Advice on athletic administration jobs in high schools?

I'm considering a career in athletic administration at a high school. What should I know about the types of jobs available in this field, and what steps can I take now to prepare myself for this career path?

There are numerous roles available within the realm of athletic administration at high schools. Some of the most common positions include Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, and Sports Coordinator or Manager.

The Athletic Director is often the highest-ranking official in a high school's athletic department. They oversee all aspects of the department, from budgets to hiring and firing coaches, scheduling matches, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Assistant Athletic Directors support the Athletic Director in their duties. They commonly focus on specific aspects of the sports programs, like student athlete academic progress or community outreach.

Sports Coordinators or Managers often focus on individual sports, managing logistics, scheduling, and handling equipment orders and maintenance.

To prepare for this career now, there are a couple of steps you might consider.

First, obtaining a bachelor's degree is a baseline requirement. Preferred fields of study include Sports Management, Business Administration, Education, or a related field.

To enrich your profile further, earning a master's degree, especially in Sports Administration or Educational Leadership, is highly recommended. Some positions occasionally require this higher-level degree.

Most importantly, gaining relevant experience is crucial. This exposure can come in the form of internships, assistant roles, or coaching positions in sports programs. Being a college athlete can also give you a unique perspective and valuable experience.

It's also beneficial to develop essential skills like communication, leadership, budgeting, and problem-solving. Leadership experiences, such as serving as a student body officer or leading a club or community organization, can help cultivate these skills.

Consider also joining professional organizations like the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). They provide professional development opportunities, like classes and certifications, that can give you an edge when job hunting in this field.

Lastly, keeping updated with high school sports policies, legislations, as well as sport-specific rule changes, is also a good habit to cultivate early in your career exploration.

Remember, breaking into a career in athletic administration can be challenging, as it's usually a very competitive field. Be proactive about gaining relevant experience and demonstrating your passion for sports leadership. Good luck with your journey!