Athletic directors, commonly called ADs, are the educational leaders in charge of high school and college athletic programs. Because the scope of their role touches just about every part of the program, selecting the right AD can make all the difference in producing winning seasons and enriching experiences for players and their families.
Pursuing a career in athletic leadership means understanding what ADs do, what skills the role demands and what credentials position you for higher-paying opportunities. If you’re ready to take that next step, St. Thomas University (STU) offers the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Leadership program as a flexible path for working professionals who want to develop the administrative and leadership skills athletic director roles require.
What Is an Athletic Director?
The role of the athletic director is often a behind-the-scenes position, overseeing critical administrative and managerial duties for sports teams. Although each school requires something a little different of their AD, here are several common job responsibilities:
- Budget and secure sponsorships or special funding
- Hire and regularly evaluate coaches and support staff
- Schedule games, coordinate with competing schools and secure facilities
- Market athletic events and tryout opportunities
- Maintain legal compliance and adherence to sports authorities’ rules and regulations
ADs must also ensure that the players have what they need to perform, including uniforms, equipment and a place to practice and play, often coordinating with other departments. Additionally, sports can compete for scheduling with other activities and class time. The AD must form collegial relationships with teachers and faculty so that every student has the support needed to be a good student and a good player.
What Skills Should an Athletic Director Have?
If you aspire to becoming an AD, you will need to be flexible, versatile and quick to adapt. High school and college sports exist in fast-changing and high-energy environments, and managing schedules, staff and students will take patience. Other important qualities include:
- The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and through written methods
- Strong organizing skills
- A willingness to serve and inspire others through your example
- A familiarity with basic technology and an openness to innovations in educational technology and new sports management tools
- A love of sports and an appreciation for good sportsmanship
- Enthusiasm about the sports program and a high level of comfort in the role of publicist
What Does an Athletic Director Earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary education administrators, a category that includes college and university athletic directors, earned a median annual wage of $103,960 in 2024. That figure reflects the earning potential available to those who pursue post-secondary roles, which consistently require a master’s degree.
BLS projects about 15,100 openings for postsecondary education administrators each year through 2034, driven largely by the need to replace workers who retire or transition to other fields. Those openings represent steady opportunity for candidates who build the right credentials early in their careers.
How to Become an Athletic Director
Requirements to become an athletic director vary depending on the employer, school level and more. Many high school athletic directors are former coaches or teachers who pursued additional certification or administrative coursework. Higher-paying post-secondary athletic director positions are typically filled by experienced educators with a master’s degree and some coaching and administrative experience.
However, AD jobs are not limited to former educators. Someone with a specialized degree in sports management or organizational administration may also be a good fit for this position.
If you don’t already have a master’s degree, you can explore programs that prepare you for the demands of an AD job by giving you the latest methodologies and best practices of teaching and leadership. St. Thomas University’s online M.S. in Educational Leadership equips you with the administrative, financial and legal knowledge post-secondary AD roles demand. You can also complete the program in as few as 12 months, preparing yourself to launch a career as an athletic director.
Learn more about STU’s Master of Science in Educational Leadership online program.
