05/19/2025
The heart of an athletic director's role is shaping the future of sports programs while guiding young athletes toward success. Athletic directors often serve as the cornerstone of a school's sports program, balancing leadership responsibilities with the day-to-day management of athletic departments. If you have a deep passion for sports and a desire to make a lasting impact on student athletes, learning how to become an athletic director and pursuing a career in athletic administration can be incredibly rewarding.
What Does an Athletic Director Do?
As the chief administrator of a school's athletic program, an athletic director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of sports management. Athletic directors develop program growth plans, manage budgets, schedule events, and collaborate with coaches. They often serve as the bridge between the athletic department and school administration, advocating for program needs while aligning with the institution's broader educational mission.
Key Responsibilities and Skills
Successful athletic directors often excel at building relationships. They typically collaborate with coaches, communicate with parents, offer guidance to students, and work with other departments to support athletes' academic well-being. To succeed in this role, an athletic director needs a variety of skills, including:
- Communication skills to handle sensitive situations and maintain dialogue
- Organizational skills to coordinate facility usage, manage equipment inventories, and ensure compliance with sports regulations and safety standards
- Knowledge of how to manage budgets and finances for sports programs
- Leadership skills to manage coaches and staff
- Strategic planning to develop and implement athletic programs
- Deep understanding of sports regulations and compliance requirements
- Interpersonal skills to build relationships with coaches, student athletes, and parents
What Education Do I Need to Become an Athletic Director?
Athletic directors typically begin as coaches or athletes, gaining hands-on experience with sports programs. Coaches often interact with sports administration personnel as well, which gives them a unique perspective on how administrative responsibilities directly impact athletes and programs.
Career paths may vary as you explore how to become an athletic director, but institutions often seek athletic directors who combine relevant degrees with hands-on experience in sports management or athletic leadership. Schools may require candidates to have teaching experience before being considered for the role, and they may also look for candidates with athletic certification.
Most athletic directors hold degrees in sports management, physical education, business administration, or related fields. These degrees provide essential knowledge about sports programs, program management, and leadership principles.
Types of Degrees
Education requirements typically vary based on the type of school you want to work for and the specific job role. Middle school or small high school athletic directors might begin their careers with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. However, larger high schools, colleges, and universities often seek candidates with advanced degrees and substantial leadership experience for athletic director jobs.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
A bachelor's degree in sports and health sciences can act as a common entry point for careers in athletic administration. These four-year programs teach sports management principles, leadership development, and administrative skills. Students typically study subjects such as program management, sports ethics, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Many bachelor's programs help students gain practical experience through internship opportunities, which may prove valuable when applying for an athletic director position. Programs may also offer specializations in areas such as coaching, sports marketing, or facility management.
Master's Degree Programs
A master's degree in sports administration or a related field may open doors to more advanced athletic director leadership roles and provide deeper understanding of advanced management concepts. These programs typically focus on topics like leadership development, strategic planning, organizational behavior, financial management, and legal aspects of athletic administration. Some programs incorporate capstone projects or thesis requirements that provide opportunities to address real-world challenges in athletic administration.
For a closer look at potential opportunities available with an advanced degree, explore "What Can You Do With a Master’s in Sports Management".
Career Development and Advancement
In addition to your degree, you may also be able to advance your career through professional development opportunities. For example, there are several certifications available through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), including:
- Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA)
- Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA)
- Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA)
Each certification helps build essential skills for athletic leadership roles. Your career path may also benefit from professional development workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities within the sports industry.
Finding a Position as an Athletic Director
Middle schools and high schools often provide entry points into athletic administration, where professionals can develop their leadership skills while managing smaller sports programs. Larger high schools and colleges typically require more experience and educational credentials, and they usually offer opportunities to oversee more complex sports programs and larger budgets.
Choosing the Right School
A strong educational background helps demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical know-how and experience that may be attractive to employers. When evaluating potential schools, consider these factors:
- Program Curriculum - Look for programs offering comprehensive coursework in sports administration, leadership development, and practical management skills. Strong programs will take a learning approach that helps prepare you for real-word challenges in athletic roles.
- Practical Experience - Schools that maintain strong connections within the sports industry may offer valuable internship opportunities at desirable institutions. These opportunities often provide hands-on experience and may also be beneficial in finding future job opportunities.
- Program Flexibility - Some schools offer evening classes, online learning options, or hybrid programs that combine virtual and in-person instruction. If you already have a job, these flexible formats may be the best choice for pursuing your education while maintaining other responsibilities.
- Career Support Services - Research whether a school offers career support services to help students with internship placement, job search strategies, and professional networking.
Planning Your Education to Become an Athletic Director
Learning how to become an athletic director involves getting the right education and making a clear plan. Here are four steps you can take that may help you prepare to become an athletic director.
Earn Your Degree
Earning your bachelor's or master's degree is the first step to qualifying for a position as an athletic director. Athletic director jobs usually require a degree in a sports-related field to ensure that you have a deep understanding of athletics, effective communication skills, and strong leadership skills.
Build Relevant Experience
Practical experience in job responsibilities such as coaching, managing teams and integrating sports education with a school's athletic program may also be valuable to employers, even for entry-level positions. Many successful athletic directors start their careers as coaches, physical education teachers, or in other athletic department roles.
Invest in Professional Development
Workshops, conferences, and relevant certifications may help you stay current with industry trends and requirements. Continuing your professional development may also help demonstrate commitment to the field as you build expertise. Organizations like the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association offer professional development programs specifically designed for athletic administrators.
Network Within the Industry
Building relationships with experienced athletic directors, coaches, and other sports administrators can open doors to mentorship opportunities and provide insight into career possibilities. Professional organizations, alumni networks, and local sports administration groups often facilitate these connections.
What are My Next Steps?
Becoming an athletic director may provide a meaningful way to combine a passion for sports with educational leadership and help you make a difference for student athletes. If you are ready to pursue a career as an athletic director, consider these next actions:
- Research specific degree programs that align with your career goals.
- Connect with current athletic directors to learn from their experiences.
- Explore entry-level positions in athletic departments.
- Identify professional development opportunities in sports administration.
Ready for the next step? Explore the bachelor’s degree in sports and health sciences to learn more about program details and potential opportunities.
