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How much do high school athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for high school athletic director in the United States is $100,034.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a high school athletic director do?

As a high school athletic director, your duties entail the overall operation of a sports program in a high school. You create a budget for each sports team, source equipment, develop a schedule of games and meets for each team, and create standards and rules for student athletes who participate in sports. You may also fundraise and submit budgets to the district in which you work. In some high schools, an athletic director may also work as a classroom teacher.

What does a high school athletic director do?

A High School Athletic Director oversees all aspects of a school's athletic programs, including managing budgets, scheduling games, hiring coaches, and ensuring compliance with league and state regulations. They serve as a liaison between the school administration, coaches, athletes, and parents. Athletic Directors also promote sportsmanship and the overall development of student-athletes, ensuring safety and equal opportunities for all participants.

What are some of the main challenges a high school athletic director faces in managing sports programs?

High School Athletic Directors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including scheduling games, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with league rules, and addressing the needs of coaches and student-athletes. Balancing limited resources while maintaining high-quality facilities and programs can be challenging, especially when handling unexpected issues like weather disruptions or last-minute cancellations. Additionally, Athletic Directors must foster positive relationships with parents, staff, and the community, all while prioritizing student safety and academic eligibility.

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

To thrive as a High School Athletic Director, you need strong organizational, leadership, and budgeting skills, typically supported by a degree in education, sports management, or a related field. Familiarity with athletic management software, scheduling platforms, and knowledge of compliance with league and state athletic regulations is essential. Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and motivational abilities help foster positive relationships with coaches, students, and the community. These skills ensure effective program administration, regulatory compliance, and an inclusive, successful athletic environment.

What is the difference between High School Athletic Director vs High School Coach?

AspectHigh School Athletic DirectorHigh School Coach
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, coaching certification, and experience in sports managementUsually requires coaching certification and experience in a specific sport
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple sports programs, manages staff, and handles administrative tasksFocuses on training, developing athletes, and leading a specific team
Employer & IndustrySchool district or athletic departmentSchool or community sports programs
Common Search & ComparisonHigh School Athletic Director vs High School Coach

The main difference between a High School Athletic Director and a High School Coach lies in their responsibilities. The Athletic Director manages multiple sports programs, oversees staff, and handles administrative duties, while the Coach focuses on training and leading a specific team. Both roles require coaching certifications, but the Athletic Director's role involves broader management and organizational skills.

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High School Athletic Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various High School Athletic Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,034 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

