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

As of Aug 21, 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 23 days ago

Job description

SCHOOL Athletic Director ( ESP)
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving
over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
Reporting to the Principal and under the direction of the Executive Director, Sports Administration, the School Athletic Director plays a critical role in overseeing the development and implementation of a comprehensive high school athletics program.
The School Athletic Director will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
  • Administers the extracurricular athletic programs, activities, and events
    • Maintains files and records required by policy, regulation, law and best 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 Office, 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 extracurricular 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 in alignment with OSA and other District policies and procedures; Develops and places into operation appropriate rules and regulations governing the conduct of athletic activities
    • Informs the school community about extracurricular athletic programs (through websites, emails, media, and social media)
    • Stays current on research, issues, and regulations related to athletic programs (academic, racial, gender, and socio-economic issues in sports)
    • Develops, implements, and maintains a grade check system for student athletes
    • Maintains and ensures that all eligibility reports and list of participation are submitted on a weekly basis
    • 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
    • Oversees the implementation of the insurance program covering school athletes
    • Complete incident reports for minor to traumatic injuries
    • Organizes, plans and coordinates departmental awards including recognition of alumni, former coaches and staff
    • Coordinates athletic public or special events. (Homecoming, Senior days, Award Ceremonies Fundraisers)

  • Monitors and supports academic performance of student-athletes
    • Oversees Individual Study Plan (ISP) process for academically at-risk student-athletes
    • Develops academic support mechanisms for benefit of student-athletes including but not limited to study hall, advising, postsecondary guidance, etc.
  • Directs and coordinates the fiscal operations within the department in consultation with the principal and in alignment OSA and other District policies, guidelines, and procedures
    • Supports the principal in athletics-related fiscal planning and making recommendations to the principal on athletics budgets, purchases, and capital improvements and contract agreements related to athletics
    • Assists in preparing, monitoring, and managing the athletics budget and implementing the school system budget; 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 fund-raising 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
    • Issues timely announcements of up-coming events and deadlines
    • Schedules and pays officials, athletic trainers, ticket takers, announcers, clock operators and police for supervision of home contests
    • Hire, schedule and supervise lifeguards for all aquatic sports; Coordinate timely payment by ensuring all hours are submitted and approved through the timekeeping system
    • 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 for emergency health care 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
    • Manages contracts for every athletic contest
    • Coordinates with CPS for stadium usage
    • Coordinates with Chicago Park Districts to execute IGA's for athletic facilities
  • Recommends, supervises, and evaluates staff (E.g., athletic support, trainors, Board employees who coach) and volunteer coaches) and student workers
    • Recruits, screens, interviews and recommends prospective coaches
    • Makes coaching assignment recommendations
    • Ensures all coaches and staff are CPS and State certification compliant and have been properly cleared through the volunteer process or are actively staffed stipend-eligible employees prior to each season
    • Supervises and evaluates coaching staff and other athletic staff
    • Supervises part-time student help including clinical hours
    • Develops and applies a coaching evaluation system
    • Supports opportunities for professional development for the coaching staff
    • Monitors staff time and attendance at professional meetings
    • Investigates complaints regarding employee conduct or performance
    • Encourages the development and use of new strategies and philosophies
    • Provides staff leadership to promote the athletic objectives of the district
    • Assists coaches in the handling of day-to-day problems, providing on site support and supervision during games, athletic events, after-school practices
    • Resolves staff problems and provides support to coaches

  • Coordinates the development, implementation, review, and revision of the extracurricular athletic program

  • Attends practices and games for purposes of evaluation and needs assessment
  • Attends professional conferences to keep abreast of promising instructional practices
  • Enforces the State and City board policy on equal educational opportunity
  • Develops an effectivecomprehensive and equal opportunities athletic program for all male and female students
  • Advises on modification of programs to meet individual students academic and health needs
  • Investigates complaints and grievances
  • Participates in the work of state and national associations
  • Supports facilities management and day-to-day facility operations
    • Maintains athletic facilities and ensures all premises are properly locked and secured after daily use and events
    • Inspects buildings, grounds, machines and equipment
    • Issues repair orders and provides specifications for maintenance of athletic facilities/fields
    • Determines safety and obsolescence of equipment
    • Enforces compliance with occupational health and safety codes and standards
    • Oversees maintenance of swimming pools in a clean, safeand sanitary condition
    • Recommends watering and spraying schedules for school athletic fields
    • Orders and oversees repairs or replacement

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