Professional Athlete Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s highly competitive sports world, the focus on professional athlete managers has never been more intense.

The sports industry evolves rapidly, and with each development, the demand for proficient individuals who can guide, support, and protect our athletes grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a professional athlete manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager mapping out the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the nuances of athlete management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable professional athlete manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professional Athlete Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Athlete Managers oversee the development of an athlete’s career, providing guidance and support to help them succeed.

They negotiate contracts, secure sponsorships, and manage public relations.

These professionals have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Negotiate contracts on behalf of the athlete with sports clubs and organizations
• Arrange promotional activities and endorsement deals for the athlete
• Manage public relations, schedule interviews and press conferences
• Identify and pursue opportunities for the athlete to improve their performance and marketability
• Coordinate with coaches and trainers to ensure the athlete is in optimal condition
• Handle disputes or issues that may arise with clubs, sponsors, or the press
• Organize and manage the athlete’s schedule, including training, competition, and travel arrangements
• Provide career guidance and advice to the athlete
• Monitor and manage financial matters including budgeting and investments for the athlete

 

Professional Athlete Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Athlete Manager to oversee the professional and personal affairs of athletes.

The Athlete Manager will handle contract negotiations, arrange endorsement deals, and plan public appearances for the athletes they represent.

The candidate must have excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

They should also be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations of relevant sports bodies.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all aspects of an athlete’s career, including training, competition, endorsements, and public relations.
• Negotiate contracts and endorsement deals on behalf of the athlete.
• Advise the athlete on career moves, financial planning, and public image management.
• Arrange for medical treatment and therapy, as needed.
• Communicate with sports organizations, team managers, and other relevant parties.
• Represent the athlete in public and media events.
• Handle any issues or scandals that may affect the athlete’s career or public image.
• Manage an athlete’s schedule to ensure they have ample time for both professional commitments and personal life.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Athlete Manager or similar role within the sports industry.
• Knowledge of sports and related rules and regulations.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of public relations and marketing strategies.
• Strong networking skills.
• Ability to travel as required.

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Travel and expense reimbursement
• Opportunities to attend sporting events

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Athlete Manager
• Work Environment: This role often requires travel and attending sporting events, with some office work. Weekend and evening hours may be necessary.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Athlete Management.
• Salary: Salary is based on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• 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 a Professional Athlete Manager Do?

A Professional Athlete Manager primarily works with professional athletes to manage their careers, both on and off the field.

They are responsible for negotiating contracts and endorsement deals on behalf of their clients.

This often involves liaising with team owners, sponsors, and other stakeholders to secure the best possible terms and opportunities for their athletes.

They also play a key role in the athlete’s public image, working closely with public relations professionals to manage media engagements, press releases, and public appearances.

This may include arranging interviews, organizing charitable events, or overseeing social media activities.

A Professional Athlete Manager may also assist with financial planning, helping their clients to make informed decisions about investments, savings, and other financial matters.

This can involve working with financial advisors to ensure that their athlete’s finances are well-managed and that they are adequately prepared for life after their professional sports career.

Additionally, they help in managing their clients’ schedule, ensuring they have adequate time for training, rest, and personal activities.

They may also coordinate with fitness coaches and medical staff to oversee the athlete’s physical health and performance.

In sum, a Professional Athlete Manager acts as a liaison between the athlete and various entities, ensuring the athlete’s professional and personal needs are met.

 

Professional Athlete Manager Qualifications and Skills

A Professional Athlete Manager needs a blend of business acumen, sports knowledge, and interpersonal skills, including:

• Understanding of the business of sports and experience in managing professional athletes.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for liaising with clubs, sponsors, and other relevant parties.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with athletes, understanding their needs and goals and helping them achieve these.
• Knowledge of contract law and experience in contract negotiation to secure the best deals for athletes.
• Strong financial management skills to manage the finances of athletes, including budgeting, tax planning, and investment advice.
• Problem-solving skills to deal with any issues or conflicts that may arise between athletes and clubs, sponsors or the media.
• Good organizational and time management skills to manage the busy schedules of athletes and coordinate their training, competition, and media commitments.

 

Professional Athlete Manager Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of a Professional Athlete Manager might typically have 1 to 2 years of experience in the sports management industry.

