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Sports Development Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Description ABOUT EL1 SPORTS EL1 Sports is an industry leading sports development company created by athletes, for athletes. We create access and sustainability for the everyday operators of ...

Program Manager

Ambler, PA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

ABOUT EL1 SPORTS EL1 Sports is an industry leading sports development company created by athletes, for athletes. We create access and sustainability for the everyday operators of facilities ...

Online training opportunities Company Overview Founded in Tampa, Florida, i9 Sports ® is the ... Empower volunteer coaches to lead practice sessions focusing on fundamentals, skill development ...

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Sports Development information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$33.1K

$77.6K

$133.3K

How much do sports development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports development in Pennsylvania is $77,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,600.00 and $90,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports development?

Sports development is the process of promoting and supporting participation in sports and physical activities at all levels, from grassroots to elite. Professionals in this field work to increase access to sports, improve coaching and facilities, and encourage healthy lifestyles in communities. They may also focus on talent identification, organizing events, and developing partnerships with schools, clubs, and organizations. The goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from sports.

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 solid understanding of sports management, program planning, and community engagement, often supported by a degree in sports science or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, data analysis tools, and coaching certifications is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to motivate diverse groups are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills enable effective promotion of sports participation, successful program delivery, and positive community impact.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in sports development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Sports Development often encounter challenges such as securing funding for programs, engaging diverse communities, and measuring the impact of their initiatives. These challenges can be addressed by building strong partnerships with local organizations, actively seeking grants and sponsorships, and implementing clear evaluation frameworks to track progress. Collaboration and communication skills are essential, as the role frequently involves working with coaches, schools, local authorities, and volunteers to develop and deliver successful sports programs.

What is the difference between Sports Development vs Sports Coaching?

AspectSports DevelopmentSports Coaching
Primary FocusPromoting sports participation, community engagement, and program developmentTraining athletes, improving skills, and preparing for competitions
Required CredentialsSports science, community sports certifications, or related degreesCoaching certifications, sports-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, sports organizations, schoolsSports fields, gyms, training facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLocal governments, sports clubs, educational institutionsSports teams, clubs, private coaching companies

While both roles are vital in the sports industry, Sports Development focuses on increasing participation and community engagement, whereas Sports Coaching centers on athlete training and performance improvement. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity.

What do you do in sports development?

A sports development professional plans, organizes, and promotes sports programs to increase participation and improve athlete skills. They may work with community groups, schools, or sports organizations, often requiring knowledge of coaching, event management, and sports policies. The role involves communication, teamwork, and sometimes certification in coaching or sports management.

What are popular job titles related to Sports Development jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Sports Development jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sports Development jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Development jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Infographic showing various Sports Development job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,624 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Program Manager

Ambler, PA • On-site

EL1 Sports
Spectator Sports • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description

ABOUT EL1 SPORTS

EL1 Sports is an industry leading sports development company created by athletes, for athletes. We create access and sustainability for the everyday operators of facilities, organizations, and teams, supporting in their mission to impact the next generation. We believe in the transformative power of sport yielded through consistent and personal relationships of men and women of influence and the athletes they lead and the coaches they work alongside. EL1 is the proud youth baseball and softball training partner of Major League Baseball.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and implementing the highest quality of training program for youth athletes and teams within the assigned facilities and surrounding area. As the PM, you are responsible for: developing program curriculum and training facility instructors on programming execution; programming development, staff training, and overall, on-turf execution all while working with the FAST team to ensure that EL1 Sports enhances the experience for everyone involved by embracing the mission and culture of baseball and softball programming.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to:


LEADERSHIP AND STAFF SUPERVISION

  • Be the primary contact and subject matter expert for operations, overseeing daily facility operations, including management, sales, marketing, and staff oversight.
  • Create and foster facility culture. Internally, ensure EL1 staff feel like they belong, have purpose, and are respected. Externally, ensure EL1 customers feel welcome and receive responsive and friendly service.
  • Leverage your network to lead the recruitment, training, development, and retention of an expert group of instructors.
  • Ensure that instructing standards are met by facility staff while professionally developing them in alignment with EL1's mission, vision, and core values.
  • Manage and maintain, the facility's programming and staff schedules while adhering to the facility's payroll budget and programming's ideal instructor/player ratio on the turf. Ensure schedules are accurately maintained within the facility's scheduling software(s).
  • Communicate all apparel/uniform and equipment needs for the facility to Procurement Team while adhering to the facility's budget for such line items.


PROGRAM AND CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION

  • Lead and perform on-turf training, instruction, and performance-related training.
  • With the support of the EL1 FAST Team, and within your assigned region, develop and implement:
  • Program curriculum.
  • New training programs for in-facility and mobile, league, and Powered By programs.
  • Serve as the liaison and partner to all Powered By Directors and coaches, ensuring implementation of player development programming.
  • Work cross-functionally with other EL1 departments (e.g., Marketing, Finance) to grow programs.

BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

  • The PM is responsible for the overall financial management of the facility, including revenue growth, cost management, and profitability. The PM will create the annual facility budget in partnership with the leadership team and implement initiatives, manage hourly labor, programming, etc. to help deliver on the budget.
  • Serve as an EL1 brand ambassador, exemplifying EL1's core values and consistently enforcing company policies and standards with integrity and excellence.
  • Embrace additional responsibilities and tasks as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to achieving company goals.


Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor's Degree, preferred.
  • 2+ years of related experience in program management or managing instructors and trainers.
  • Verifiable playing and/or coaching experience at the collegiate and/or professional level
  • Current or recent experience as an instructor, preferred.
  • Experience instructing youth and HS players and programs preferred.
  • In-depth knowledge of respective sport.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to connect effectively with others.
  • Excellent leadership skills.
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (mainly Excel and PowerPoint), preferred .


ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL

  • Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout facilities is required.
  • Environments include, but are not limited to, outdoor spaces, sports facilities, recreation fields/parks, remote locations, and office spaces.
  • Frequent local travel required with occasional required overnight travel.

PERKS OF THE JOB

  • Fast-paced and exciting work environment with a sports-minded group of colleagues.
  • Additional compensation opportunities.
  • Opportunity to support, lead and develop instructors who played collegiately and/or up to the professional level.
  • Full suite of Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, 401(k), Flexible Spending Account
  • Opportunities to support events at MLB stadiums and MLB-branded events.