Associate Athletic Director Jobs
Associate Athletic Director jobs are open across colleges, universities, and professional sports organizations, from entry-level coordinator promotions to senior leadership roles, with specializations in compliance, development, and student-athlete services. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 79+ Associate Athletic Director jobs
Onsite
: $112,186 – $139,772
This position supports the administration of assigned varsity sport programs within the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER), working closely with head coaches to promote athletic excellence, positive student-athlete experiences, and long-term program success. Reporting to the Executive Associate Athletic Director for Sports Administration, the position facilitates effective sport program operations, supports departmental priorities, and contributes to the achievement of DAPER's strategic objectives.
Varsity Sport Program Oversight
- Partner with head coaches of assigned varsity sport programs to develop and implement plans that promote athletic excellence, positive student-athlete experiences, and sustainable program success.
- Provide guidance to head coaches of assigned varsity sport programs, supporting program effectiveness and adherence to NCAA and ACC regulations, applicable laws, and Stanford University and DAPER policies.
- Participate in personnel management processes for assigned sport programs, including head coach recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary recommendations, in coordination with senior athletics leadership.
- Maintain an active presence at assigned varsity sporting events and NCAA championships, ensuring appropriate sport administration coverage. Travel is required.
- Assist with budget development and management for assigned sport programs, including monitoring expenditures and supporting responsible stewardship of resources.
Sports Administration Team Leadership
- Collaborate with the Executive Associate Athletic Director and fellow sport administrators to coordinate priorities, share information, and support consistent and effective administration across varsity sport programs.
- Participate in Sports Administration team meetings and contribute to discussions, problem-solving, and the development of practices that enhance coordination and operational effectiveness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Operations
- Collaborate with departmental leadership and functional partners to address sport-related issues, facilitate effective day-to-day operations, and support departmental priorities.
- Partner with academic support, sports medicine, compliance, student-athlete development, and other relevant departments to coordinate resources, address emerging needs, and support the academic, athletic, and personal well-being of student-athletes.
Conference/NCAA Governance
- Collaborate with departmental leadership and functional partners to address sport-related issues, facilitate effective day-to-day operations, and support departmental priorities.
- Partner with academic support, sports medicine, compliance, student-athlete development, and other relevant departments to coordinate resources, address emerging needs, and support the academic, athletic, and personal well-being of student-athletes.
Department Leadership
- Serve as a member of the DAPER Leadership Team, contributing to departmental planning, communication, and implementation of strategic priorities.
- Collaborate with departmental leaders on cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness, foster collaboration, and support departmental goals.
Success in this role requires a collaborative, resourceful, and solutions-oriented professional who brings:
- Strategic Thinking and Sound Judgment
: The ability to assess complex situations, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions that support sport program and departmental goals. -
Relationship Building and Collaboration
: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and establish productive working relationships with coaches, colleagues, and university partners. -
Communication Skills
: Excellent communication and active listening skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and navigate sensitive conversations with professionalism and diplomacy. -
Leadership and Accountability
: The ability to provide guidance, exercise initiative, and follow through on commitments while supporting accountability and program effectiveness. -
Adaptability and Problem-Solvin
g: The ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to emerging challenges, and approach complex situations with flexibility and sound judgment.
- Bachelor’s degree
- Five or more years of experience in collegiate athletics administration, preferably within an NCAA Division 1 athletics program.
- Experience working with coaches, athletic administrators, and departmental partners to support varsity sport programs.
- Working knowledge of NCAA regulations, conference requirements, and policies governing intercollegiate athletics.
- Experience supporting sport program planning, day-to-day operations, and the coordination of resources across multiple functions.
- Experience assisting with sport program budgets and expenditure monitoring.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programs.
Core Duties :
- Lead the planning and operations for programs or functions that have significant business, regulatory and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise.
- Evaluate programs or functions, policies and procedures. Identify issues, and develop alternative solutions which may include changes to programs, policies and procedures.
- Review and analyze trends to advise and develop recommendations to achieve or modify the goals of the program or function.
