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Sports Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Doane University

Athletics Development Officer

Crete, NE · On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

... sports into a rewarding fundraising career at Doane University as our Athletics Development Officer. In this role, you have the opportunity to support the Advancement and Athletics offices in ...

YMCA

Sports Director

Winona, MN · On-site

$50K - $53K/yr

Plan and implement developmental and competitive youth sports, adult sports, and leagues! The ... . Role Specific Functions 1. Direct, supervise and expand programs to meet the needs of the ...

YMCA

Sports Director

Winona, MN · On-site

$50K - $53K/yr

The Director is responsible for the planning and delivery of developmental and competitive youth ... Perform other related duties as assigned by your supervisor or the CEO. Required Certifications CPR ...

Toyota Sports Performance Center

Be Seen First

Security Officer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

Toyota Sports Performance Center - Security Officer $21.50 to $23.50 Immediate openings for a ... development. We have demonstrated consistent and sustained growth through operational excellence ...

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Sports Development Officer information

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$39K

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How much do sports development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports development officer in the United States is $74,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sports Development Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Development Officer, you need a strong background in sports management, coaching, and program development, often supported by a relevant degree or sports-related qualifications. Familiarity with sports management software, safeguarding certifications, and knowledge of funding application processes are commonly required. Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills help build partnerships and motivate diverse groups. These abilities are crucial for successfully promoting sports participation, managing projects, and achieving community development goals.

What is the difference between Sports Development Officer vs Sports Coach?

AspectSports Development OfficerSports Coach
Primary FocusDeveloping sports programs, increasing participation, community engagementTraining athletes, improving skills, team management
Required CredentialsRelevant sports or community development certifications, degree often preferredCoaching certifications, sports-specific qualifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, sports clubs, local governmentSports fields, gyms, training facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLocal authorities, sports organizations, educational institutionsSports clubs, schools, private coaching companies

While both roles involve sports, a Sports Development Officer focuses on creating programs and increasing participation at the community level, whereas a Sports Coach concentrates on training athletes and improving their performance. The roles often overlap but serve different objectives within the sports industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Sports Development Officers when promoting community participation in sports programs?

Sports Development Officers often encounter challenges such as limited resources, varying levels of community engagement, and addressing barriers to participation like accessibility and inclusivity. Building trust and partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community leaders is essential to overcome these obstacles. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and creative problem-solving are key in adapting programs to meet the diverse needs of communities and ensuring that sports initiatives are sustainable and effective.

What are Sports Development Officers?

Sports Development Officers are professionals who work to promote participation in sports and physical activity within communities, schools, or organizations. They design, implement, and manage programs and initiatives aimed at increasing access to sports, improving skill levels, and encouraging long-term engagement in physical activity. Their role often involves working with local authorities, sports clubs, and other stakeholders to secure funding, organize events, and ensure inclusivity. Sports Development Officers also monitor the effectiveness of their programs, provide guidance to coaches and volunteers, and help identify talent for further development.
More about Sports Development Officer jobs
What states have the most Sports Development Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Sports Development Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sports Development Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Development Officer jobs are:
Sports Development Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Development Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,448 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Athletics Development Officer

Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Indiana Wesleyan University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Athletics Development Officer
Job no: 494752
Work type: Administrative (Full Time)
Location: Marion, IN
Categories: Administrative/Professional
Job Title: Athletics Development Officer
Reporting Relationship: Director of Development
Unit: Central Administration
Department: University Advancement - Central Administration
Campus Location: Alumni House, Marion, IN
Summary of Position: The Athletics Development Officer serves as a front-line fundraiser in support of the priorities of Indiana Wesleyan University Athletics and Advancement departments. The position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual and individual gift donors through relationships with alumni, parents, and friends. The Athletics Development Officer will also assist with staffing donor hospitality and other alumni engagement functions around athletics events, as well as serve as the individual sport liaison with coaches and volunteers to develop strategies to advance their philanthropic support.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Build Relationships
    • Identify and manage a portfolio of 125-150 prospects composed of individuals with specific affiliation and/or giving interest to Athletics
    • Conduct 120-150, high-value personal visits annually for the purpose of developing a philanthropic gifts pipeline and closing philanthropic revenue to support the priorities of the university and department of athletics
    • Establish collaborative and productive relationships with Athletics administration and coaches, and become knowledgeable regarding the Department's priorities, programs, and events in order to advance the priorities of Athletics
    • Impact a culture of giving for IWU Athletics, encouraging prospects and donors to support the university's mission and vision while fostering a sense of pride and ownership spotlighting the transformative impact of their gifts
  • Strategic Fundraising
    • Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for donors
    • Provide accurate information of all prospects and donor activity in the Advancement CRM (Slate) including contact reports, gift commitments, strategy statements, and other documentation
    • Engage in athletic annual gift solicitations that:
      • 1) retain current and re-engage lost athletics donors
      • 2) increase giving levels of current athletics donors
      • 3) acquire new athletic donors
      • 4) increase unrestricted giving to the general Athletics Fund
  • Collaborative Teamwork and Creative Engagement
    • Routinely meet with appropriate IWU administrators, coaches and staff to build relationships, gain insights, and establish partnerships to support giving opportunities and strategies
    • Identify prospects with potential for major and planned gifts and transition them to the major and planned giving team for further relationship development
    • Execute special projects and other duties as assigned to support the overall work of the team in Athletics Development and University Advancement
    • Serves as development representative at athletics-based events, meetings, and programs, related to donor engagement
  • High-Impact Hospitality and Character
    • Serve as an IWU ambassador with a high level of integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality
    • Maintain a positive image when dealing with constituents and the university community; demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with the values and ethos of IWU
    • Exhibit IWU values of Christlikeness, commitment, leadership, service, stewardship, innovation and diversity
    • Foster a collaborative and inclusive spirit among subordinates, peers, and superiors within University Advancement and across the IWU community
    • Travel locally and out of town to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
Education
  • A bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, or Marketing is preferred

Experience
  • Minimum of one to three (1-3) years of direct or transferable experience with exposure to fundraising, direct sales, client services, or related fields. Experience in intercollegiate athletics is preferred

Required Skills
  • Demonstrate exceptional writing, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • Ability to engage with donors and stakeholders in a friendly and professional manner
  • The successful candidate is expected to have their primary office based out of the IWU campus in Marion, IN. They must be capable of traveling up to 50% of time, working nights and weekends as needed, to fulfill portfolio and management responsibilities and participate in fundraising and engagement related events.
  • Work independently and be self-motivated in initiating contact with donors and prospects.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events and athletic functions.

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement
IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Advertised: 26 Nov 2025 US Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 09 Aug 2026 US Eastern Daylight Time
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