How Do I Become an Athletic Director?

Athletic director careers involve serving in educational institutions to oversee all sports functions. You can become an athletic director with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, sports management, or a related field, although some positions necessitate a master’s degree in an area, such as athletic administration, educational leadership, or sports management. In addition to the education, most members of this profession have experience in playing and/or coaching sports prior to the acquisition of this position. Also, prior to holding this job, most professionals start out as an athletic trainer, where the requirements mandate the possession of a regional license. Other requirements include being in good physical condition and having excellent written and oral communication skills.

Courses of study required to become an athletic director will depend on the specific major that you choose in college. A degree in sports management may involve instruction in sports organizations, accounting, and governance, along with sports psychology, business, and promotions. Facility management and the science of coaching may be included as well. On the other hand, a degree in educational leadership may involve studies in finance, technology, and curriculum development, along with courses in cultural harmony and leadership theory.

The requirements to become an athletic director will vary with the level of the educational institution. In some high school settings in the US, the person who serves in this position may be an assistant principal, which would necessitate having teaching credentials. At the university level, one of the criteria employers will look for is proven success in coaching, while another factor that may be helpful, depending on the size of the institution, is being an alumnus with a proven record.

Athletic director duties encompass a variety of areas. They supervise sporting events, including the logistics of each sports team within an institution, which involves hiring and mentoring of coaches, monitoring sports facilities, and management duties. Another role involves communicating with the media, overseeing all public contact concerning the athletic programs. Financial tasks include organizing fundraising events, allocating money, and soliciting donations from alumni, while legal duties involve ensuring compliance with all regulations and ethical standards.

If you want to become an athletic director, you will need to have a realistic view of your working environment and job conditions. The environment will mainly be in an office, although you will spend part of your time in the sports venues on campus. Some travel will be necessary, since your presence will be expected at the sporting events. The job may involve working long hours, evenings, and weekends, as well as being on call if any problem arises.