ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

An Associate Athletic Director is a senior administrator in a college or university athletics department. The role spans a wide ownership territory: budget authority, staff supervision, NCAA or NJCAA compliance oversight, and sport administration for assigned varsity programs. No single functional lane defines it. What makes it demanding is the constant requirement to hold institutional accountability, regulatory literacy across Title IX and Equity in Athletics reporting, and direct service to student-athletes — all at once, within a governance structure that changes annually.

As the Associate Athletic Director, you ensure the operational, financial, and compliance functions of a varsity athletics department run with accuracy and institutional integrity, serving as a direct resource to coaches, staff, and student-athletes across assigned programs. The position sits within senior athletics administration, collaborates closely with the Director of Athletics, and carries authority over personnel decisions, budget oversight, and regulatory reporting obligations.

Career Impact: Holding a compliance and operations portfolio that spans NCAA Bylaws, Title IX, and the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act builds the kind of institutional credibility that advances careers toward Athletic Director roles.

Business Impact: Student-athlete eligibility, fiscal year accuracy, and accreditation-related reporting depend directly on the decisions this role makes, making its output visible at the dean and trustee level.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to sport administration across multiple varsity programs, combined with senior management committee membership, expands both functional scope and readiness for director-level advancement.

• Lead daily administrative operations of the athletics department, including staff supervision, policy review, and interdepartmental communication.
• Oversee fiscal management across revenue verification, budget projections, payroll processing, and vendor contract negotiation for assigned programs.
• Administer NCAA or NJCAA compliance functions, including rules education, eligibility certification, violation investigation, and regulatory reporting.
• Coordinate all intercollegiate event operations, including game-day logistics, facility scheduling, staffing, and settlement preparation.
• Serve as sport administrator for assigned varsity programs, providing direct oversight of coaching staff and team travel coordination.
• Direct capital improvement projects, facility maintenance planning, and equipment management across athletics venues.
• Support student-athlete development through tutoring program administration, DEI initiatives, SAAC liaison duties, and academic-athletics scheduling coordination.
• Compile and submit required institutional reports, including NCAA Graduation Rates, Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act filings, and annual financial audits.

• Bachelor's degree in sports administration, business, accounting, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Four or more years of experience in collegiate athletics administration, with responsibility spanning operations, compliance, or business functions.
• Working knowledge of NCAA or NJCAA Bylaws, including eligibility certification, recruiting regulations, and institutional control requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, processing payroll, and overseeing procurement within a university or athletics department setting.
• Supervisory experience with the ability to hire, train, evaluate, and direct full-time and part-time staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to advise coaches, administrators, and student-athletes on complex compliance or operational matters.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities, meet regulatory deadlines, and maintain accuracy across compliance and financial reporting obligations.

• Master's degree in sports management, business administration, accounting, or a directly related field.
• Experience administering Title IX programs, Gender Equity Committee work, or DEI initiatives within a varsity athletics context.
• Prior involvement in NCAA Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act reporting, Sports Sponsorship filings, or Institutional Self-Study Guide preparation.
• Fundraising experience, including alumni relations, donor club management, or athletics-specific development campaigns.

• NCAA or NJCAA compliance audit outcomes, measured by absence of major violations in assigned reporting cycles.
• Eligibility certification accuracy rate, reflecting completeness and timeliness of student-athlete certification submissions.
• Budget variance against fiscal year projections, tracking how closely managed accounts stay within approved allocations.
• Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act filing completion rate, measuring on-time and accurate submission to the Department of Education.
• Event settlement accuracy, reflecting the percentage of intercollegiate event financials closed without revision.
• Typical tools: Athletic administration platforms (commonly ARMS or Workday); productivity suites (commonly Microsoft Office including Excel and SAP-based reporting).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $85,000 annually, varying by institution size and scope.
• Bonus: Merit-based supplemental compensation offered at some institutions; not universal.
• Equity: Not typically offered in higher education athletics administration roles.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard; university employee plans apply.
• PTO: 15 to 22 days annually, plus institutional holidays and winter recess at many campuses.
• Common Perks: Tuition remission for employee or dependents, athletics event access, and professional development funding for NCAA or NACDA conference attendance.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the performance of job duties, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. A background check is required prior to a final offer of employment. Candidates must hold current work authorization in the United States at the time of application.

