Athletic directors have administrative control over an athletic program
or department. They are responsible for providing the direction, leadership
and management that help the program or department operate smoothly.
Their tasks include things like budgeting, training, marketing and public
relations. If they work for a small school, they may actually be involved
with sporting events -- preparing fields, doing the planning or helping at
the event.
Athletic directors are often responsible for the way the general public
perceives a sports team. That means that they help create the professional
image the team portrays.
Athletic directors usually work within the athletic department of universities,
colleges and high schools. However, nonprofit organizations and some private
companies hire athletic directors to manage youth and adult sports teams.
Most athletic directors work in an office setting. But they often spend
time interacting with community business leaders, other members of the staff
and athletes.
Because sporting events don't happen during normal business hours, athletic
directors often work nights and weekends.
Not all athletic directors are in top physical condition. But people with
disabilities would face special challenges.