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

Jul 26, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The Athletic Facilities Manager has a critical role in the success of any sports team or organization. Their responsibilities include planning, organizing, and managing the use of athletic facilities to ensure that they are safe and suitable for use. They are responsible for ensuring that the facility meets all safety regulations, as well as providing the necessary amenities needed for athletes to perform at their best.

As a result of their efforts, athletes can concentrate on their performance, knowing that the facilities are up to code and safe to use. Furthermore, their ability to optimize the use of the facility can lead to greater success on the field, as well as an improved fan experience.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in a related field such as sports management, physical education, business administration, or recreation is necessary for most positions as an athletic facilities manager.
Gain Relevant Experience. Relevant experience in the field of sports management, athletic facility management, or related fields can help potential candidates stand out when applying for a job. Internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs in these areas can be helpful.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not mandatory for all positions as an athletic facilities manager but can be beneficial. Obtaining a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) credential or a Certified Athletic Facility Manager (CAFM) credential through organizations such as the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) can help demonstrate a level of expertise and commitment to the field.
Apply for Positions. Once the educational and experience requirements are met, applicants can begin searching for open positions as an athletic facilities manager. Job postings can be found through employment agencies, classifieds, and job websites.
Complete On-the-job Training. After being hired, most employers will provide on-the-job training for the specific duties of the job. This training may include safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and facility regulations.

The development of reliable and qualified Athletic Facilities Managers depends on several factors. The first is experience having extensive knowledge in the field, as well as a proven track record of managing facilities and successfully leading teams. Secondly, having the right education and certifications is essential to becoming a successful Athletic Facilities Manager.

This includes having a college degree in a related field, such as Recreation, Sports Management, or Facility Management. In addition to education, completing specialized training programs and earning various certifications can further enhance the qualifications of an Athletic Facilities Manager. Finally, having a strong network of professionals in the field who can provide advice and resources is essential to success.

With the right combination of experience, education, certifications, and networking contacts, one can reliably and effectively manage athletic facilities.

You may want to check Athletic Director, Athletic Medical Staff Member, and Athletic Performance Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Manage day-to-day operations, maintenance, and programming of athletic facilities.
Ensure that all facilities are in compliance with safety regulations, relevant laws, and policies.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and strategies to maximize utilization of the athletic facilities.
Develop and manage the budget for facility maintenance, repairs, and improvements.
Schedule and coordinate use of the facilities for athletic events and other activities.
Monitor the condition of the athletic facilities and make recommendations for repairs or improvements.
Supervise and train staff members to ensure proper use and care of the facilities.
Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of services or supplies.
Oversee the installation and repair of equipment in the facilities.
Manage the purchase of equipment and supplies for the athletic facilities.
Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote the use of the facilities.
Respond to customer inquiries and complaints regarding the use of the facilities.
Track usage of the facilities and assess user satisfaction.
Prepare reports and records related to facility usage and maintenance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of athletic facility operations, maintenance and safety standards.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Ability to develop and manage budgets and schedules.
Knowledge of applicable regulations and safety codes.
Familiarity with sports equipment and facility requirements.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans.
Ability to effectively manage staff and resources.
Knowledge of athletic programs, practices, and events.
Experience with vendor relationships and contract negotiations.
Understanding of customer service principles and practices.

Good athletic facilities management requires a wide range of skills and abilities. From budgeting and financial management to understanding the legal and safety regulations, having strong knowledge in these areas is essential for success. An athletic facilities manager must be able to effectively manage personnel and resources to ensure that facilities are kept in top condition.

In addition, they must be able to establish and maintain effective relationships with vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, they must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills in order to anticipate and identify potential problems and quickly find solutions. All of these skills help to ensure that the facilities are well-maintained and safe for athletes, coaches, and spectators alike.

having strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills is essential for an athletic facilities manager to successfully manage a facility and ensure the safety of all athletes.

Athletic Business Manager, Athletic Communications Director, and Athletic Coach are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing athletic facilities?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to the management of an athletic facility.
How have you dealt with difficult customer service issues in the past?
How do you ensure that all safety protocols are followed in your athletic facility?
What strategies do you use to motivate and engage staff members?
What methods do you use to monitor and analyze the performance of the athletic facility?
How do you stay up-to-date on relevant industry trends and regulations?
How do you handle challenging budgeting decisions related to the management of an athletic facility?
Describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
How do you measure success when it comes to managing an athletic facility?

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. Allows managers to easily create and manage facility usage schedules. (eg: Teamup)
Maintenance Software. Tracks and manages maintenance tasks for athletic facilities. (eg: FacilityDude)
Inventory Management Software. Tracks and manages inventory related to athletic facilities. (eg: SportsWare)
Event Management Software. Helps manage events at athletic facilities, including registration and scheduling. (eg: Eventbrite)
Budgeting Software. Helps managers plan and track the budget for athletic facilities. (eg: FinancialForce)
Risk Management Software. Helps manage and track risk related to athletic facilities. (eg: Riskonnect)
Security Management Software. Manages security protocols for athletic facilities. (eg: C-Cure)
Data Analytics Software. Collects and analyzes data related to athletic facilities. (eg: Tableau)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
American Sports Builders Association (ASBA)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)
United States Olympic Committee (USOC)
National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
American Sports Education Program (ASEP)

We also have Athletic Scout, Athletic Equipment Technician, and Athletic Social Media Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Facility. A building, or part of a building, used for a particular purpose.
Facility Management. The management of a facility's operations and maintenance, including setting operational objectives and developing strategies for achievement.
Athletic Facility. A building or area used for the purpose of sporting activities.
Events. A planned activity or occasion, typically one that involves a large number of people.
Program Development. The process of creating, designing, and implementing a program to meet specific goals and objectives.
Budgeting. The process of determining how much money is available to be allocated to various expenses.
Maintenance. The act of maintaining or preserving something in good working order.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks to an organization or individual.
Project Management. The process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve a specific project goal or objective.
Regulatory Compliance. The adherence to laws, regulations, and standards set by government agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical job description for an Athletic Facilities Manager?

An Athletic Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and operations of an athletic facility. This includes managing staff, day-to-day operations, budgeting, scheduling, maintenance of equipment, and ensuring the facility meets health and safety requirements.

What qualifications are necessary to become an Athletic Facilities Manager?

A successful Athletic Facilities Manager must typically have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as sports management or recreation, as well as experience in a similar role. Additional qualifications may include certifications such as CPR and first aid.

What is the average salary for an Athletic Facilities Manager?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Athletic Facilities Managers earn a median annual salary of $46,890.

What are the primary duties of an Athletic Facilities Manager?

The primary duties of an Athletic Facilities Manager include managing staff, overseeing facility operations, maintaining equipment, scheduling events, budgeting, creating marketing and promotional materials, and ensuring health and safety regulations are met.

What type of environment does an Athletic Facilities Manager typically work in?

An Athletic Facilities Manager typically works in a sports facility such as a gym, stadium, or arena. The working environment may vary depending on the size and type of facility.