The Associate Athletic Director owns the daily business and administrative operations of a university Athletics department, overseeing payroll, fiscal reporting, vendor contracts, and capital projects for 80 staff members. Reporting to the Director of Athletics and collaborating with department heads and coaching staff, this role ensures accurate revenue and expenditure management across all varsity programs, directly supporting the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of Assistant Business Manager and Athletics Front Office Manager, with indirect supervision of remaining department administrative staff.
• Manage daily operations of the Athletics Main Office and serve as sport administrator for various varsity athletic programs, including direct supervision of coaches, oversight of teams, and coordination of team travel.
• Facilitate transfer of ideas and open communication between senior and non-senior athletics staff; oversee and verify all departmental revenue and expenditures from origination to posting.
• Manage all full-time and part-time payroll, including personnel correspondence, appointment letters, and electronic payroll documents for 80 staff members; advise staff on human resource issues and senior staff on hiring practices.
• Manage development of general funds and salary budget projections with the Director of Athletics for fiscal year proposals; oversee ticket sales, concessions, and website updates.
• Conduct research and compile data for annual tax report, NCAA Report, and Department of Education Equity in Athletics Report.
• Coordinate and monitor minor and major capital projects with Associate Director of Athletics/Facilities & Events; manage preseason operations including Housing and Dining.
• Negotiate contracts with outside vendors and oversee Equipment Room staff and responsibilities; review and update policies as appropriate.
• Coordinate staff flow-chart responsibilities with the Director and serve as liaison between coaching staff and department heads on scheduling, procurement, and problem-solving.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree in Business or Accounting preferred.
• Five years of experience in a business or accounting field required; collegiate varsity athletics experience preferred; applicants completing their final academic semester/quarter are eligible for consideration.
• Prior human resource management, supervisory, and management experience preferred.
• Strong grasp of accounting procedures and familiarity with university accounting processes including check requisitions, purchasing, and invoices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, SAP, and Analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, competitive athletics environment.

Embedded within the athletics department, the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations leads alumni and sponsor relationship development through the Aviator Club to build sustainable revenue streams for the department. Working closely with the Director of Athletics and Faculty Athletics Advisory Committee, this role advances long-range strategic planning, fundraising initiatives, and game-day operations across all home athletic contests.

Core Functions

• Develop Aviator Club relationships with alumni, business sponsors, and other constituents to create a revenue stream for the department.
• Support and guide athletic staff, reporting all issues to the Director of Athletics.
• Assist with all athletic department staff changes, including hiring and dismissal of coaches, support positions, administration, and student-workers.
• Oversee all home athletic contest planning, game management, and game promotions including game-day operations, media, security, and events.
• Assist with fundraising, facilities project development, and coordination of special fundraising projects as approved by the Director of Athletics.
• Assist in the development of the athletic department's long-range strategic plan, department goals, and scholarship goals.
• Represent the athletic department on the Faculty Athletics Advisory Committee; assist with meeting sites and agenda development.
• Assist in annual fiscal year budget planning and maintain organized active membership of the Aviator Club.
• Attend MIAA Conference and NCAA meetings as requested; complete all University-required trainings including Title IX and FERPA.
• Invest in professional growth through educational programs, literature, workshops, and in-service meetings.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in college athletics related to the specified duties and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in athletic management and fundraising; understanding of University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of planning, scheduling, and organizing resources to establish priorities; ability to coordinate meetings and special events.
• Ability to lead and train staff and students; ability to provide conflict resolution for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare effective written materials including correspondence and reports; must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across a diverse community.

Reporting to the Athletics Director, the Associate Athletics Director leads programming, training, and student-athlete life initiatives across health and wellness, academic affairs, and career development while serving as SAAC liaison and chair of the Athletics DEI Committee. Partnering with campus stakeholders and the Babson Athletics staff, this role strengthens the holistic student experience and advances departmental diversity, equity, and inclusion goals across all varsity programs.

Primary Duties

• Create and administer programs promoting development, leadership, and well-being of student-athletes, and extend programming and training to coaches and staff.
• Collaborate with campus resources on health and wellness, academic affairs, housing/dining, and career development as they intersect with varsity athletic participation.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), providing administrative oversight, leading dialogues, scheduling speakers, and supporting student-led initiatives.
• Manage the Athletics Tutor Program, including hiring, training, and assigning tutors, and routinely check in to ensure appropriate support and resolve issues.
• Serve as Chair of the Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and as Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee (ADID).
• Administer student-athlete feedback forms and surveys; analyze data trends to enact departmental enhancements in collaboration with Athletics staff and campus stakeholders.
• Assist in planning and production of special events, speaker series, and forums; identify and catalogue departmental and team-based community service activities.
• Assist with scheduling conflicts between first-year orientation and Athletics participation; serve on committees at the Athletics Director's request.
• Contribute to strategic planning by proposing, implementing, and assessing short and long-term departmental goals; manage and stay within assigned budgets.

Skills & Qualifications

• At least 6–8 years of related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of advising students and leadership/personal development training.
• Thorough knowledge of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint) and proficiency with web-based platforms such as ARMS and Workday.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills; ability to interface effectively with students, coaches, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Strong organizational and supervisory skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, anticipate deadlines, and coordinate work with others.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging for a diverse community.

