During the competitions season, athletes and coaches keep busy with events and training, but behind the scenes someone has to map out the details for each competition. Planning for athletic events requires a nimble mind, the ability to multi-task and a working knowledge of managing competitive athletics. If that sounds like you, a career as an Athletic Competition Manager may be right up your alley.
Job Description
According to a posted job opening at the University of Oregon, the job duties of an athletic events manager include planning, organizing, and supervising athletic events, and "creating and supervising an event staffing plan that is comprehensive, fiscally responsible, and customer service oriented." While job duties may vary somewhat from one position to another, it is clear that a competition manager must possess good organizational and communication skills, and have some experience with and knowledge of the nature of athletic competitions.
Types of Postions Available
As sports on every level become more competitive, duties once assumed by coaches and parents are now being delegated to a credentialed event manager. Athletic competition managers are utilized in a growing number of venues including pubic schools, colleges and universities, amateur and professional athletic teams, Olympic and Special Olympic events, and private business like gymnastics schools, competitive dance programs and many other enterprises that require a competition coordinator.
Education and Experience Requirements
In most cases, a sports manager is required to hold a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Sports or Events Management, or a related field. Most organizations will require some degree of experience with athletic events management. Opportunities for internship and part-time assistantships during a competition season can provide you with invaluable experience and job referrals. In some cases, an academic competition manager may be required to assume a faculty position and must possess the appropriate additional credentials.
Salary and Perks
Salary ranges vary for Sports Managers. According to Winthrop School of Education, educational institutions offer starting salaries ranging from $18,000-$25,000 annually. Minor league professional teams start pay in the low to mid-twenties and major league professional managers make upward of $50,000. In the UK, Sports Managers fare somewhat better with a starting salary of around $40,000 USD. In addition to salary, perks may include health benefits, admission to competitions and in some cases travel, accommodations and a per diem.
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