- Represent the program or function within the department, unit or school. Commit resources and provide information and/or training. Represent the program or function at the university level and/or to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
- Manage and contribute to the development of outreach strategy that may include relationship development, communications and compliance.
- May develop and/or oversee budgets; manage finances including monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting.
- Assess training needs and may develop associated training. May direct and/or supervise staff.
-
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
- Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
- Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness.
- Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment and, decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals.
- Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
- Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.
Onsite
: $112,186 – $139,772
This position supports the administration of assigned varsity sport programs within the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER), working closely with head coaches to promote athletic excellence, positive student-athlete experiences, and long-term program success. Reporting to the Executive Associate Athletic Director for Sports Administration, the position facilitates effective sport program operations, supports departmental priorities, and contributes to the achievement of DAPER's strategic objectives.
Varsity Sport Program Oversight
- Partner with head coaches of assigned varsity sport programs to develop and implement plans that promote athletic excellence, positive student-athlete experiences, and sustainable program success.
- Provide guidance to head coaches of assigned varsity sport programs, supporting program effectiveness and adherence to NCAA and ACC regulations, applicable laws, and Stanford University and DAPER policies.
- Participate in personnel management processes for assigned sport programs, including head coach recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary recommendations, in coordination with senior athletics leadership.
- Maintain an active presence at assigned varsity sporting events and NCAA championships, ensuring appropriate sport administration coverage. Travel is required.
- Assist with budget development and management for assigned sport programs, including monitoring expenditures and supporting responsible stewardship of resources.
Sports Administration Team Leadership
- Collaborate with the Executive Associate Athletic Director and fellow sport administrators to coordinate priorities, share information, and support consistent and effective administration across varsity sport programs.
- Participate in Sports Administration team meetings and contribute to discussions, problem-solving, and the development of practices that enhance coordination and operational effectiveness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Operations
- Collaborate with departmental leadership and functional partners to address sport-related issues, facilitate effective day-to-day operations, and support departmental priorities.
- Partner with academic support, sports medicine, compliance, student-athlete development, and other relevant departments to coordinate resources, address emerging needs, and support the academic, athletic, and personal well-being of student-athletes.
Conference/NCAA Governance
- Collaborate with departmental leadership and functional partners to address sport-related issues, facilitate effective day-to-day operations, and support departmental priorities.
- Partner with academic support, sports medicine, compliance, student-athlete development, and other relevant departments to coordinate resources, address emerging needs, and support the academic, athletic, and personal well-being of student-athletes.
Department Leadership
- Serve as a member of the DAPER Leadership Team, contributing to departmental planning, communication, and implementation of strategic priorities.
- Collaborate with departmental leaders on cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness, foster collaboration, and support departmental goals.
Success in this role requires a collaborative, resourceful, and solutions-oriented professional who brings:
- Strategic Thinking and Sound Judgment
: The ability to assess complex situations, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions that support sport program and departmental goals. -
Relationship Building and Collaboration
: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and establish productive working relationships with coaches, colleagues, and university partners. -
Communication Skills
: Excellent communication and active listening skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and navigate sensitive conversations with professionalism and diplomacy. -
Leadership and Accountability
: The ability to provide guidance, exercise initiative, and follow through on commitments while supporting accountability and program effectiveness. -
Adaptability and Problem-Solvin
g: The ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to emerging challenges, and approach complex situations with flexibility and sound judgment.
- Bachelor’s degree
- Five or more years of experience in collegiate athletics administration, preferably within an NCAA Division 1 athletics program.
- Experience working with coaches, athletic administrators, and departmental partners to support varsity sport programs.
- Working knowledge of NCAA regulations, conference requirements, and policies governing intercollegiate athletics.
- Experience supporting sport program planning, day-to-day operations, and the coordination of resources across multiple functions.
- Experience assisting with sport program budgets and expenditure monitoring.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programs.
Core Duties :
- Lead the planning and operations for programs or functions that have significant business, regulatory and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise.
