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If you’ve searched for “Athletic Director job description,” you’ve probably come across dozens of copy-paste templates.
You know the kind:
Bullet points.
Buzzwords.
No personality.
And unfortunately, no insight into what actually attracts a great Athletic Director—someone who can lead programs, motivate student-athletes, and elevate your school or organization’s reputation.
Here’s the truth:
Generic job descriptions don’t attract high-performers. They attract checkbox applicants.
But if you want someone who leads with vision, understands team dynamics, and can manage both operations and people—your job post needs to do more than list duties. It needs to inspire.
In this guide, you’ll not only get a proven job description template—you’ll learn how to write a job post that actually connects with the kind of Athletic Director you want to hire.
Before we dive in, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It breaks down what makes job posts perform—and why most fail.
Let’s start by understanding what this role actually is.
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What An Athletic Director Actually Does - Their Roles
An Athletic Director isn’t just someone who schedules games or manages equipment.
They’re the person who sets the tone for your entire athletic program—balancing leadership, logistics, mentorship, and compliance. They oversee coaches, budgets, training, and facilities. But more importantly, they shape the experience of student-athletes, inspire teams, and help the organization live up to its values both on and off the field.
A great Athletic Director is part operations manager, part culture builder, part mentor—and 100% invested in the success and growth of their athletes and staff.
That’s why skills like communication, leadership, and vision matter just as much as experience in sports management or education administration.
Two Great Athletic Director Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Athletic Director
📌 Job Title: Athletic Director – Lead Our Student-Athletes to Excellence
📍 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
💼 Job Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: $78,000–$95,000 per year (Based on Experience)
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday | Occasional Evenings/Weekends
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Before you dive in, take 90 seconds to hear from our Superintendent about this opportunity and what we’re building together:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube video link here]
Who We Are
Summit Valley High School has been a cornerstone of athletics in Salt Lake City for over 30 years. We’re known not just for our championship banners, but for our deep commitment to personal growth, community involvement, and academic excellence. Our athletes go on to lead—in their sports, their careers, and their communities. Now, we’re looking for a seasoned Athletic Director who can continue that legacy—and take it even further.
What You’ll Do
As our Athletic Director, you’ll lead and oversee every aspect of the Summit Valley athletics program—from managing teams and staff to building relationships across the district. Your leadership will shape not just game-day outcomes, but the long-term culture of the department.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supervising and mentoring all coaching staff
- Overseeing practice, game, and travel logistics
- Managing budgets, purchasing, and resource allocation
- Ensuring compliance with UHSAA and district regulations
- Leading community outreach and parent engagement
- Coordinating facilities and sports safety initiatives
- Representing the school in athletic league and conference meetings
What We’re Looking For
- 3–5+ years of experience in athletic administration or coaching
- Strong leadership and team-building skills
- A clear understanding of high school sports regulations and budgeting
- Proven ability to manage staff and build strong relationships
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Sports Management, Education, or related field
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t just a desk job—it’s a leadership role with real influence.
You’ll shape a culture where student-athletes thrive, where coaches feel supported, and where the community rallies behind its teams. At Summit Valley, you’re not just running a program—you’re building a legacy.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Competitive salary with annual performance reviews
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Up to 20 PTO days plus 10 school holidays
- State pension and retirement plan
- Access to all home games and school events
- $1,200 yearly professional development budget
How to Apply
We value your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen to ensure a fair, skill-based hiring process.
Click below to complete your short evaluation and let us get to know you:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level or Willing-to-Train Athletic Director
📌 Job Title: Athletic Director – Entry-Level Opportunity for a Passionate Leader
📍 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
💼 Job Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: $55,000–$65,000 per year
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday | Some evenings for events
🎥 Watch This First
Get a quick message from our Principal about our team, our values, and what we’re looking for in our next Athletic Director:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube video link here]
Who We Are
Eastlake Prep Academy is a growing charter school focused on academic excellence, inclusion, and leadership development. Our athletics program plays a big part in our mission—building character, discipline, and community pride. We’ve seen firsthand how sports can transform lives, and now we’re looking for an Athletic Director who shares that belief and wants to grow with us.
What You’ll Be Doing
We know leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about energy, care, and commitment. That’s why we’re open to individuals with passion and drive, even if they don’t check every traditional box.
