1

School Athletic Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

School Athletic Director information

See salary details

$44K

$100K

$186K

How much do school athletic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 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.

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:

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.

Middle School Athletic Director (Stipend position)

Ellington, CT • On-site

Ellington Public Schools
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Athletics/Activities/Athletics Director
Date Posted:
8/10/2026
Location:
Ellington Middle School
Position Summary
The Middle School Athletic Director is responsible for the coordination, supervision, and day-to-day operation of the middle school interscholastic athletic program. The Middle School Athletic Director will oversee scheduling, transportation, equipment, facilities, coaches, game management, communication, and other operational responsibilities associated with the middle school athletic program.
The Middle School Athletic Director will work closely with the District/High School Athletic Director and Middle School Principal to ensure that the athletic program is organized, safe, student-centered, and consistent with district expectations and applicable league and state regulations.
This is an annual stipend position, with responsibilities occurring before, during, and after each athletic season and primarily outside of the regular school day.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Athletic Scheduling & Operations
  • Develop and maintain schedules for all middle school athletic teams.
  • Schedule games, meets, contests, scrimmages, and other athletic events in coordination with opposing schools and league representatives.
  • Coordinate practice schedules and facility usage for all middle school teams.
  • Maintain an accurate master athletic calendar.
  • Coordinate schedule changes, postponements, cancellations, and makeup contests.
  • Communicate schedule updates promptly to coaches, families, officials, transportation providers, administrators, and opposing schools.
  • Work with the District/High School Athletic Director to coordinate middle school and high school facility usage when necessary.

Transportation
  • Schedule transportation for all middle school away contests and athletic events.
  • Coordinate bus departure and return times with coaches and the district transportation provider.
  • Confirm transportation arrangements prior to contests.
  • Make appropriate transportation adjustments when contests are canceled, postponed, or rescheduled.
  • Communicate transportation concerns or unusual circumstances to administration and the District/High School Athletic Director.

Equipment, Uniforms & Supplies
  • Coordinate the purchasing and ordering of athletic equipment, uniforms, medical supplies, and other program needs within the approved budget.
  • Meet with coaches prior to each season to identify equipment and uniform needs.
  • Maintain an inventory of middle school athletic equipment and uniforms.
  • Coordinate the distribution, collection, storage, repair, and replacement of athletic equipment.
  • Ensure equipment is properly maintained and meets applicable safety standards.
  • Develop replacement cycles for uniforms and major athletic equipment when appropriate.

Coaches & Personnel
  • Serve as the primary administrative contact for middle school coaches.
  • Assist with the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of middle school coaches in collaboration with district administration and the District/High School Athletic Director.
  • Assist with onboarding newly hired coaches.
  • Conduct or assist with preseason coaches' meetings.
  • Ensure coaches receive appropriate schedules, policies, procedures, emergency information, transportation information, and athletic department expectations.
  • Monitor coaching certifications and required documentation in collaboration with district administration.
  • Provide ongoing support and direction to middle school coaches.
  • Observe coaches and athletic programs throughout each season.
  • Provide input regarding coach performance and annual reappointment when requested.
  • Address routine coaching concerns and elevate significant personnel matters to the Middle School Principal and/or District/High School Athletic Director.

Student-Athlete Registration & Eligibility
  • Assist with the coordination of athletic registration for middle school student-athletes.
  • Work with school administration, the school nurse, and coaches to ensure students have met participation requirements prior to competing.
  • Maintain accurate team rosters.
  • Assist with monitoring student eligibility, attendance requirements, and other district participation standards.
  • Communicate eligibility concerns with coaches, families, and appropriate school personnel.
  • Ensure students do not participate until all required documentation and clearances have been completed.

Facilities & Field Management
  • Coordinate the use of middle school athletic fields, gymnasiums, locker rooms, and other athletic facilities.
  • Monitor facility conditions and communicate maintenance or safety concerns to the appropriate district personnel.
  • Work with coaches, custodial staff, and administration to ensure facilities are properly prepared for practices and contests.
  • Make recommendations regarding field or facility closures due to unsafe conditions.
  • Coordinate with the District/High School Athletic Director when middle school and high school programs share facilities.
  • Assist with long-term planning related to athletic facility needs and improvements.

