What is an Athletic Director?
Athletic directors are the leaders behind school and college sports programs. They oversee everything from budgets and hiring to compliance and scheduling, ensuring athletic programs run smoothly and support student-athletes’ growth.
As school sports continue to grow in importance, so does the demand for qualified athletic directors. Whether at the high school or college level, the position requires a strong mix of education, leadership skills, and experience.
How much do Athletic Directors make?
Salaries vary based on factors like school size, geographic location, and level of competition.
- According to data from Glassdoor, High School Athletic Directors’ typical median salary is $86,000 per year, though larger districts may pay more.
- College Athletic Directors may earn significantly more, with salaries often exceeding six figures at larger universities with Division I programs.
Experience, education level, and program size are key drivers in determining salary.
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What does an Athletic Director do?
Athletic directors manage the overall direction of a school’s athletics program. While responsibilities vary depending on school size and level, typical duties include:
- Hiring and supervising coaches and staff
- Overseeing athletic budgets and fundraising efforts
- Scheduling games and events, as well as arranging travel logistics for teams
- Maintaining athletic facilities and equipment
- Handling media relations, in addition to promoting sports visibility to the wider community
- Ensuring compliance with school, district, or NCAA regulations
- Supporting student-athletes’ academic and athletic development
Beyond administrative tasks, athletic directors play a key role in shaping the culture of sports programs. They help create environments where student-athletes can learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
What degrees do Athletic Directors need?
Most athletic directors start with at least a bachelor’s degree in sports management, education, physical education, or a related field.
For many positions — especially at the college level — a master’s degree is preferred or required. Graduate programs in sports administration, educational leadership, or business can give candidates an edge in a competitive job market.
Professional certifications, such as those offered by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), can also strengthen an aspiring athletic director’s resume.
What skills are important for Athletic Directors?
Because the role spans both administration and athletics, athletic directors need a broad skillset, including:
- Leadership: guiding coaches, staff, and student-athletes
- Communication: connecting with stakeholders, parents, and community partners
- Organization: managing budgets, schedules, and events
- Decision-making: handling staffing, program growth, and compliance issues
- Sports knowledge: understanding how athletics fit into student development and institutional goals
- Strategic planning and development: crafting and implementing a long-term plan for program growth, while fostering a successful competitive environment
What is the career path to becoming an Athletic Director?
Many athletic directors begin as coaches, teachers, or assistant administrators, gaining leadership and sports management experience before moving into the role. For positions at the collegiate level, a graduate degree is often required, which prepares new directors for the increased demands that come with managing a university’s athletic department.
Reasons to become an Athletic Director:
Becoming an athletic director can be a highly rewarding career path for those who love sports, leadership, and education. The position offers a blend of management, mentorship, and community impact. This career is for someone who wants to stay connected to athletics while still making a difference in education. Some of the main reasons to pursue a career as an athletic director include:
- Shape Athletic Programs and Culture
Athletic directors have the opportunity to define the vision of their school’s athletic department. They influence everything from hiring coaches and setting program goals to promoting sportsmanship and inclusivity. This leadership helps establish the culture of athletics within an institution, leaving a lasting impact on both the program and its athletes. - Support Student-Athlete Development
Athletic directors play a direct role in students’ growth both on and off the field. By ensuring access to strong coaching, academic support, and mental health resources, they help student-athletes succeed. Athletic directors mentor young athletes and watch them develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills. - Career Stability and Growth
Because athletics are central to many schools and universities, athletic director positions are often stable and well-supported. With experience, athletic directors can move into higher administrative roles in education, athletic conferences, or professional sports organizations.