Sitting at the intersection of facilities management and intercollegiate athletics, the Associate Athletic Director for Operations serves as a senior administration member and liaison for all new facility construction, upgrades, and renovations within the Department of Athletics. Operating across event management, capital improvement oversight, sport administration for at least two sports, and supervision of the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations, this role enables consistent venue readiness and revenue growth across all intercollegiate programs.

Duties

• Manage intercollegiate events with emphasis on customer experience, logistics, scheduling, staff supervision and training, and event setup and breakdown.
• Oversee budget and purchasing related to event operations and develop revenue-generating activities relative to facility use.
• Manage capital improvements, maintenance, and athletics projects, including oversight of annual written maintenance plans and equipment needs.
• Oversee scheduling of facilities and all technological needs including scoreboards, shot clocks, and videoboards.
• Serve as sport administrator for at least two sports and oversee ticket sales strategy, media services, and marketing and fan engagement.
• Oversee Athletics maintenance coordination for all athletic facilities including the Basketball Arena, Baseball and Softball Fields, Soccer Facility, and Indoor Track Facility.
• Meet with vendors; direct purchasing for facility maintenance products and equipment to minimize costs; serve as liaison with Physical Plant and outside contractors.
• Supervise the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations; hire, train, and supervise student event staff; prepare event settlements.
• Assist in preparation and administration of the annual budget and prepare annual reports as needed.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university required; Master's degree preferred.
• Four to five years of experience in athletic facility operations, including at least one year of supervisory and coordinative experience, or equivalent combination.
• Supervisory experience with the ability to hire, train, and oversee staff.
• General knowledge of League and NCAA policies and regulations pertaining to athletics operations and event management.
• Ability to develop policies and procedures related to facility operations; ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, and construction documents.
• Proficiency in time management, organizational, and communication skills; self-directed, innovative, and strong problem-solving ability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work scheduled hours including nights and weekends; ability to work in outdoor weather conditions and move equipment up to 50 pounds.

A key member of the senior athletics management team, the Associate Athletic Director builds and maintains a comprehensive NCAA compliance program covering rules education, eligibility certification, violation investigation, and reporting across nineteen varsity teams. Collaborating with university administration, conference offices, academic advising, and the Gender Equity Committee, this role ensures institutional control and supports student-athlete academic and life balance initiatives.

Functions

• Coordinate and deliver NCAA, conference, and institutional rules education for student-athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives of athletics interests; provide follow-up advising to individuals found in violation.
• Administer student-athlete guidelines, Drug Test Consent, and required NCAA forms; research and investigate suspected rule violations and recommend appropriate penalties.
• Develop, monitor, and communicate compliance policies and procedures; provide written and oral guidance to all university stakeholders on NCAA rules; prepare reports and direct corrective actions.
• Represent the University at conferences and NCAA meetings; work closely with national and conference offices on Bylaws; monitor recruiting logs and scheduling compliance.
• Coordinate all NCAA appeals; educate and monitor regulations governing camps and clinics; conduct compliance system audits; work with campus offices on eligibility certification.
• Oversee compilation and reporting of NCAA Graduation Rates, Sports Sponsorship, financial audits, Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act, and Institutional Self-Study Guide.
• Serve as administrator for select varsity sports; manage budgeting and approval of expenditures for assigned teams; support Gender Equity Committee, Title IX education, and student-athlete life balance initiatives.
• Serve as member of the senior management team and Compliance Committee; ensure Student-athlete Handbook and Operations & Compliance Manual are current.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience working with academic advising, eligibility certification, and student-athlete life balance programs.
• NCAA compliance experience with thorough knowledge of NCAA Bylaws, conference rules, Title IX, and gender equity and diversity compliance requirements.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to advise and educate a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple compliance functions simultaneously.
• Commitment to professional development and proactive engagement with rule changes and institutional policy updates.

Associate Athletic Director delivers supervision of head coaches, fundraising execution, and facilities management for an NJCAA Division II athletics program at Bryant & Stratton College - Wisconsin, reporting directly to the Athletic Director. The work directly supports the safety, compliance, and competitive readiness of all athletic teams across practice and game operations on campus.

Accountabilities

• Supervise several head coaches and all aspects of their programs.
• Organize and execute all aspects of fundraising for the Athletic department.
• Work with all coaches on securing and managing practice and game facilities for all teams.
• Manage the campus weight room, including staffing, scheduling, and coordination with coaches on team practices.
• Oversee the campus laundry and equipment room, including storage of all athletic equipment.
• Become knowledgeable of all NJCAA rules including student-athlete eligibility requirements and ensure compliance across the department.
• Supervise staff and student-athletes while traveling to ensure safety and professional conduct as representatives of the College.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required; head coaching experience and management experience preferred.
• First aid/CPR certification is a plus.
• Fundraising experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with NJCAA rules, regulations, and compliance is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, planning, and leadership skills required.
• Must be able to serve as a positive role model for young adults.
• Clean driving record preferred.