How to hire an assistant athletic director

How to hire an assistant athletic director, step by step

Here's a step-by-step assistant athletic director hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an assistant athletic director job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new assistant athletic director
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an assistant athletic director do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an assistant athletic director, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect assistant athletic director also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of assistant athletic directors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Assistant Athletic Director	Description	Hourly rate
   Assistant Athletic Director	Recreation workers design and lead recreational and leisure activities for groups in volunteer agencies or recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, parks, camps, aquatic centers, and senior centers. They may lead activities such as arts and crafts, dance, sports, adventure programs, music, and camping.	$17-63
   Group Leader	A group leader is responsible for overseeing and distributing fair tasks to the members, ensuring clear instructions and procedures. Group leaders are mainly the ones leading the team towards their success... Show more	$27-83
   Program Lead	A program lead is responsible for managing a business program's operation from its conceptualization to implementation. Program leads must have excellent communication and researching skills to monitor current industry trends, adjusting program techniques and strategies to meet society's demands... Show more	$28-82

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Student-Athletes
   • Oversight
   • Ncaa Compliance
   • Alumni
   • Athletic Events
   • Financial Aid
   • Athletic Program
   • Varsity Sports
   • Softball
   • Event Management
   • Professional Development
   • Volleyball
   • Soccer
   • Physical Education

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Apply, manage and instruct patients on the use and care of orthopedic appliances such as splints and braces.
   • Announce for cross country meets, baseball, softball, soccer, and women's basketball games.
   • Organize, schedule and secure score keepers and officials for adult industrial and open basketball, softball and volleyball leagues.
   • Coach the women's volleyball team that include game day coaching, practice preparation and recruitment of student athletes.
   • Play games with kids such as football, soccer, kickball, basketball, and other school relate activities.
   • Provide aid in background screening and oversee a staff of part-time employees, teen volunteers and summer camp counselors.

   More assistant athletic director duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your assistant athletic director job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An assistant athletic director salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, assistant athletic directors' average salary in louisiana is 61% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level assistant athletic directors earn 72% less than senior-level assistant athletic directors.
   • Certifications. An assistant athletic director with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an assistant athletic director's salary.

   Average assistant athletic director salary

   $70,392yearly

   $33.84 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level assistant athletic director salary

   $37,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 22, 2026

   Average assistant athletic director salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$99,671	$48
   2	Mississippi	$98,371	$47
   3	Oregon	$91,107	$44
   4	New York	$90,845	$44
   5	Colorado	$90,507	$44
   6	Massachusetts	$90,000	$43
   7	Idaho	$88,118	$42
   8	North Carolina	$85,274	$41
   9	Pennsylvania	$75,449	$36
   10	Florida	$72,967	$35
   11	Maryland	$72,612	$35
   12	Michigan	$70,733	$34
   13	New Mexico	$70,144	$34
   14	Texas	$68,978	$33
   15	Virginia	$68,653	$33
   16	Ohio	$68,313	$33
   17	Illinois	$68,035	$33
   18	South Carolina	$67,801	$33
   19	Nebraska	$67,142	$32
   20	Iowa	$61,386	$30

   Average assistant athletic director salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Commonwealth	$89,095	$42.83	1
   2	Stanford University	$85,573	$41.14	10
   3	University of California-Berkeley	$83,696	$40.24	2
   4	Santa Clara University	$82,639	$39.73
   5	Stephens College	$82,556	$39.69
   6	Boston College	$82,466	$39.65	1
   7	The City University of New York	$82,439	$39.63
   8	Chicago State University	$81,216	$39.05
   9	University of Massachusetts Boston	$80,236	$38.58
   10	St. Lawrence University	$79,975	$38.45
   11	UC Santa Barbara	$78,931	$37.95
   12	University of California	$78,227	$37.61	5
   13	University Of Minnesota Physicians	$77,767	$37.39
   14	University of Southern California	$76,200	$36.63	6
   15	San Francisco University High School	$76,047	$36.56	1
   16	State University of New York College at Cortland	$75,368	$36.23
   17	Loyola Marymount University	$74,388	$35.76
   18	SUNY Erie	$74,294	$35.72
   19	Colorado State Express	$74,244	$35.69
   20	University of Nevada, Reno	$74,035	$35.59

4. Writing an assistant athletic director job description

   An assistant athletic director job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an assistant athletic director job description:

   Assistant athletic director job description example

   The department of Athletics at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Compliance.
   About the Opportunity
   
   This position assists the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Governance and Compliance with the oversight, monitoring and administration of the rules compliance program to ensure compliance with all aspects of NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletic operations.
   
