ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

School Athletic Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEducation JobsSchool JobsAthletic Director JobsSchool Athletic Director Jobs

School Athletic Director information

See salary details

$44K

$100K

$186K

How much do school athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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.
More about School Athletic Director jobs

What cities are hiring for School Athletic Director jobs?

Cities with the most School Athletic Director job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for School Athletic Director jobs?

The top employers for School Athletic Director jobs are:

What states have the most School Athletic Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for School Athletic Director jobs include:

What job categories do people searching School Athletic Director jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for School Athletic Director jobs are:

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 Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 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 overs

Apply