Weather & Contest Decisions
  • Monitor weather and playing conditions for middle school practices and contests.
  • Work with coaches, administration, transportation, officials, and opposing schools regarding weather-related decisions.
  • Make or assist with decisions regarding postponements, cancellations, or relocation of middle school athletic events in accordance with district procedures.
  • Communicate weather-related changes in a timely manner to all affected parties.

Game & Event Management
  • Oversee the organization and operation of middle school home athletic contests.
  • Confirm officials for home contests when applicable.
  • Coordinate scorekeepers, clock operators, site supervisors, ticket personnel, or other game workers as necessary.
  • Ensure facilities are prepared and necessary equipment is available prior to contests.
  • Provide administrative coverage or arrange appropriate supervision for middle school athletic events.
  • Address routine game-management concerns involving spectators, coaches, athletes, officials, or facilities.
  • Support and enforce district expectations regarding sportsmanship and appropriate spectator behavior.
  • Communicate significant incidents to the Middle School Principal and District/High School Athletic Director.

Parent & Community Communication
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for questions regarding the middle school athletic program.
  • Respond to routine parent questions or concerns involving schedules, transportation, team procedures, athletic policies, or program operations.
  • Address parent concerns in collaboration with coaches and administration when appropriate.
  • Refer significant personnel, disciplinary, or student matters to the appropriate administrator.
  • Provide regular athletic updates to families through district-approved communication platforms.
  • Ensure athletic schedules, registration information, tryout information, and other important updates are communicated clearly and consistently.

Budget & Financial Responsibilities
  • Assist in developing and managing the middle school athletic budget.
  • Monitor expenditures for transportation, officials, equipment, uniforms, supplies, and game personnel.
  • Submit purchase orders and purchasing requests in accordance with district procedures.
  • Assist with processing payments for officials and game workers.
  • Maintain appropriate records related to athletic purchases and expenditures.
  • Work with the District/High School Athletic Director to identify future budgetary needs.

Policies, Safety & Compliance
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with district athletic policies and applicable league and state regulations.
  • Promote appropriate standards of conduct, sportsmanship, and student behavior.
  • Ensure coaches are familiar with emergency action plans and safety procedures.
  • Assist with concussion, injury, heat, weather, and emergency protocols as appropriate.
  • Report significant injuries, incidents, or concerns to school administration and the District/High School Athletic Director.
  • Help ensure the middle school athletic program supports the educational mission and expectations of the district.

Program Development & Evaluation
  • Evaluate the overall effectiveness and operation of middle school athletic programs.
  • Identify opportunities to improve student participation and the student-athlete experience.
  • Review participation numbers and program offerings annually.
  • Recommend the addition, modification, or discontinuation of programs when appropriate.
  • Assist in creating consistency between middle school and high school athletic programs.
  • Promote a positive transition for student-athletes from middle school athletics into high school programs.
  • Meet periodically with the District/High School Athletic Director to review program needs, challenges, and future planning.

Qualifications
  • Experience in athletics, coaching, education, athletic administration, or a related field preferred.
  • Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple sports, schedules, facilities, and personnel simultaneously.
  • Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, coaches, administrators, officials, transportation providers, and opposing schools.
  • Knowledge of middle school athletics and applicable district, league, and state policies preferred.
  • Ability to work afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends as required by the athletic schedule.
  • Demonstrated commitment to student development, safety, sportsmanship, and educational athletics.

Reports To
District/High School Athletic Director and Middle School Principal
Terms of Employment
This is an annual stipended position covering the full middle school athletic year, including preseason preparation, fall, winter, and spring seasons, postseason responsibilities, equipment management, scheduling, and preparation for the following school year.
The Middle School Athletic Director will be expected to maintain regular communication with the District/High School Athletic Director and Middle School Principal while assuming primary responsibility for the daily operation of the middle school athletic program.