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Manager Sports Programming Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hi-Five Sports Club

Gymnastic

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

To further the mission of Hi-Five sports through the development and management of program, human ... Hi-Five Sports' mission is to provide the highest quality youth sports programming with the utmost ...

Hi-Five Sports Club

Program Director/Coach

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

To further the mission of Hi-Five sports through the development and management of program, human ... Hi-Five Sports' mission is to provide the highest quality youth sports programming with the utmost ...

Hi-Five Sports Club

Camp and Store Manager

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$35K - $40K/yr

$35000.00 - $40000.00 per yearLocation Manager will report to the GM and will assist in the day-to ... Hi-Five Sports' mission is to provide the highest quality youth sports programming with the utmost ...

Hi-Five Sports Club

General Manager

Mount Prospect, IL

$50K - $65K/yr

... sports programming with the utmost convenience for parents. Everyone at Hi-Five is passionate about the positive results that can be achieved by introducing children to team sports the "Hi-Five" way!

Tencate Grass

Business Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Business Development Manager - Sports Construction TenCate Multiple U.S. Markets | Nationwide ... engineers, contractors, purchasing groups, and other key decision-makers. • Conduct in-person ...

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Manager Sports Programming information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.8K

$73K

$102K

How much do manager sports programming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager sports programming in Chicago, IL is $72,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $91,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager sports programming, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Sports Programming, you need a solid background in sports management, programming strategy, and analytics, often supported by a bachelor's degree in sports management, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with broadcast scheduling software, Nielsen ratings systems, and contract management tools is typically required. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure effective programming, audience engagement, and successful collaboration with partners and stakeholders in a competitive media environment.

What is a manager sports programming?

A Manager Sports Programming is a professional responsible for overseeing the scheduling, acquisition, and management of sports content for a television network, radio station, or digital platform. They coordinate with sports leagues, negotiate broadcast rights, and plan live or recorded sports event coverage. Their role is crucial in ensuring a compelling lineup that attracts viewers and meets business objectives. Additionally, they often collaborate with marketing teams to promote sports programming and analyze audience data to inform future decisions.

How does a manager sports programming typically collaborate with other departments to ensure successful event broadcasts?

A Manager of Sports Programming works closely with various departments, such as production, marketing, and sales, to coordinate live events and broadcast schedules. They often liaise with production teams to ensure technical requirements are met and work with marketing to promote upcoming sports content. In addition, they may collaborate with rights acquisition and legal teams to secure broadcast rights and ensure compliance. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for delivering seamless broadcasts and achieving organizational goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Programming jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Sports Programming jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Manager Sports Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Sports Programming job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 63% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,993 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Director, Sports Administration

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

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.
As a unit within the Office of College and Career Success (OCCS), the Office of Sports Administration manages all CPS interscholastic sports programming and facilitates seasonal participation for both high school and elementary-level athletic competitions. CPS Athletics and Sports Programs provides all students, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally in controlled, safe activities outside of the traditional classroom. Participation in school sports provides students with experiences that foster character, citizenship, and academic achievement.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Executive Director of Sports Administration, the Director of Sports Administration will play a vital role in creating an environment that supports the educational and athletic development of students and positively contributes to their educational journey and overall success. This position will contribute to the development of dynamic and high-functioning sports programs, strategically aligning initiatives with district priorities, and ensuring compliance across all CPS sports programs at either the elementary or high school grade level. This position will provide strategic guidance and develop student engagement strategies to enhance participation in sports programming at the designated school level, fostering a culture of inclusivity and enthusiasm for athletic involvement. The Director of Sports Administration will establish collaborative partnerships with stakeholders to create post-secondary education opportunities for student-athletes, facilitating pathways for academic and athletic success beyond high school. This position leads a team of direct reporting professionals. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis
The Director, Sports Administration will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of district sports programming at the designated school level
  • Lead the formulation of a long-term strategic vision for sports programming at the designated school level; collaborate with Sports Administration leadership and colleagues to ensure alignment across all programs
  • Develop and drive the implementation of new student engagement opportunities to increase participation in sports programming at the designated school level
  • Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports, including professional coaching, performance management, succession planning initiatives, and talent development programs within the sports department to provide support and prepare staff for career growth
  • Collaborate with existing external partners and seek out new partnerships to support post-secondary opportunities and education for parents and student-athletes using providers such as Honest Game
  • Develop and cultivate partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and sports associations to enhance external alignment and support
  • Develop opportunities to showcase Chicago Public League (CPL) student-athletes abilities to college coaches to facilitate potential participation in post-secondary sports programs
  • Partner with CPS Leadership at the Central Office and Network level to address unique and/or specific school-level needs
  • Oversee and manage summer sports programs and special events at the designated school level
  • Serve as the primary contact for Athletic Training Support Services (provided through external vendor ATI Physical Therapy) for student-athlete coverage
  • Collaborate and regularly communicate with Safety and Security to coordinate on-site support at CPS-hosted sporting events at the designated school level
  • Support student connectedness, belonging, engagement, and mentoring programs throughout the District
  • Ensure collaboration across OCCS teams and other CPS departments to support implementation, program monitoring, best practices sharing, and cross-functional and collective impact
  • Other duties and workstreams as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Director, Sports Administration must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required
  • Master's degree, preferred

Experience Required:
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of full-time, professional experience in sports administration, including the following, is required:
    • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a supervisory/manager position leading a team of direct reports
    • Experience with interscholastic and elementary sports, including management of multiple sports programs
    • Experience with sports program creation and implementation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong leadership, management, and team building skills; capable of cultivating an atmosphere of responsiveness, respect, and teamwork, and developing high-performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success
  • Expertise in planning and managing athletic programs and activities
  • Knowledge and understanding of, and familiarity with Chicago Public Schools policies and the policies, procedures, and governing bodies for interscholastic sports, such as:
    • Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
    • National Federation of High Schools (NFHS)
    • Chicago Public League (CPL)
  • Excellent time and project management capabilities, including the ability to be successful in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities and projects concurrently and driving them to completion
  • Ability to articulate a vision, set high standards, and effectively guide team members, schools and principals in the realization of expectations set for their athletic program to meet student needs
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills (including presentations)
  • High levels of integrity, honesty, credibility, and the courage to make difficult yet necessary decisions
  • Effective strategic planning capabilities, including the ability to establish long-term vision and goals, and align/manage activities toward goal fulfillment
  • Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups, including external partners, to ensure the entire system operates in the most effective manner possible to support schools, students, and principals
  • Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
  • Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

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