Athletic Program Development Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of sports and fitness, the emphasis on Athletic Program Development Officers has never been greater.

As athletics evolve, the demand for talented professionals who can create, enhance, and oversee our sports programs grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Athletic Program Development Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the intricate dynamics of athletic program development,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Athletic Program Development Officer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Athletic Program Development Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Athletic Program Development Officers are integral in the planning, coordination, and growth of athletic programs.

They work closely with coaches, student-athletes, and administrators to develop and enhance programs that foster athletic and academic success.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing strategic plans for the athletic program in conjunction with coaches and administrators
• Evaluating the effectiveness of existing athletic programs and recommending improvements or changes
• Coordinating with coaches to ensure that all program requirements are met, including scheduling, budgeting, and facilities management
• Promoting athletic programs to increase participation and improve public perception
• Working with academic advisors to support the academic success of student-athletes
• Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of governing body rules and regulations, and ensuring compliance within the athletic program
• Assisting in the recruitment and retention of student-athletes
• Coordinating fundraising and community engagement efforts to support athletic programs
• Facilitating communication between student-athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators
• Overseeing the safety and welfare of student-athletes, including arranging for necessary training and health services

 

Athletic Program Development Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Athletic Program Development Officer to oversee the creation and execution of our sports programs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing sports programs, promoting participation, and ensuring the programs are in line with the athletic department’s objectives.

The Athletic Program Development Officer will need to have a thorough understanding of sports programming, sports management, and have a keen interest in promoting physical activity and sportsmanship.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sports programs that promote participation and engagement
• Collaborate with coaches, staff, and volunteers to execute programs
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the programs
• Ensure programs are aligned with the organization’s objectives and standards
• Manage budgets and resources related to the programs
• Identify and develop partnerships with other organizations to enhance program offerings
• Promote programs to increase participation and awareness
• Coordinate with marketing and public relations teams to publicize programs
• Adhere to local, state, and national regulations and guidelines related to sports programs

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Physical Education, or a related field
• Previous experience in sports program development or athletic administration
• Excellent understanding of sports programming and management
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and national regulations and guidelines

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Athletic Program Development Officer
• Work Environment: Office setting, with frequent visits to sports facilities. Some travel may be required for meetings and events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Athletic Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $58,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Athletic Program Development Officer Do?

Athletic Program Development Officers typically work for educational institutions, professional sports teams, or community organizations.

They may also work as consultants or independent contractors.

They are primarily responsible for designing, implementing, and managing sports programs and initiatives.

This can include creating schedules, organizing events, and overseeing coaching staff.

These officers work closely with coaches, athletes, and other stakeholders to ensure the program meets its objectives and aligns with the overall goals of the organization.

They are also tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of the programs, making necessary adjustments or changes to improve the athlete’s performance, engagement, and satisfaction.

Athletic Program Development Officers often play a vital role in athlete recruitment and retention, working to attract promising athletes and providing them with the necessary support to excel.

Additionally, they may be involved in fundraising and budget management, seeking sponsorship and other financial resources to support the athletic program.

Finally, they may also be responsible for ensuring the athletic program adheres to all relevant regulations and standards, including those related to athlete safety and welfare.

 

Athletic Program Development Officer Qualifications and Skills

An Athletic Program Development Officer should possess a variety of skills and qualifications to effectively develop, implement and manage athletic programs, including:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of various sports, their rules, and regulations to develop effective athletic programs.
• Excellent leadership skills to guide, train, and motivate staff, athletes, and volunteers involved in the athletic program.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with a diverse group of stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, parents, and community members.
• Ability to devise strategies and creative solutions for enhancing participation and engagement in athletic programs.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address any issues or conflicts that may arise in the course of program development and execution.
• Experience with budget management and fundraising to ensure the financial sustainability of athletic programs.
• Ability to adapt quickly and respond effectively to changing needs and circumstances within the athletic program.