Day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Supporting coaches with scheduling, equipment, and field use
- Helping coordinate transportation and game-day logistics
- Assisting in budget tracking and inventory management
- Ensuring compliance with conference rules and safety policies
- Learning from senior staff and growing into the role
- Helping build relationships with parents and local teams
What You Bring
- Excellent communication and coordination skills
- Any background in coaching, team leadership, or school athletics
- A growth mindset and willingness to take initiative
- High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’re passionate about youth sports, motivated by mentorship, and eager to step into a leadership role—you’ll thrive here. At Eastlake Prep, we invest in our people. You’ll be surrounded by a team that wants you to grow, and a school that values your contribution from day one.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Salary with annual growth opportunities
- 100% employer-paid health and dental insurance
- 15 days PTO, plus school breaks and holidays
- Ongoing mentorship from senior leadership
- On-the-job training and free certification support
- Year-round access to athletic facilities and fitness perks
How to Apply
We believe in evaluating candidates on potential—not just past roles.
Click below to complete your brief WorkScreen application and show us what you’re capable of.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Athletic Director Job Posts Work
Let’s walk through why these job descriptions aren’t just informative—they’re effective.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of a generic “Athletic Director” label, each title adds context:
- “Lead Our Student-Athletes to Excellence”
- “Entry-Level Opportunity for a Passionate Leader”
This immediately tells candidates who the role is for and why it matters. Specific, meaningful titles attract the right people and filter out those just skimming.
✅ 2. They Start With a Human, Mission-Driven Intro
The posts don’t open with a cold summary of tasks. They start with a warm, values-driven overview of the organization and why the role is important.
Summit Valley’s post highlights legacy and leadership.
Eastlake Prep’s post emphasizes growth, transformation, and potential.
This gives the role emotional weight and signals the kind of environment a candidate would step into.
✅ 3. Each Post Includes a Personal Video Element
Adding a short Loom or YouTube video helps candidates connect with the school’s leadership—before applying. It adds trust, transparency, and a human touch that most job descriptions miss.
This small addition goes a long way in helping candidates feel like they’re not just applying into a void.
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Tell a Story, Not Just Tasks
Rather than dumping a list of vague duties, these posts explain what the Athletic Director actually does—and how it contributes to the school community.
Phrases like:
- “You’ll shape a culture where student-athletes thrive”
- “You’ll lead not just programs, but people”
…create meaning and connection, helping great candidates envision themselves in the role.
✅ 5. The Hiring Process Is Clear and Respectful
By mentioning WorkScreen, the application process feels modern, fair, and efficient. It shows the school respects the applicant’s time and effort—and that there’s structure behind the process.
Instead of the dreaded “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” you have:
“We’ll keep you updated at every stage.”
That alone sets a job post apart in today’s market.
✅ 6. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Is Its Own Section
Instead of folding this into other paragraphs, the posts clearly explain what makes the opportunity rewarding:
- Mentorship
- Leadership growth
- Real influence on school culture
This turns the job post into a pitch—which is exactly what it should be.
✅ 7. Perks and Benefits Are Clearly Listed
Both job descriptions include tangible, candidate-focused benefits—from healthcare and PTO to training support and development budgets. Listing these plainly helps candidates self-select and trust that the employer is serious about team care.
Example of a Bad Athletic Director Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Let’s look at the kind of job post that repels great candidates—and break down why it falls flat.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Athletic Director
Company: Riverside High School
Job Type: Full-Time
Deadline: August 31, 2025
Job Summary:
Riverside High School seeks a full-time Athletic Director to manage its athletic programs. The Athletic Director will coordinate sports schedules, supervise coaches, and ensure compliance with school policies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all athletic events
- Schedule practices and games
- Ensure equipment is ordered
- Maintain league compliance
- Supervise staff
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- 3 years of experience
- Strong communication skills
How to Apply:
Please send your résumé and cover letter to admin@riversidehs.edu by August 31, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just saying “Athletic Director” offers no context, no inspiration, and no hook. It could apply to any school, anywhere.
2. The Introduction Is Cold and Flat
There’s no mission, no story, and no reason why this role exists. The summary reads like a formality, not an opportunity.
