Sports Jobs in Kentucky
Sports jobs in Kentucky draw steady demand across professional franchises, collegiate athletics, youth development programs, and fitness and recreation organizations, with openings at every level from entry-level coaching staff to senior athletic administration. Louisville and Lexington anchor the market, and Bowling Green is a growing secondary hub, with major employers including the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Churchill Downs maintaining consistent hiring rosters. The most in-demand specialties are athletic training, sports performance coaching, and sports event operations. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Want to be part of something amazing? Join our growing team! Special Olympics Kentucky is seeking a Sports Program Manager. Special Olympics Kentucky provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities to athletes with intellectual disabilities as well as athlete leadership and health initiatives. Special Olympics Kentucky offers a rewarding career serving families and athletes throughout the state.
The Sports Program Manager is a full-time, exempt position and a member of the SOKY Program/Sports Team that is responsible for coordinating a quality sports program that includes volunteer management & education and planning and coordinating competitive events. There will be some evening and weekend work including overnight travel.
Reports To: Sr.Director of Sports & Competition
Skills & Qualifications:
- Desire and/or passion for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Event Management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Demonstrated experience managing volunteer relationships at all levels.
- Engaging personality with excellent interpersonal skills a must.
- Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
- Proficient time management skills, attention to detail and proven written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, ability to plan and produce social media, understanding of data bases and desire & ability to learn additional software.
- Ability to work flexible hours that include evenings, weekends, and overnights.
- Some loading and lifting are required for events.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Assist in the planning, preparation and supervision of leagues, local qualifying events, Regional and State-level Games and Tournaments including Summer Games.
- Support Area-level Track & Field and Bowling Competitions.
- Work with the Program Team to provide educational materials to coaches and ensure coaches achieve and maintain their certifications.
- Achieve and maintain a good working knowledge of the Games Management System (GMS) and assist/manage the registration process for Games/Tournaments.
- Engage Sport Development Teams (SDT) as needed per sport season.
- Assist in the efforts to maintain SOKY Sport Manuals and online sport certification trainings for coaches ensuring they are up to date on rules, best practices, and relevant program information.
- Provide sports-related support and technical assistance to local programs.
- Stay current on rules and compliance with Special Olympics International rules at all levels of competition.
- Work with the Sports Program Team and SDT’s to develop training materials for coaches and develop relationships with sports organizations to improve the quality of coaching in the program.
- Help maintain data entry files for Coach Education ensuring accurate records for volunteers in the database.
- Represent SOKY at State and National meetings and conferences where appropriate.
- Work with the SOKY Director of Sports & Competitions to develop annual budgets.
- Work with the Sports/Program Team to provide articles/information for the bi-monthly SportsLine e-newsletter.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with the Director of Sports & Competition and perform other duties when assigned.
Special Olympics Kentucky offers a comprehensive compensation package including 100% coverage of employee health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance in addition to 401k employer contributions.
Special Olympics Kentucky, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals. Our personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Work Location: In person
Want to be part of something amazing? Join our growing team! Special Olympics Kentucky is seeking a Sports Program Manager. Special Olympics Kentucky provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities to athletes with intellectual disabilities as well as athlete leadership and health initiatives. Special Olympics Kentucky offers a rewarding career serving families and athletes throughout the state.
The Sports Program Manager is a full-time, exempt position and a member of the SOKY Program/Sports Team that is responsible for coordinating a quality sports program that includes volunteer management & education and planning and coordinating competitive events. There will be some evening and weekend work including overnight travel.
Reports To: Sr.Director of Sports & Competition
Skills & Qualifications:
- Desire and/or passion for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Event Management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Demonstrated experience managing volunteer relationships at all levels.
- Engaging personality with excellent interpersonal skills a must.
- Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
- Proficient time management skills, attention to detail and proven written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, ability to plan and produce social media, understanding of data bases and desire & ability to learn additional software.
- Ability to work flexible hours that include evenings, weekends, and overnights.
- Some loading and lifting are required for events.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Assist in the planning, preparation and supervision of leagues, local qualifying events, Regional and State-level Games and Tournaments including Summer Games.
- Support Area-level Track & Field and Bowling Competitions.
- Work with the Program Team to provide educational materials to coaches and ensure coaches achieve and maintain their certifications.
- Achieve and maintain a good working knowledge of the Games Management System (GMS) and assist/manage the registration process for Games/Tournaments.
- Engage Sport Development Teams (SDT) as needed per sport season.
- Assist in the efforts to maintain SOKY Sport Manuals and online sport certification trainings for coaches ensuring they are up to date on rules, best practices, and relevant program information.
- Provide sports-related support and technical assistance to local programs.
- Stay current on rules and compliance with Special Olympics International rules at all levels of competition.
- Work with the Sports Program Team and SDT’s to develop training materials for coaches and develop relationships with sports organizations to improve the quality of coaching in the program.
- Help maintain data entry files for Coach Education ensuring accurate records for volunteers in the database.
- Represent SOKY at State and National meetings and conferences where appropriate.
- Work with the SOKY Director of Sports & Competitions to develop annual budgets.
- Work with the Sports/Program Team to provide articles/information for the bi-monthly SportsLine e-newsletter.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with the Director of Sports & Competition and perform other duties when assigned.
Special Olympics Kentucky offers a comprehensive compensation package including 100% coverage of employee health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance in addition to 401k employer contributions.
Special Olympics Kentucky, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals. Our personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 25 Sports Jobs in Kentucky
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Find Sports JobsSports Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Sports Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in sports jobs across Kentucky.
- Relevant certification such as NATA-BOC athletic trainer credential recognized in Kentucky
- Bachelor's degree in sports management, kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience in coaching, athletic administration, or sports operations
- CPR, AED, and first aid certification current and in good standing
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and event-based schedules as required
- Strong communication and team coordination skills for multi-department sports environments
Sports Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a sports professional in Kentucky?
The path depends on the specific role within sports. Athletic trainers must hold a current license from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, which requires passing the Board of Certification exam. Coaches and administrators typically need a relevant bachelor's degree and may pursue certifications through the National Federation of State High School Associations for K-12 roles. Strength and conditioning specialists often pursue NSCA or NASM credentials, both recognized by Kentucky employers.
Which companies hire sports professionals in Kentucky?
Employers hiring sports professionals in Kentucky right now include Live! Hospitality & Entertainment, The Sports Facilities Companies, and Upstream Rehabilitation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Kentucky's strong collegiate athletics culture means universities and community college athletic departments also represent a consistent and sizable share of openings statewide.
Which Kentucky cities have the most sports jobs?
Louisville, Frankfort, and Paducah lead Kentucky for sports job openings. Louisville drives volume through its professional sports scene, major event venues like the KFC Yum! Center, and the University of Louisville athletic program, while Lexington benefits from the University of Kentucky's large athletics department and a dense cluster of fitness, recreation, and youth sports organizations.
Are there remote sports jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. Most sports roles require on-site presence for coaching, athletic training, event operations, or facility management. About 0% of sports openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions tend to be in sports analytics, digital marketing for sports organizations, and back-office athletic administration rather than hands-on or game-day roles.
How can I get hired as a sports professional in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a graduate assistant or operations assistant role within a Kentucky university athletic department, where positions at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville regularly welcome candidates who are completing or have recently finished a degree. Internships with Kentucky high school athletic associations and local recreation commissions also provide a foundation. Earning a current CPR certification and a first-aid credential immediately broadens eligibility for entry-level coaching and fitness roles.
Where can I find and apply to sports jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to sports jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings across coaching, athletic training, sports administration, and related fields. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 25 Sports Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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