 

Athletic Program Development Officer Experience Requirements

For entry-level Athletic Program Development Officer roles, candidates may need 1 to 2 years of experience in sports management, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or volunteering at sports facilities or athletic programs.

They may also gain relevant experience through roles such as sports coach, fitness instructor, or event coordinator.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience in sports management are often more competitive for these roles.

This experience is typically gained in roles such as Athletic Director, Sports Program Coordinator, or other related positions where they develop their skills in program planning, budget management, and team supervision.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a solid background in managing and developing sports or athletic programs, often coupled with leadership experience.

These candidates may have worked in senior roles within a sports department, managed large-scale sports events, or led a team of sports professionals.

They are usually well-prepared for the strategic planning, policy development, and partnership building responsibilities of an Athletic Program Development Officer role.

In addition to the above, a bachelor’s degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field is often required for this role.

A master’s degree, additional training or certifications in sports management or program development may be preferred for more senior positions.

 

Athletic Program Development Officer Education and Training Requirements

Athletic Program Development Officers typically need a bachelor’s degree in sports management, physical education, or a related field.

In addition to this, they should have extensive knowledge of athletic training and conditioning, sports medicine, and sports psychology.

Knowledge in these areas is often gained through practical experience, either as an athlete or a coach.

Some positions may require Athletic Program Development Officers to have a master’s degree in sports administration or a related field, particularly those involving management of large or high-profile athletic programs.

Most employers require these officers to have significant experience in athletics, often several years, and proven success in developing and managing athletic programs.

Certification as a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) or Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) may be required or preferred by some employers.

This certification process involves coursework, examinations, and proof of professional experience.

Continuing education is crucial in this role, as athletic program development officers must stay updated with changes in sports regulations, advances in sports science and medicine, and other relevant developments.

 

Athletic Program Development Officer Salary Expectations

An Athletic Program Development Officer earns an average salary of $56,402 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as experience, level of education, location, and the specific institution or organization they are working for.

 

Athletic Program Development Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Athletic Program Development Officer need?

An Athletic Program Development Officer needs strong organizational and leadership skills to manage various sporting programs.

They should have a comprehensive understanding of athletics and sports management, and the ability to analyze and interpret sports data.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also essential to collaborate with coaches, athletes, and stakeholders.

Finally, they should have good problem-solving skills to address any issues that may arise within the programs.

 

Do Athletic Program Development Officers need a degree?

Yes, most Athletic Program Development Officers have a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Physical Education, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in these areas or in Business Administration.

Relevant work experience in athletics or program development is also typically required.

 

What should you look for in an Athletic Program Development Officer’s resume?

Look for a solid educational background in sports management or a related field, along with relevant experience in sports program development and management.

Certifications in sports administration or management could be a plus.

Look for evidence of leadership skills, such as previous roles that required overseeing a team or implementing new programs.

Also, look for skills in budget management, fundraising, and public relations as these are often part of the role.

 

What qualities make a good Athletic Program Development Officer?

A good Athletic Program Development Officer is passionate about sports and understands the value of athletics in education.

They should be organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks at once.

Excellent leadership and decision-making skills are also important.

They should be able to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, from athletes and coaches to administrators and donors.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Athletic Program Development Officer?

Hiring an Athletic Program Development Officer can be challenging due to the specific combination of skills and experience required.

Candidates must have a strong understanding of athletics and sports management, experience in program development, and leadership skills.

Additionally, they should have experience in budget management, fundraising, and public relations.

As this role is quite specialized, it may require a comprehensive search to find the right candidate.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s view into the dynamic world of an Athletic Program Development Officer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about coaching or managing teams.

It’s about fostering a thriving athletic program, one strategic decision at a time.

With our comprehensive Athletic Program Development Officer job description template and insightful examples, you’re equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool to creating precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every strategic decision contributes to a thriving athletic program.

Let’s cultivate that success. Together.

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