   We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
   
   * 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
   * 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
   * 18 sick days per year, and the flexibility to use that time to care for immediate family members
   * WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
   * 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
   * Wellness programs
   
   What You'll Do
   
   * Research and provide rules' interpretations for athletic department staff members, including researching questions regarding NCAA rules presented by coaching staff, athletic administrators, and personnel from other departments.
   * Serve as the primary administrator to all ARMS services. Provide training and support for all student-athletes, coaches and administrators.
   * Manage all student-athlete information to assist in the certification process administered through the Office of the Registrar.
   * Administer and monitor all student-athlete complimentary admission requests and coaching staff member complimentary admissions for home and away contests in conjunction with the Ticket Manager.
   * Monitor all CARA (Countable Athletically Related Activities) and RARA (Required Athletically Related Activities) including but not limited to verification with coaches, student-athletes, strength and conditioning staff, student-athlete development staff and attending practices.
   * Administer and monitor all student-athlete time demand legislation including but not limited to oversight of student-athlete time management plans.
   * Assist in monitoring all recruiting activity including but not limited to telephone calls, text messages, contacts and evaluations, recruiting person days, recruiting calendars for all sports, official visits and unofficial visits.
   * Manage donation and autographed memorabilia requests.
   * Monitor all student-athlete employment.
   * Assist in the administration of the High-Profile Student-Athlete Educational and Monitoring Program including but not limited to monitoring social media and student-athlete expenses.
   * Monitor the issuance of all football sideline passes as identified through the MAC, Varsity Club and coaching staffs.
   * Assist in monitoring camps/clinics for all sports.
   * Author and distribute the monthly compliance newsletter.
   * Maintain the interpretations database and research rule interpretations for athletic department staff members regarding NCAA rules presented by coaching staff, athletic administrators and personnel from other departments.
   * Assist with the investigation and reporting of all NCAA violations with the Associate Athletic Director for Governance and Compliance and NCAA.
   * Draft financial, statistical, narrative, and/or other reports as requested.
   * Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Governance and Compliance.
   * Report directly to the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Governance and Compliance; must also work closely with all others involved with carrying out the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletic program.
   * Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations. Keep abreast of current information and changes in NCAA legislation.
   * Maintain knowledge of and comply with all rules, regulations, policies and guidelines of West Virginia University, the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA; must adhere to NCAA Bylaw 11.1 Conduct of Athletic Personnel. Failure to adhere to these policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action including possible suspension and termination.
   * Represent the University on the highest professional level with dignity, integrity, and strength of character and will exhibit ethical behavior; must respect the rights and dignity of individuals with sensitivity to problems that may arise from racial and ethnical differences.
   * Demonstrate a cooperative attitude towards all sports within the intercollegiate athletic program.
   * Possess the ability to adapt to any situation, make decisions and work independently; position must have the ability to build and maintain relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff members and contractors; required to use creative abilities to develop new techniques and approaches in dealing with many issues controlled by this position; responsibilities of the position are ever-changing and require constant research and education. It also requires the ability to adapt to any situation and make decisions.
   * Manage sensitive and confidential information related to student-athletes, coaches and staff utilizing discretion and correct decisions. Failure to use proper discretion at required level could result in major and significant embarrassment to the University and/or have a significant impact on image, revenues and eligibility of student-athletes.
   * Manage professional and personal time to be handle time sensitive-issues, tight deadlines, extended hours beyond the normal workday, weekend work, regular travel in-season and on-call availability.
   * Faithfully and diligently execute related duties of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as requested or assigned by the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Governance and Compliance.
   * A Master's degree preferably in sports administration/management.
   * A minimum of two (2) years of experience involving:
   * Experience in NCAA rules compliance or participation as a NCAA Division I student-athlete.
   * Strong working knowledge of NCAA regulations and guidelines and ability to apply and enforce those rules.
   * Experience as a graduate assistant is acceptable.
   
   * Maintain high standard of ethics and integrity related to intercollegiate athletics.
   * Demonstrated knowledge of Division I (FBS) intercollegiate athletics.
   * Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA and conference guidelines, policies, rules and regulations with the ability to interpret, apply, enforce and explain such policies and rules.
   * Maintain knowledge of state and University policies and procedures.
   * Exhibit strong creative, organizational and interpersonal skills.
   * Demonstrated ability in public speaking skills.
   * Demonstrated ability to function professionally under high stress and confrontational circumstances.
   * Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks for extended period of time.
   * Demonstrated ability to independently plan and organize work.
   * Proactive attitude towards work and assignments.
   * Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
   * Demonstrated knowledge of record keeping and adherence to schedule.
   * Demonstrated ability to quickly learn University and department policies and procedures.
   * Ability to stay abreast of information impacting the affected area.
   * Demonstrated ability to organize and motivate groups and individuals.
   * Ability to maintain proper unit attendance and punctuality standards, work extended hours including nights and weekends (often with extensive walking and standing).
   * Demonstrated skills in management of athletic compliance program.
   * Demonstrated knowledge of effected areas of involvement.
   * Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
   * Ability to communicate effectively and comprehensively, both verbally and in writing.
   * Ability to function as a liaison for Athletics with several administrative departments within higher education and at the conference and national level.
   * Demonstrated ability to operate JumpForward and other specialized compliance software programs.
   * Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid and eligibility requirements of student-athletes.
   * Ability to participate in an investigation, including the preparation and submission of reports to the NCAA.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right assistant athletic director for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with assistant athletic directors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit assistant athletic directors who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your assistant athletic director job on Zippia to find and recruit assistant athletic director candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit assistant athletic directors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new assistant athletic director

   Once you've found the assistant athletic director candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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