3. There’s No Mention of Culture or Community
A job post should help candidates picture what it’s like to be part of the school’s team—but this one skips that entirely. No tone. No values. No vibe.
4. No Salary or Perks Mentioned
Transparency matters. Leaving out compensation signals either disorganization or a lack of respect for the candidate’s time. And in competitive roles, it drives away high-quality applicants.
5. The Responsibilities Are Vague and Boring
“Oversee all athletic events” and “supervise staff” could mean anything. These phrases don’t give candidates a real feel for their daily life—or the impact they’d have.
6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” sounds outdated and disrespectful. It’s the kind of message that pushes thoughtful, high-effort applicants to apply elsewhere.
7. The Call to Action Is Cold and Transactional
There’s no warmth, no encouragement, no human touch. Just “send your résumé.” In today’s hiring climate, that’s not enough.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Description Stand Out
Even if your job post has all the right sections, small details can still make a huge difference. These extra touches help build trust, show candidates you care, and make your opportunity feel more human and professional.
Here are a few advanced tips to elevate your Athletic Director job description even further:
✅ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Candidates are more cautious than ever—especially when applying online. A simple sentence can help build credibility and show you take applicant safety seriously.
Example:
“We take the privacy and security of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.”
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Candidates want to know they’ll have time to rest and recharge. If your school or district offers any kind of leave policy or PTO, include it clearly.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 20 paid time off days per year, plus school holidays and seasonal breaks.”
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training and Growth Opportunities
This is especially powerful if you’re hiring for potential or want long-term commitment. Candidates want to grow, not just “fill a role.”
Example:
“We offer on-the-job training and professional development support, including conference access and certification programs.”
✅ Tip 4: Add a Loom or YouTube Video
A short video from your principal, superintendent, or athletic team helps humanize your school and stand out in a sea of text-based listings. It also builds trust and gets candidates excited.
Where to place it: Just before the “Who We Are” section in the job description.
Pro tip: Even a 60–90 second webcam video with a sincere message can dramatically improve applicant engagement.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Let’s be honest: AI tools are everywhere now.
Platforms like Workable, Manatal, and even ChatGPT offer “1-click” job description generators. Sounds convenient, right?
But here’s the problem:
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
If you just tell an AI tool,
“Write a job description for an Athletic Director,”
…it’ll spit out something that sounds polished—but empty. It’ll be packed with buzzwords, vague phrases, and recycled content from the internet. You’ll end up with something that sounds like every other post out there.
The result?
You’ll attract the wrong applicants—people applying to everything, not people inspired by your school, your mission, or your team.
And worse, it makes your organization feel generic when you’re anything but.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI (If You Use It at All)
If you’re going to use AI to help shape a job post, give it real ingredients to work with.
Here’s a better prompt:
“Help me write a job post for our school, Eastlake Prep Academy.
We’re hiring an Athletic Director to lead and grow our student sports program.
Our culture is supportive, growth-focused, and student-led.
We’re looking for someone who communicates well, cares about student development, and can balance operations with mentorship.
We offer competitive pay, great benefits, leadership support, and PTO.
Here’s our hiring process and a few notes I’ve written to get started [paste notes here]…”
Feed the AI your actual voice and real details—not just the job title.
Then, instead of having AI do all the writing, let it help you refine your draft, clarify ideas, and polish your message.
🧠 Bottom Line
AI can be a helpful tool—but it’s not a shortcut.
If you want to attract high-quality, mission-aligned applicants, you need a job post that actually reflects your culture, your values, and your team.
Let AI support your writing—not replace your thinking.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
Need a Quick Job Description You Can Post Right Away?
We get it. Sometimes you just need a fast, solid starting point—something you can copy, paste, and tweak in minutes.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Culture-First, Conversational Style
📌 Job Title: Athletic Director – Build a Legacy Through Leadership
📍 Location: [Location]
💼 Job Type: [Job Type]
💰 Salary: [Salary Range]
🎥 Watch This First
Get a short message from our leadership team about what this role means to us:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is more than a place to play—it’s a place to grow. We believe athletics shape character, build community, and inspire leadership. We’re looking for an Athletic Director who shares that belief—and wants to lead a program that makes a lasting impact.
