How to Be Athletic Event Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 24, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The success of an Athletic Event Manager can be greatly attributed to the ability to effectively plan and organize events. They must be proficient in creating a timeline, setting goals, and developing strategies for executing the event. they must be able to create and manage budgets, select venues, coordinate with vendors, and ensure all necessary permits are in place.

Furthermore, they must be able to advertise the event, recruit participants, and create partnerships with sponsors. Lastly, an Athletic Event Manager must manage staff, volunteers, and athletes to ensure all aspects of the event run smoothly. The successful execution of these tasks can lead to a successful event, increased attendance, and satisfied participants.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. An undergraduate degree in sports management, business, communications or a related field is the minimum requirement for working as an athletic event manager. A degree offers the academic foundation in business and administrative principles, as well as an opportunity to develop skills in event planning, marketing and public relations.
Gain Relevant Experience. Completing an internship or volunteer work in event management is beneficial for obtaining a job as an athletic event manager. Even if the position does not involve managing sports-related events, internships and volunteer positions provide practical experience in event planning and management.
Consider Professional Certification. Professional certification is not required to become an athletic event manager, but it may be beneficial for career advancement. The Sports Management Worldwide organization offers a Certified Athletic Administrator program that can help give candidates an edge on the job market.
Secure a Job. Athletic event managers typically work for universities, professional sports teams, nonprofit organizations or private promoters. Job openings may be posted at online job boards, through professional associations or on company websites.
Pursue Continuing Education. Continuing education can help athletic event managers stay up-to-date on industry trends and hone their event-planning skills. Many organizations offer workshops, seminars and conferences related to sport management and event planning.

In order to stay updated and competent as an Athletic Event Manager, it is important to stay informed on the latest trends in the sports industry. This includes staying up to date with news about the teams and athletes, as well as attending industry conferences and networking events. it is beneficial to understand the rules and regulations governing sports events, and have a clear understanding of the different stakeholders involved.

developing strong organizational and communication skills will help in successful event management. the combination of these various elements will help an Athletic Event Manager stay current and knowledgeable in their field.

You may want to check Athletic Business Manager, Athletic Medical Staff Member, and Athletic Facilities Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Plan, coordinate and execute athletic events such as tournaments, races and other competitions.
Prepare detailed budgets and oversee event accounts.
Negotiate contracts with vendors and other service providers.
Secure permits and other necessary approvals.
Develop promotional and marketing materials for events.
Recruit and manage staff and volunteers to assist with events.
Arrange for transportation, housing, and other accommodations for athletes and staff.
Monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met.
Manage event logistics, including food, beverages, entertainment, and other activities.
Create contingency plans for unexpected issues or changes in circumstances.
Liaise with sponsors and media representatives.
Ensure events meet safety regulations and adhere to legal requirements.
Collect and analyze feedback from event attendees.
Evaluate the success of events and recommend changes for future events.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of sports health and safety protocols
Ability to plan and organize events
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to motivate athletes and staff
Excellent communication skills
Attention to detail
Ability to stay calm under pressure
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with sponsors, vendors, and stakeholders
Knowledge of budgeting and finance
Leadership and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of relevant rules and regulations
Experience in event promotion and marketing

Organizing and managing an athletic event requires a variety of essential skills. Effectively managing an event requires strong organizational and multitasking abilities, as well as an understanding of the events purpose and goals. It also requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed throughout the process.

In addition, the event manager must be able to successfully handle problem-solving, budgeting, and time management responsibilities. Being able to delegate tasks and provide clear direction to staff and volunteers is also important. Finally, the event manager must have a good knowledge of the relevant rules and regulations that apply to the event, in order to ensure its success.

With these skills at the ready, an event manager can manage a successful and enjoyable athletic event for all involved.

Athletic Sales Representative, Athletic Performance Analyst, and Athletic Social Media Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have organizing and managing athletic events?
Describe a successful event youve managed in the past.
How do you ensure a safe and secure environment for athletes and spectators during an event?
What strategies do you use to effectively manage budgets for athletic events?
How do you recruit and manage volunteers for an event?
How do you market and promote an event to attract athletes and spectators?
What techniques do you use to ensure timely coordination of event logistics?
What methods do you use to measure the success of an event?
How do you collaborate with other staff members and stakeholders to plan and execute an event?
How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices related to athletic events?

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. Software that allows for the creation, management and sharing of event schedules. (eg: Google Calendar)
Registration System. Software that manages participant registration, payment processing and data collection. (eg: Active Network)
Event Management Platforms. Cloud-based systems that support event planning, registration, ticketing and marketing. (eg: Eventbrite)
Volunteer Management Systems. Software that assists with recruitment, tracking and scheduling of volunteers for events. (eg: VolunteerSpot)
Venue Booking Software. Tools that allow for the booking and management of venues and related services. (eg: Cvent)
Communication Platforms. Solutions designed to facilitate collaboration, communication and interaction between event organizers, participants and volunteers. (eg: Slack)
Social Media Management Software. Tools that enable the management and monitoring of social media accounts. (eg: Hootsuite)
Analytics Software. Solutions that monitor event performance, track ROI and analyze data trends. (eg: Tableau)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)
National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)
National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
U. S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA)
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
National Sports Marketing Network (NSMN)
Collegiate Event & Facility Management Association (CEFMA)
Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA)
International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA)

We also have Athletic Marketing Manager, Athletic Communications Director, and Athletic Recruiter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Host City. The city where an athletic event is being held.
Venue. The facility where the athletic event is taking place.
Sponsor. A business, organization, or individual that provides financial or other support for an athletic event.
Event Schedule. A timeline of activities and events before, during, and after an athletic event.
Logistics. The planning and coordination of resources and personnel necessary to execute an event.
Ticketing. The process of selling tickets for an athletic event.
Media Relations. The process of managing media coverage of an athletic event.
Protocol. A set of established rules and procedures to be followed in an athletic event.
Risk Management. Strategies used to minimize potential risks associated with an athletic event.
Emergency Planning. Preparations made to ensure the safety and well-being of participants in the event of an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Athletic Event Manager?

Athletic Event Manager is a software platform designed to help sports teams, organizations, and leagues manage activities, events, and communications. It features tools for scheduling, scores and stats tracking, payments, and more.