Assistant Director of Athletics Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the competitive world of sports management, the role of an Assistant Director of Athletics stands out as a crucial one.

As the world of athletics evolves, the demand for skilled leaders who can manage, develop, and promote our athletic programs grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Assistant Director of Athletics?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes operations of athletic management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Assistant Director of Athletics job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Assistant Director of Athletics Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Athletics assists the Director of Athletics in the management and coordination of all athletic programs and activities.

They play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of athletic departments by providing support in various areas including administration, finance, and event coordination.

The Assistant Director of Athletics has the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and implementing athletic policies and procedures
• Help in planning, scheduling, and managing athletic events and programs
• Provide administrative support for all athletic programs including coordination of travel, scheduling, and facility management
• Assist with budget preparation and financial management of the athletic department
• Support in hiring, training, and supervision of athletic staff
• Work collaboratively with coaches and other athletic staff to ensure the well-being and academic success of student-athletes
• Help in promoting sportsmanship and enforcing disciplinary policies among student-athletes
• Assist in fundraising and marketing efforts for the athletic department
• Represent the athletic department in meetings and on committees as directed by the Director of Athletics
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as the rules and regulations of the school, district, and any athletic conferences or associations the school participates in

 

Assistant Director of Athletics Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Director of Athletics to join our team.

This role is responsible for assisting the Director of Athletics in the management of athletic programs and facilities.

The successful candidate will be involved in various aspects of athletic administration such as scheduling, budgeting, compliance, student-athlete welfare, and facility management.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Athletics in the management of athletic programs and facilities
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and policies
• Assist in the development and management of the department budget
• Oversee scheduling of games, practices, and athletic events
• Help coordinate travel arrangements for athletic teams
• Participate in fundraising and public relations activities
• Assist in the hiring, evaluation, and supervision of coaching staff
• Facilitate effective communication between athletes, coaches, and athletic staff
• Promote student-athlete welfare and academic success

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in athletic administration or a similar role
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff
• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Education, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Assistant Director of Athletics
• Work Environment: This role primarily operates in a professional office environment and athletic facilities. It requires regular attendance at athletic events, which may occur during evenings and weekends.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Athletics.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Assistant Director of Athletics Do?

Assistant Directors of Athletics typically work for colleges, universities, or high schools, and play a crucial role in the athletic department.

They assist the Athletic Director in the management and development of the institution’s athletic programs, ensuring they adhere to the rules and guidelines set by the institution and the relevant sports governing body.

Their duties often include coordinating athletic events, scheduling, travel arrangements, and facility management.

They ensure the proper maintenance and readiness of athletic equipment and facilities for all sporting events.

They may also be responsible for helping with budgeting and financial management within the department, including tracking expenses, managing contracts, and overseeing the procurement of equipment.

Assistant Directors of Athletics may also help with the recruitment and training of athletic staff, and the supervision of coaches and athletes.

They ensure athletes maintain the academic standards set by the institution and assist in resolving any issues that may arise.

Furthermore, they help with marketing and promotion efforts for the athletic department, often coordinating with other departments to increase attendance at games and generate support for the school’s teams.

They may also be involved in fundraising initiatives for the athletic department.

 

Assistant Director of Athletics Qualifications and Skills

An assistant director of athletics should have a combination of managerial skills, experience in sports, and understanding of athletics operations, including:

• Strong leadership and team management skills to oversee the athletic staff and coordinate various sports programs
• Experience in athletic administration, sports management, or related field to understand the intricacies of managing sports programs
• Excellent communication skills to facilitate clear and constructive interaction between athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders
• Sound understanding of NCAA regulations and compliance requirements to ensure that the athletic department adheres to all rules and guidelines
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate athletic events, including scheduling, logistics, and promotional activities
• Strong problem-solving skills to address any issues or conflicts that may arise among athletes, coaches, or staff
• Proficiency in using athletic program management software and tools for efficient administration of sports programs
• Physical fitness and understanding of sports training to provide guidance and support to athletes and coaches

 

Assistant Director of Athletics Experience Requirements

Assistant Director of Athletics often requires at least a bachelor’s degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field.

Entry-level candidates usually have 1 to 2 years of experience in athletic administration or coaching, often achieved through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer positions.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience typically have honed their skills and knowledge in roles such as an Athletics Coordinator, Sports Administrator, or High School Coach, which allows them to handle more complex responsibilities in the athletics department.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership experience, usually obtained from supervisory or managerial roles in athletics.

They might have led sports teams, developed athletic programs, or managed sports facilities.

This level of experience prepares them for the strategic planning and program development responsibilities of an Assistant Director of Athletics.

Furthermore, some institutions may require candidates to have a master’s degree in sports management or a similar field, especially if the role includes tasks related to academic compliance or student-athlete development.

 

Assistant Director of Athletics Education and Training Requirements

Assistant Directors of Athletics generally hold a bachelor’s degree in sports management, physical education, business administration or a related field.

In-depth knowledge of athletics, sports science and administration is essential for this role.

Understanding the principles of coaching, sports ethics, and sports marketing may also be advantageous.

Many institutions prefer candidates with a master’s degree in Athletic Administration, Sports Management or Education.

This advanced degree indicates a higher level of understanding of the complexities and administrative aspects of athletic programs.

Assistant Directors of Athletics are typically required to have relevant work experience in athletics, often in the form of coaching or administrative positions.

Some positions may require several years of experience in an athletic leadership role.

Certifications related to athletic administration can be beneficial, though they are not usually mandatory.

These may include the Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) or the Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) credentials, offered by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

Continued education and training, through attending seminars and workshops related to athletics and sports management, are recommended for staying updated with the latest trends and changes in the field of athletics.

 

Assistant Director of Athletics Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Assistant Director of Athletics is approximately $56,679 (USD) per year.

Actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the prestige of the institution, location, and other additional responsibilities that may come with the job.

 

Assistant Director of Athletics Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Assistant Director of Athletics need?

Assistant Directors of Athletics need to have excellent communication and leadership skills.

They must be able to work with a variety of individuals including coaches, athletes, and administrative staff.

They should also have a good understanding of sports rules and regulations, as well as the ability to plan and organize events.

Good problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills are also crucial for this role.

 

Do Assistant Directors of Athletics need a degree?

Yes, an Assistant Director of Athletics typically requires a bachelor’s degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field.

Some institutions may prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

Experience in athletics, either as a player or in an administrative role, is also highly desirable.

 

What should you look for in an Assistant Director of Athletics resume?

The resume of a potential Assistant Director of Athletics should highlight their previous experience in sports administration or management.

Look for roles that required leadership, team coordination, and event management.

Any experience with budgeting, scheduling, or compliance with sports regulations is a plus.

Also, check for their educational qualifications in relevant fields.

 

What qualities make a good Assistant Director of Athletics?

A good Assistant Director of Athletics should be a strong leader and communicator, able to coordinate with various teams and handle administrative tasks.

They should also be passionate about sports, with an understanding of the rules and regulations of various games.

Good problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure are also desirable traits.

 

Is it difficult to hire Assistant Directors of Athletics?

Hiring an Assistant Director of Athletics can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required for the role.

It’s important to attract candidates with a passion for sports and a background in athletics administration.

Offering competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development can help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to be an Assistant Director of Athletics.

And here’s the thing:

It’s not just about managing sports.

It’s about shaping the face of athletics, one game at a time.

Armed with our handy Assistant Director of Athletics job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up to the plate.

But let’s not stop there.

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Each game, each athlete, each decision, is a part of the larger athletic narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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