What You’ll Do
As Athletic Director, you’ll oversee all aspects of our sports program—from managing coaches to coordinating schedules to championing student-athletes. This is a hands-on leadership role where mentorship, operational excellence, and culture-building go hand in hand.
What You Bring
- 3–5+ years in athletics, coaching, or administration
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Experience managing people and programs
- Knowledge of compliance standards and safety protocols
- A leadership mindset and deep care for students
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This role is for someone who wants to lead from the front—someone who thrives on building great teams, mentoring student-athletes, and working closely with coaches, staff, and families.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off + school holidays
- Professional development and certification support
- Access to all school athletic events
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to ensure a fair, skill-based hiring process.
Click below to complete your structured evaluation and show us what you bring:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🧩 Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Athletic Director
Location: [Location]
Job Type: [Job Type]
Salary Range: [Salary Range]
🎥 Message From Our Team
Watch a brief video introduction from our hiring manager to get a feel for who we are and what we’re looking for:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we believe in the power of athletics to transform lives. Our sports programs are built around teamwork, discipline, and growth. We’re hiring an Athletic Director who’s ready to support our coaches, inspire our students, and help us build a program we’re proud of.
Job Brief:
We’re looking for an Athletic Director to oversee, develop, and lead our athletic department. You’ll supervise coaches, manage logistics and budgets, and create a positive, inclusive environment for student-athletes.
Responsibilities:
- Manage daily operations of all athletic programs
- Coordinate schedules, transportation, and event planning
- Supervise and support coaching staff
- Oversee budgeting, purchasing, and compliance
- Represent the school in athletic associations and conferences
- Maintain communication with parents and community partners
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Sports Management or related field
- 3+ years in coaching or sports program administration
- Leadership and team management experience
- Strong planning, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with athletic compliance standards and safety practices
Perks and Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- PTO and holiday leave
- Professional development and training support
- Access to school athletic events and facilities
- Opportunities for long-term growth and leadership
How to Apply:
We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants based on real skills—not just résumés.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step of Hiring
Writing a great job post is just the beginning. If you want to attract top talent and avoid hiring mistakes, your evaluation process needs to be just as thoughtful.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly Identify Your Best Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Test Real-World Skills in Just One Click
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate Low-Effort, Low-Intent Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
→ Sign Up With WorkScreen today and start hiring smarter.
If you’re tired of second-guessing your hiring decisions and want a faster, fairer way to evaluate applicants…
👉 [Insert Call-to-Action Link Here]
Frequently Asked Questions - Athletic Director Job Description
Beyond experience, the most effective Athletic Directors share a mix of leadership and operational skills. Look for:
- Strategic leadership: Can they build long-term vision across multiple sports?
- People management: Are they able to lead, mentor, and resolve conflicts among coaching staff?
- Organizational skills: Can they handle logistics, scheduling, and compliance without letting things fall through the cracks?
- Communication: Do they engage effectively with athletes, parents, school leadership, and the broader community?
- Decision-making under pressure: Can they adapt quickly when plans change or problems arise?
- Emotional intelligence: Especially when working with students, this is critical for building trust and respect.
In the U.S., high school Athletic Directors typically earn between $60,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on the school size, location, and experience level.
- Smaller schools or entry-level roles may start around $55,000.
- Larger public school districts or private institutions can offer salaries in the $90,000–$100,000+ range.
Remember to include benefits, professional development, and school-year schedules when evaluating total compensation.
Not always. Some schools prefer candidates who have been teachers or coaches, especially if the role includes classroom responsibilities. However, for standalone administrative positions, a strong background in athletics leadership and program management is often more important than classroom experience.
Most Athletic Director roles require a bachelor’s degree, often in Sports Management, Education, or a related field.
Some states or districts may also require:
- Teaching certification (especially if the AD teaches part-time)
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Administrative or leadership credentials (in some public school systems)
Certifications from groups like the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) can also boost credibility.
A Head Coach typically leads a single team or sport.
An Athletic Director oversees all sports programs at a school or institution. They manage coaches, budgets, logistics, and compliance for the full athletic department—not just one team.
Think of the Athletic Director as the program leader, while coaches handle the day-to-day training of individual teams.
