Actively participate in conference and national meetings, committees, and professional organizations to advance ONU Athletics and remain current with industry best practices.
  15. Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Student Development.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The individual in this role will oversee head coaches, administrative assistant, assistant athletic director for compliance, assistant athletic director for operations, sports information director, and head athletic trainer.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
  1. A lifestyle in agreement with the
  2. A professing faith in Jesus Christ and lifestyle in agreement with the
  3. Master's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, or related field
  4. Five to seven years of successful management, supervision, and leadership within athletics, preferably at the NAIA level.
  5. Commitment to Athletic and Academic success for the program.
  6. Excellent skills in planning, organization, leadership, and communication.
  7. Previous head coaching experience is preferred.

Additional Information
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position will be primarily an administrative assignment. The position is a 12-month full-time position. The position requires some evening and weekend attendance. There will be occasional travel requirements.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The annual salary for this position is $94,000.
Only candidates who submit all required documents will be considered: resume, cover letter, statement of faith, application questions. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Olivet Nazarene University offers:
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
  • Employer retirement contribution begins on first day of full-time employment and is 100 percent vested at that time.
  • Additional auxiliary coverage such as life insurance, disability insurance and AD&D insurance.
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement leave and 18 days for the observance of holidays.
  • Tuition remission granted to employee, spouse, and dependent children for education within Olivet's distinguished academic programs.
  • Access to an active campus life with a top-notch fitness center, enriching musical performances, competitive athletic competitions, and introduction to the sciences at our Stickler Planetarium.
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