School Athletic Director

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description - External
Athletic Director
  • Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 330,000 students across 500 schools and employing nearly 36,000 staff members, most of whom are teachers. CPS has ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. To fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Five core principles are embedded within these commitments: high-quality, rigorous instruction; talented and empowered educators; safety and support; economic stability; and collective impact.
  • Reporting to the Executive Director of CPS Sports Administration and under the direction of the Building Principal, the Athletic Director plays a critical role in overseeing the development and implementation of a comprehensive high school athletics program.
  • The Athletic Director will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
  • Administering the extra-curricular athletic programs
    • Supervises licensed and non-licensed staff in Athletics, including Assistant Athletic Directors, coaches, trainers, and support staff.
    • Maintains files and records required by policy, regulation, law, and good practice. (Player record cards, Aspen-eligibility, physicals, transfer paperwork, transportation requests, coaching certifications)
    • Responds to requests for information. (From OSA, IHSA, FOIA, Title IX, Law Department, Colleges for recruiting, Press releases)
    • Implements board policies and advises the administration on regulatory matters related to athletics.
    • Assesses department needs through consultation with students, staff, and parents. (Equipment, budgeting, transportation, upgrades to venues, technology)
    • Evaluates the extra-curricular athletic programs and engages in long-term planning. (Adding or dropping programs or levels, Title IX requirements, additional coaches or trainers)
    • Develops and updates handbooks, brochures, and policy manuals.
    • Informs the school community about extracurricular athletic programs. (Through websites, emails, media, and social media)
    • Stay current on research, issues, and regulations related to athletic programs. (Academic, Racial, Gender, and socio-economic issues in sport.)
    • Develop a grade-check system for student-athletes.
    • Maintains and assures that all eligibility reports and lists of participation are submitted weekly.
    • Develops and updates team schedules on all school platforms for public viewing.
    • Oversees transportation for all team travel.
    • Develops a school safety plan for every home venue.
  • Monitors and Supports the Academic Performance of Student-Athletes
    • Oversees Individual Study Plan (ISP) process for academically at-risk student-athletes
    • Develops academic support mechanisms for the benefit of student-athletes, including but not limited to: study hall, advising, postsecondary guidance, etc.
  • Directs and Coordinates the Fiscal Operations within the Departments
    • Engages in fiscal planning, short and long-range.
    • Assists in preparing and implementing the school system budget and coordinates department purchasing.
    • Recommends capital improvements and negotiated contract agreements.
    • Formulates specifications to be incorporated into contracts and bids.
    • Serves as a consultant in the selection of supplies and materials.
    • Supervises all ticket sales and fundraising events of the athletic programs.
    • Administers the receipt and disbursement of student activity funds.
    • Assists OSA with hiring and payment of coaching staff.
    • Supervises and guides the planning and execution of all parent volunteer organizations.
  • Creates the Schedules for All Operations and Activities within the Departments
    • Issue timely announcements of upcoming events and deadlines.
    • Schedules and pays officials, athletic trainers, ticket takers, announcers, clock operators, and police for supervision of home contests.
    • Hire, schedule, and pay lifeguards for all aquatic sports.
    • Arranges transportation for athletic contest participants.
    • Verifies each athlete's eligibility for participation in each contest..
    • Arranges all details of visiting teams' needs, as appropriate.
    • Provides emergency healthcare and first aid treatment.
    • Arranges field, gymnasium, and aquatics center practice schedules, including
      arrangements for summer programs and non-school use of playing fields and
      Facilities, if applicable.
    • Managing contracts for every athletic contest
    • Coordinates with CPS for stadium usage
    • Coordinates with the Chicago Park District to execute IGAs for athletic facilities
  • Recommends, Manages, Supervises, and Evaluates Staff
    • Recruits, screens, interviews, and recommends prospective coaches.
    • Makes coaching assignment recommendations
    • Ensures all coaches and staff are CPS and State certification compliant
    • Supervises and evaluates coaching staff and other athletic staff
    • Develops and applies a coaching evaluation system.
    • Supports opportunities for professional development for the coaching staff
    • Monitors staff time and attendance at professional meetings
    • Investigate complaints regarding employee conduct or performance.
    • Encourages the development and use of new strategies and philosophies
    • Provides staff leadership to promote the district's athleticobjectives.
    • Assists coaches in the handling of day-to-day problems
    • Resolves staff problems and provides support to coaches
  • Coordinates the Development, Implementation, Review, and Revision of the Extra-Curricular Athletic Program
  • Attends practices and games for evaluation and needs assessment purposes
  • Attends professional conferences to stay up-to-date on promising instructional practices.
  • Enforces state and City board policies on equal educational opportunity
  • Develops an effective,comprehensive, and equal opportunities athletic
  • program for all male and female students
  • Advises on modification of programs to meet individual students' academic and health needs
  • Investigate complaints and grievances.
  • Participates in the work of state and national associations.
  • Facilities Management: Manages and Develops Facilities
    • Inspects buildings, grounds, machines, and equipment
    • Issues repair orders and provides specifications for maintaining athletic facilities and fields.
    • Determines the safety and obsolescence of equipment.
    • Enforces compliance with occupational health and safety codes and standards
    • Oversees maintenance of swimming pools in a clean, safe,and sanitary condition.
    • Recommends watering and spraying schedules for school athletic fields.
    • Orders and oversees repairs or replacement of defective parts
    • Assists in the development of specifications for construction projects.
    • Assists in identifying and using community resources for the athletic program.
    • Limited facilities, which require the athletic directors to procure space for teams outside of CPS facilities
  • Supervises Departmental Activities and Operations
    • Coordinate public or special events. (Homecoming, Senior Days, Award Ceremonies, Fundraisers)
    • Supervises part-time student help, including clinical hours
    • Develops and implements appropriate rules and regulations governing the conduct of athletic activities.
    • Oversees the implementation of the insurance program covering school athletes
    • Complete incident reports for minor to traumatic injuries.
    • Works to resolve conflicts; anticipates and resolves potential problems.
    • Organizes, plans, and coordinates departmental awards, including recognition of alumni, former coaches, and staff.
  • Public Relations: Establishe

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