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

May 5, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Athletic Operations Managers play a critical role in the success of any athletic organization. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all aspects of a team's operations, from budgeting to event scheduling. This position requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as an understanding of the sports rules and regulations.

The duties of an Athletic Operations Manager include setting up and overseeing game-day operations, handling equipment inventory, coordinating with vendors, and organizing travel logistics. When these tasks are done properly, the team can benefit from improved performance, better communication among players and coaches, and higher morale. Conversely, if any of these duties are neglected, the team can suffer from costly delays, decreased efficiency, and decreased morale.

an Athletic Operations Managers ability to effectively plan and manage all aspects of the teams operations can have a lasting effect on its overall success.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an undergraduate degree in sports management, business management, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, and some jobs may require it.
Gain experience in the field. Athletic operations managers typically need to have experience in athletic operations, such as managing teams and events. Look for internships and volunteer opportunities related to the field.
Pursue advanced education, if desired. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in sports management or a related field.
Obtain certifications. There are several certifications available in the field of sports management, such as the Certified Athletic Administrator and Certified Sports Manager. These certifications can demonstrate a level of expertise and provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
Network and look for job postings. Building relationships within the field and networking can help you find job opportunities. Additionally, search job boards and company websites for open positions.
Apply and interview for jobs. Apply to any positions that you meet the qualifications for. Prepare for interviews by researching the organization and thinking of questions to ask the interviewer.
Once hired, participate in training. Most organizations will provide on-the-job training to new athletic operations managers. Use this time to learn the organization's policies and procedures and become familiar with the role.

The Athletic Operations Manager is a crucial role in any sports organization, as they are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the team. Being successful in this role requires a combination of strong leadership, interpersonal skills, and an in-depth knowledge of athletic operations. This includes understanding how to manage teams, set budgets, and develop effective strategies for success.

having the ability to understand and implement modern technologies and systems is essential for the job. The result of hiring a skilled and competent Athletic Operations Manager is increased efficiency and improved results on the field or court. this can lead to better performances, higher attendance rates, and increased revenue for the team.

You may want to check Athletic Program Director, Athletic Trainer, and Athletic Fundraising Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and manage the athletic department's operational budget.
Monitor and analyze all areas of athletic operations, including but not limited to, equipment, facilities, personnel, and recruitment.
Establish and implement safety protocols and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Oversee staff and coordinate with coaches to ensure efficient operations of practices and games.
Develop and implement programs to promote the athletic department's mission and goals.
Supervise the maintenance of athletic facilities and equipment.
Implement strategies to increase fundraising and sponsorship revenue.
Collaborate with the marketing department to develop and execute promotional campaigns.
Develop relationships with alumni, donors, and other external stakeholders to further the department's goals.
Monitor team performance and progress to ensure success in competition.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Leadership
Communication
Strategic Planning
Problem-Solving
Financial Management
Budgeting and Cost Control
Event Planning and Logistics
Staff Supervision and Performance Evaluation
Risk Management
Facility Management
Team Building and Motivation
Knowledge of NCAA Rules and Regulations
Knowledge of Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention

An Athletic Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an athletic organization. The most important skill for an Athletic Operations Manager to have is strong organizational and leadership skills. An effective manager will be able to lead their team with confidence, as well as maintain a well-organized environment.

They must be able to make difficult decisions in a timely manner and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the sports industry. they must be able to communicate effectively with coaches, players, staff, and other stakeholders. Without strong organizational and leadership skills, an Athletic Operations Manager will struggle to effectively manage their team and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

By having these skills, an Athletic Operations Manager is better equipped to ensure that their team meets their goals and achieves success.

Athletic Equipment Technician, Athletic Performance Analyst, and Athletic Medical Staff Member are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in athletics operations management?
What strategic insights do you bring to the role of an athletic operations manager?
What challenges have you faced in previous roles overseeing athletics operations?
How do you ensure that the operational and administrative side of running an athletic program is functioning effectively?
Describe your approach to recruiting coaches, staff and student athletes.
How would you handle a situation when student athletes are not meeting academic standards?
How do you coordinate and manage budgets for athletic programs?
What strategies do you use to promote the athletic program in the community?
Describe your experience collaborating with outside organizations, such as booster clubs and sponsors.
What techniques do you use to track and analyze data related to athletic programs?

Common Tools in Industry

Event Management Software. Software used to manage events such as sporting tournaments, including registration, scheduling, and ticketing. (eg: Eventbrite)
Budgeting Software. Software that helps to manage and track expenses and income for an organization or event. (eg: QuickBooks)
Online Scheduling Software. Software that provides an easy way to schedule and manage staff, resources, and other activities. (eg: When I Work)
Facilities Management Software. Software used to manage and maintain facilities, including maintenance tracking and scheduling. (eg: Archibus)
Inventory Management Software. Software that helps to track and manage inventory, including storage and shipping. (eg: Fishbowl Inventory)
Recruiting Software. Software that helps with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding of new staff. (eg: Greenhouse)
Communication Platforms. Online platforms that provide a way to communicate and collaborate with staff, athletes, and other stakeholders. (eg: Slack)
Performance Tracking Software. Software that helps to monitor and track the performance of athletes in training and competition. (eg: Strava)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Athletic Administrators (NAAA)
National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA)
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
United States Olympic Committee (USOC)
International Association of Athletic Administrators (IAAA)
American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)
National Football Foundation (NFF)
National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)
National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA)
Major League Baseball Coaches Association (MLBCA)
Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA)
United States Tennis Association (USTA)
NCAA Compliance Officers Association (COA)
National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA)

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

Common Important Terms

Athletic Budget. The amount of money allocated to an organization or school for the purpose of funding athletic activities.
Recruiting. The practice of searching for and identifying prospective athletes who have the potential to compete at a high level.
Scheduling. The process of organizing and planning events, practices, and games for an organization or school's athletic program.
Event Management. The process of managing the logistics of an event, such as venue selection, registration, catering, and equipment setup.
Risk Management. The process of identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with an organization's or school's athletic program.
Compliance. Ensuring that all activities associated with an organization or school's athletic program comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Fundraising. The process of generating funds to support an organization or school's athletic program.
Public Relations. The practice of managing an organization or school's public image and reputation through marketing and communication initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary responsibility of an Athletic Operations Manager? A1: The primary responsibility of an Athletic Operations Manager is to oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of a sports organization. This may include managing staff, coordinating events, developing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Q2: What qualifications are required for an Athletic Operations Manager? A2: In order to become an Athletic Operations Manager, one must have a minimum of a Bachelors degree in sports management, business, or a related field. Additionally, experience in sports management or administration and strong leadership skills are essential for this position. Q3: What are some common challenges faced by an Athletic Operations Manager? A3: Common challenges faced by an Athletic Operations Manager include budgeting and financial constraints, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing staff and organizing events. Additionally, they must balance competing priorities, stay updated on industry trends, and interact with clients and vendors. Q4: How many people does an Athletic Operations Manager typically manage? A4: The number of people managed by an Athletic Operations Manager will vary depending on the size of the organization and the scope of their responsibilities. Generally speaking, they may be responsible for managing anywhere from five to twenty people. Q5: What is the average salary for an Athletic Operations Manager? A5: The average salary for an Athletic Operations Manager is around $57,000 per year. This figure can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the size of the organization.

Web Resources

Athletics Operations - Job Families hr.tennessee.edu
Details - Athletic Operations and Facilities Lead | Careers ... careers.csus.edu
Details - Coordinator of Athletic Operations - Ferris State University jobs.ferris.edu