What Are the Qualifications Needed to Become an Athletic Director?
Athletic directors oversee sports and physical education programs at schools. Read on to learn how to become an athletic director at a high school or collegiate level, and see the skills and educational requirements involved.
How to Become an Athletic Director
To become an athletic director, one will generally need an undergraduate degree, with the recommended option of pursuing a master's degree. Experience in athletics, coaching, and management are also important for pursuing this profession.
<table border="1"><tr><td>Degree Fields</td><td>Sports Administration, Education, Business</td></tr>
<tr><td>Work Environment</td><td>Stress may come around game time, wins and losses</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td>Head Coach, Athletic Trainer, College Athletics Administrator, Athlete</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Pay (2019)</td><td>$60,018*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2018-2028)</td><td>7% growth <i>(for all Postsecondary Education Administrators)</i>**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AthleticDirectorJobDescription">Athletic Director Job Description</h3><p>An athletic director is an administrator who works in a high school, college, or university. As an athletic director, some of your job duties may be to raise funds and budget for intercollegiate and intramural athletic activities. You may also be responsible for recruiting, managing publicity, and supervising coaches. Day-to-day tasks usually include helping students and athletes, speaking with coaches, and occasionally, liaising with media personnel. You'll also oversee budgeting, hiring, training, ordering equipment, and organizing schedules.
</p><p>At colleges, you may need to oversee intramural and community sporting events geared towards attracting prospective student athletes. If you're applying for a job at a school whose athletic programs are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), or any other governing body, you'll need to be aware of rules and regulations regarding fundraising, recruiting, and athlete eligibility. You'll also need computer skills to keep track of players' medical histories and academic records.
</p><h3 id="section---AthleticDirectorRequirements">Athletic Director Requirements</h3><p>Athletic directors typically need to hold at least a bachelor's degree to pursue employment. Common areas of study include business administration, management, and sports administration. However, some professionals have found employment through unexpected or unrelated undergraduate degrees, such as journalism or engineering. Individuals are also recommended to pursue a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Sports-Related_Graduate_Programs_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">sports-related graduate degree</a>, such as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Can_I_Do_with_a_Masters_Degree_in_Sports_Management.html">master's degree in sports management</a>.
</p><p>Previous experience as a coach or athlete provides the individual with personal insight into how such programs are run. Coaches, in particular, will likely be knowledgeable on the business operations involved and could pursue promotion into an athletic director's role. Previous business leadership roles will have likely equipped an individual with skills in marketing, communication strategies, and management - all beneficial to the role of an athletic director. Working your way from an entry-level administration role can also offer valuable insights into the program, along with the organization and the varying levels involved.</p>