Successful collegiate athletic programs require guidance and management. A qualified athletic administrator works behind the scenes, making sure that things run smoothly. This position is often a high-pressure job, depending on the size of the school. The size of the school, the conference, and the location within the country also contribute to the differences that may be seen in salary and benefits. A degree in athletic administration is required and there are various ways to complete the necessary training so that you can accomplish your goal of becoming an athletic administrator.
Degree Programs
A degree program that allows the participant to train for a career as an athletic administrator can be accomplished either through a traditional on-campus program or through an online program like Ohio University’s online Master’s in Athletic Administration. A successful program will provide training in programming, management, leadership, policy, ethics, and many other topics related to directing an athletic program. These types of programs take about two years to complete and may require some in-person training to truly be immersed in the program.
Nature of the Work
As an athletic administrator, you will work with athletes, communities, and other collegiate employees. The competition for positions at big schools is fierce. The administrator will work to create effective athletic departments, successful teams, and help student athletes achieve their goals. They will also have to work with budgets and pressure from outside sources. Hiring coaches, disciplining athletes and employees and marketing the program are other job requirements that make this position somewhat challenging.
Salary
The average salary of athletic administrators at the college level was $86,490 a year in 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Administrators working for Division 1 schools can expect even higher salaries.
Job Outlook
The rate of growth for jobs in athletic administration is about average through 2018. When someone lands a good job as an athletic administrator, they tend to stay with it for a long time, leading to a low turnover rate. Competition for jobs is strong but positions are available as campuses grow and collegiate programs expand.
A professional and highly trained athletic director is necessary to accomplish the goals of a successful athletic program. Every program needs someone behind the scenes to develop and manage a sports organization. Making sure that you understand the ethics and responsibilities associated with your program is important. Getting a degree in athletic administration through a quality education program is the first step in realizing your goal of becoming an athletic administrator.
