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How much do school athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 school athletic director do?

A School Athletic Director oversees the athletic programs at a school, including managing sports teams, hiring coaches, scheduling games, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They are responsible for budgeting, maintaining athletic facilities, and promoting student-athlete well-being and academic achievement. Athletic Directors serve as leaders and liaisons between the school administration, coaches, students, and the community.

What does a school athletic director do?

A school athletic director manages the sports programs at a school. These positions are available at high schools and colleges. In this career, your duties include hiring coaches, obtaining equipment, creating budgets for the athletic program, and scheduling games. You are also usually in charge of travel arrangements. Your responsibilities may include facilities management and the promotion of athletic events and activities. You ensure that each team at the school has enough participation and interest. You also ensure that the program operates under all relevant regulations and that athletes and teams abide by school policies, which you help to set.

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

To thrive as a School Athletic Director, you need a strong background in sports management, leadership, and educational administration, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with athletic scheduling software, budget management systems, and knowledge of regulatory bodies like the NFHS or state athletic associations is essential. Exceptional communication, organizational skills, and the ability to build relationships with students, coaches, and the community set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure effective program management, compliance, and a positive athletic experience for all stakeholders.

What are some common challenges faced by school athletic directors when managing multiple sports programs?

School Athletic Directors often juggle numerous responsibilities, including scheduling games, coordinating with coaches, and ensuring compliance with school and athletic association policies. A common challenge is balancing the needs and resources of various teams, especially when facilities or funding are limited. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to address scheduling conflicts, transportation logistics, and maintaining positive relationships with students, parents, and staff. Proactively addressing these challenges helps create a supportive environment for student-athletes and staff alike.

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

AspectSchool Athletic DirectorSchool Sports Coach
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often a coaching certification or athletic administration degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; coaching certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAdministrative office, athletic facilities, meetings with staff and studentsPlaying fields, gymnasiums, training sessions, game days
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, districts, athletic departmentsSchools, youth leagues, sports clubs

The main difference is that the School Athletic Director oversees the entire athletic program, manages staff, budgets, and compliance, while the School Sports Coach focuses on training athletes, developing skills, and leading teams during practices and games. Both roles are essential in school sports but serve different functions within the athletic department.

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

Securing a position as a school athletic director typically requires relevant experience in sports management or coaching, along with a bachelor's degree in a related field; many roles also prefer candidates with a master's degree and certification in athletic administration. Competition can be moderate to high, depending on the school district and location, and strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential. The job often involves working during school hours and evenings, with responsibilities including overseeing athletic programs, budgets, and compliance with regulations.

How much do school athletic directors get paid?

School athletic directors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on the school district, level of experience, and geographic location. Salaries can vary widely, with some earning over $100,000 in larger or more competitive districts, and often include responsibilities such as managing sports programs, budgets, and staff. Many athletic directors also hold relevant certifications and have backgrounds in sports management or education.

Is there a demand for school athletic directors?

The demand for school athletic directors is expected to grow as schools prioritize student activities and sports programs. Employment opportunities are typically available in public and private schools, with candidates often needing relevant experience and certifications in sports management or education. Job growth varies by region and school district size but generally remains steady due to the importance of extracurricular activities in schools.

What qualifications do you need to be a school athletic director?

A school athletic director typically needs a bachelor's degree in physical education, sports management, or a related field, along with experience in coaching or athletic administration. Many positions also require certification or licensure in sports management or related areas, and strong organizational and leadership skills are essential for managing athletic programs and staff.
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School Athletic Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Athletic Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,034 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

School Athletic Director

Chicago, IL • On-site

Chicago Public Schools
See more jobs at Chicago Public Schoolsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

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 tr

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