This could be acquired through internships or part-time roles within sports teams, agencies or related businesses.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience would usually have had more in-depth exposure to managing athletes, perhaps in a junior or assistant role.

They should have proven skills in negotiating contracts, managing media relations, and implementing marketing strategies for athletes.

Those with more than 5 years of experience would likely have a successful track record of managing professional athletes across multiple sports.

They would have developed extensive networks within the sports industry and demonstrated the ability to manage high-pressure situations.

Additionally, candidates at this level may also have experience in strategic planning, budget management, and team leadership.

Such candidates are usually well-suited for senior managerial positions or roles involving the management of high-profile athletes.

 

Professional Athlete Manager Education and Training Requirements

Professional Athlete Managers, often referred to as Sports Agents, generally need to have a bachelor’s degree in sports management, business, or a related field.

They should have a comprehensive understanding of the sports industry, contract law, marketing, and public relations.

This knowledge can be acquired through specialized coursework, internships, and practical experience.

Many professional athlete managers also hold a master’s degree in sports management or business administration, which can offer a more in-depth understanding of the sports industry and business principles.

In addition to formal education, it’s crucial for professional athlete managers to have strong negotiation and communication skills, as they often represent athletes in contract negotiations and endorsement deals.

Some states in the U.S. require professional athlete managers to be licensed and certified.

The requirements for licensing and certification typically include passing an exam, paying a fee, and having a certain level of education and experience.

Continuing education is also important in this role, as the sports industry is constantly changing and evolving.

This can involve attending industry conferences, seminars, and workshops.

In addition to these education and training requirements, successful professional athlete managers often have a background in the sports they manage, whether as a former athlete, coach, or other sports-related roles.

This experience can offer valuable insights and understanding of the unique needs and challenges of professional athletes.

 

Professional Athlete Manager Salary Expectations

A Professional Athlete Manager typically earns an average salary of $73,740 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can greatly vary depending on the athlete’s success, the manager’s reputation, experience, and negotiation skills.

It should be noted that some managers may also receive a percentage of the athlete’s contracts and endorsements, which can substantially increase their income.

 

Professional Athlete Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Athlete Manager need?

A Professional Athlete Manager should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with their athletes and other stakeholders.

They should be able to negotiate contracts, manage finances, and handle scheduling, hence skills in negotiation, financial management, and time management are crucial.

They should also have a deep understanding of the sport their athlete is involved in to provide strategic advice and guidance.

 

Do Professional Athlete Managers need a degree?

While it’s not always mandatory, a degree in sports management, business, finance, or a related field can be beneficial for a Professional Athlete Manager.

Some positions may require a license or certification from a recognized sports management body.

Practical experience in sports, whether as an athlete or in a management role, is typically essential.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Athlete Manager’s resume?

A Professional Athlete Manager’s resume should demonstrate their experience in managing athletes, contract negotiation, financial management, and understanding of the specific sport.

Also look for any relevant degrees or certifications, as well as a proven track record of success in managing the careers of professional athletes.

Strong networking skills and relationships within the industry can also be a big plus.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Athlete Manager?

A good Professional Athlete Manager is passionate about sports and has a deep understanding of the dynamics of the industry.

They are excellent communicators, strong negotiators, and adept at building relationships.

They also need to be able to handle pressure and make sound decisions in high-stress situations.

An effective Athlete Manager should have the athlete’s best interest at heart and work diligently to promote and protect their career.

 

What challenges do Professional Athlete Managers face?

Professional Athlete Managers often face intense competition, not just for their athletes but also with other managers vying for the same opportunities.

They also face the challenge of managing their athletes’ expectations and dealing with the pressure and scrutiny that comes with high-profile sports careers.

Ensuring the long-term financial security of their athletes is another significant challenge, particularly in sports where careers can be relatively short.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s look into the dynamic world of being a professional athlete manager.

Surprising isn’t it?

It’s not just about managing contracts.

It’s about shaping the future of sports, one game at a time.

With our comprehensive professional athlete manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re well equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your tool for creating precision-crafted job postings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every game is a part of the bigger play.

Let’s shape the future of sports. Together.