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Academic dean vs athletic director

The differences between academic deans and athletic directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an academic dean and an athletic director. Additionally, an academic dean has an average salary of $94,053, which is higher than the $71,311 average annual salary of an athletic director.

The top three skills for an academic dean include curriculum development, professional development and student services. The most important skills for an athletic director are student athletes, NCAA, and physical education.

Academic dean vs athletic director overview

Academic DeanAthletic Director
Yearly salary$94,053$71,311
Hourly rate$45.22$34.28
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs3,19011,759
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

What does an academic dean do?

Academic deans take a vital role in the development and advancement of education in a college or university. The dean may have different functions depending on the university, but mostly, academic deans focus on creating new strategies in providing education for students. It is the responsibility of the academic dean to ensure that the faculty conducts all educational practices. The academic dean also manages all faculty members' activities and works with drafting the university's curriculum.

What does an athletic director do?

An athletics director is an administrative professional who is responsible for managing all activities related to the athletic program of a school, university, or college. The director must ensure that the school follows athletic rules and regulations as well as provide direction and guidance for its athletic program. This director must work with coaches to file reports on the progress of each of the athletic teams. The director must also assist in hiring coaches and athletic staff and should mediate disputes between coaches and athletes.

Academic dean vs athletic director salary

Academic deans and athletic directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Academic DeanAthletic Director
Average salary$94,053$71,311
Salary rangeBetween $57,000 And $153,000Between $40,000 And $126,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAAlameda, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkCalifornia
Best paying companyDCP Holdings IncKern Community College District
Best paying industryEducationInsurance

Differences between academic dean and athletic director education

There are a few differences between an academic dean and an athletic director in terms of educational background:

Academic DeanAthletic Director
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBusinessKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Academic dean vs athletic director demographics

Here are the differences between academic deans' and athletic directors' demographics:

Academic DeanAthletic Director
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 45.0% Female, 55.0%Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 4.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 4.3% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between academic dean and athletic director duties and responsibilities

Academic dean example responsibilities.

  • Produce, manage and evaluate all budgetary and programmatic aspects of a comprehensive career service program for students and alumni.
  • Work cooperatively with other offices and student groups in the implementation of various campus-wide multicultural activities and other major events.
  • Create individualized educational plans for students desiring to study in English speaking countries.
  • Coordinate several courses which involve development of the departmental syllabus and managing development of the departmental final.

Athletic director example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage an athletic page on facebook.
  • Manage student transcripts, GPA, and credit verification according to school and CIF rules and regulations.
  • Manage facility schedules and oversee activities including league basketball and indoor soccer.
  • Lead project management team in development/execution of conferences and enduring CME -accredite programs.
  • Develop strategy to revamp locker rooms and improve high school athletic facilities including a new softball field and scoreboard for gym.
  • Provide athletes with injury prevention information: maintenance exercises, nutrition plans and resources, and develop rehabilitation and treatment protocols.
  • Show more

Academic dean vs athletic director skills

Common academic dean skills
  • Curriculum Development, 10%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Student Services, 5%
  • Student Learning, 5%
  • Academic Affairs, 5%
  • Program Directors, 4%
Common athletic director skills
  • Student Athletes, 15%
  • NCAA, 9%
  • Physical Education, 7%
  • Oversight, 6%
  • Athletic Events, 5%
  • Varsity Sports, 4%

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