Athletic Director Job Description Template

Use this Athletic Director job description template to advertise the open roles for free using Longlist.io. You can use this template as a starting point, modify the requirements according the needs of your organization or the client you are hiring for.

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced athletic director to help us maintain and develop our sports programs.

Your daily tasks will include supervising sports staff, preparing budgets, and allocating funds to support our sports activities. You’ll also be in charge of administrative tasks, such as scheduling (e.g. leagues, conferences, etc.). To succeed in this job, it’s important to master multitasking and work well under pressure. Previous experience as a manager or leader of a sports program is a must, too.

If you fit this description and you love sports and education, we’d like to hear from you.

Responsibilities

  • Monitor general administrative tasks
  • Supervise and guide coaches and other staff
  • Check compliance with established sports rules and governmental health and safety regulations
  • Recruit new employees based on program needs
  • Research new funding opportunities (e.g. governmental)
  • Oversee performance of employees (e.g. annual reviews)
  • Manage budgets and billing reports
  • Overview scheduling of leagues or sport team practices
  • Organize promotional events (e.g. about sports and well-being)
  • Establish positive relationships with parents, students, coaches and other staff

Requirements

  • Previous experience in a managerial role in sports or relevant field
  • Experience in program management and budgeting
  • In-depth understanding of sports association rules and regulations
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of MS Office
  • Ability to motivate and inspire 
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • A degree in Sports Management or similar field; a Master’s in Management is a plus

What does Athletic Director do?

On a day-to-day basis, an Athletic Director (AD) is responsible for overseeing and managing the athletic department in a school or university. Their specific tasks may vary depending on the size and level of the athletic program, but generally, an AD's responsibilities include:

  1. Administration: The AD handles department budgets, manages scheduling, coordinates travel arrangements for teams, and ensures compliance with all relevant rules and regulations. They may also be responsible for supervising coaching staff, conducting performance evaluations, and hiring new coaches as needed.

  2. Facility Management: The AD oversees the maintenance and scheduling of athletic facilities, including fields, courts, gyms, and stadiums. They may coordinate with facility staff to ensure that venues are ready for practices, games, and events.

  3. Scheduling and Event Management: The AD works closely with other schools or universities to schedule athletic competitions. They coordinate game dates, times, and locations, and ensure that all required officials and personnel are scheduled for each event. Additionally, they manage ticket sales, marketing, and promotions for athletic events.

  4. Student-Athlete Support: The AD provides support and guidance to student-athletes, ensuring they meet academic eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory progress towards graduation. They may work closely with academic advisors and monitor student-athletes' progress. Moreover, the AD may serve as a liaison between students, coaches, and parents, addressing any concerns or issues.

  5. Fundraising and Budgeting: The AD is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising initiatives to support the athletic program. They seek sponsorships, donations, and other sources of revenue to finance athletic scholarships, facility improvements, and program enhancements. Additionally, the AD manages the department's budget, allocating funds for equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, and other operational costs.

  6. Compliance and Regulations: The AD ensures that the athletic department conforms to all applicable rules and regulations set by governing bodies, such as state athletic associations or collegiate athletic conferences. They keep up to date with changes in regulations and policies and ensure program compliance.

  7. Strategic Planning: The AD participates in long-term planning to enhance the athletic department's overall effectiveness and success. They may develop strategic goals, create policies and procedures, and evaluate program performance. Additionally, the AD may collaborate with other departments within the institution to align athletic goals with the overall mission and vision of the organization.

Overall, an Athletic Director's primary focus is to ensure the smooth functioning of the athletic department, support student-athletes, maintain compliance, and promote the overall growth and success of the athletic program.