- Evaluate programs or functions, policies and procedures. Identify issues, and develop alternative solutions which may include changes to programs, policies and procedures.
- Review and analyze trends to advise and develop recommendations to achieve or modify the goals of the program or function.
- Represent the program or function within the department, unit or school. Commit resources and provide information and/or training. Represent the program or function at the university level and/or to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
- Manage and contribute to the development of outreach strategy that may include relationship development, communications and compliance.
- May develop and/or oversee budgets; manage finances including monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting.
- Assess training needs and may develop associated training. May direct and/or supervise staff.
-
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
- Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
- Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness.
- Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment and, decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals.
- Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
- Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.
See All 79 Associate Athletic Director Jobs
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Find JobsAssociate Athletic Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate athletic director jobs.
- Bachelor's degree required, master's degree in athletic administration or related field preferred
- Minimum five years of progressive experience in collegiate or professional athletic administration
- Working knowledge of NCAA or NAIA compliance rules and eligibility regulations
- Demonstrated experience managing athletic program budgets and financial reporting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for donor relations and public representation
- Experience supervising staff, coaches, or student-athlete support personnel
Tips for Your Associate Athletic Director Job Search
Tailor your resume to NCAA division level
Hiring committees at Division I programs expect experience with large budgets, donor relations, and media contracts, while Division III roles prioritize student-athlete development and academic support. Make sure your resume reflects the right scale for each listing you target.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists associate athletic director openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight compliance credentials front and center
Many institutions filter applications by NCAA or NAIA compliance certification before reading anything else. List your compliance training, any secondary market rules experience, and your familiarity with recruiting regulations in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume.
Network inside athletic director associations
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and similar groups host conferences where hiring decisions often begin informally. Attend sessions on topics matching your specialization, introduce yourself to sitting ADs, and follow up within 48 hours while the connection is fresh.
Prepare a budget management narrative for interviews
Interviewers for associate AD roles consistently probe how you have managed operational or program budgets under pressure. Prepare two or three specific examples that name the budget size, the constraint you faced, and the outcome, so you can pivot naturally to any variation of the question.
Negotiate start dates around signing periods
Athletic department hiring timelines often align with early or late signing periods in key sports. If you receive an offer during those windows, it is reasonable to request a later start date, and most hiring managers expect this conversation.
Associate Athletic Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most associate athletic directors?
The companies hiring the most associate athletic directors right now include Colby College, La Salle University, and Creighton University, with the largest share of openings in Pennsylvania, California, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Openings are distributed across Division I, II, and III institutions as well as conference offices.
How many associate athletic director jobs are remote?
About 13% of associate athletic director openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the largely on-campus nature of the role. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include development and fundraising, marketing and communications, and compliance consulting, where off-site work is more operationally feasible.
How do you become an associate athletic director?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in sports management, kinesiology, or a related field, then pursue a master's degree in athletic administration to stay competitive. Build experience in a specific functional area such as compliance, development, or operations, work your way through assistant director roles, and document measurable outcomes like budget savings or program growth to make a strong case for promotion or lateral moves into associate-level positions.
How do you get hired as an associate athletic director with little experience?
Focus on a functional specialty where you already have transferable skills, such as event operations, academic advising for student-athletes, or fundraising, since departments often hire associate ADs with deep expertise in one area rather than broad administration experience. Graduate assistantships and internships inside athletic departments are the most direct entry points, and completing NCAA compliance certification courses before applying signals readiness even without years of full-time experience.
What does the associate athletic director interview process look like?
Most institutions begin with a phone or video screen conducted by the HR office or a search committee member, followed by a formal panel interview with the athletic director, senior staff, and sometimes faculty or student-athlete representatives. Finalists are typically asked to complete a written exercise or present a scenario response on a topic like budget management or a compliance issue, and campus visits often include informal meals that are still part of the evaluation.
Where can I find and apply to associate athletic director jobs?
You can find and apply to associate athletic director jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 79 Associate Athletic Director Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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