How to Become an Athletic Director

Becoming an athletic director is an exciting career opportunity for those who want to work in sports. Athletic directors play a key role in the success of a school or college’s athletics program. They are responsible for hiring and managing coaches, setting up budgets, scheduling games, and overseeing the entire athletics program. If you’re interested in becoming an athletic director, here are some steps to help you get started.
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree: You will need to get a bachelor’s degree in athletics administration, physical education, or business. Make sure to take courses that will provide you with a strong foundation in sports management and marketing.
2. Gain Experience: It is important to gain experience in the field before becoming an athletic director. Consider interning with an athletic department or working as an assistant coach. This will give you a better understanding of the duties of an athletic director and the overall workings of a sports program.
3. Get Certified: Becoming an athletic director requires certification from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). To become certified, you must complete an approved training program and pass an examination.
4. Find a Job: Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start looking for an athletic director position. Look for job postings on job boards and in industry publications. Networking with other sports professionals can also be helpful in finding job opportunities.
Becoming an athletic director can be a rewarding and exciting career. With hard work and dedication, you can become a successful athletic director and lead a successful school or college sports program.