Top 15 Sports Management Degree Jobs

Benefits

• High Profile Position: Being a GM can bring a lot of recognition within the industry. Your decisions can directly impact the team’s performance and thus you might be often in the limelight.

• Competitive Compensation Packages: These roles typically come with competitive salary packages that reflect a high level of responsibility.

• Job Security: While performance-dependent, successful GMs can enjoy significant job security, with contracts often running multiple years.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Teams and franchises often invest heavily in their GMs, offering them opportunities for professional development, including workshops, conferences, and potentially even further education opportunities.

Working Conditions

As a Sports General Manager, your work environment can be highly dynamic. You may find yourself in an office, at the sports field, or traveling for games, meetings, or player scouting. The role demands long, irregular hours, particularly during the sports season, and requires exceptional problem-solving, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Further Studies

• Master’s Degree in Sports Management or Sports Administration: A Master’s degree is often considered a crucial requirement for becoming a Sports General Manager, especially in the major sports leagues. It’s always best to check with the specific program for their particular requirements. However, some universities may require some experience in the sports industry.

• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: You will be responsible for negotiating contracts with vendors, suppliers, and employees. You will also need to be able to manage conflicts between employees, customers, and vendors. Understanding the nuances of negotiation can be highly beneficial in these situations.

Benefits

• Access to Elite Sporting Events: As a Public Relations Manager in the sports industry, you may be granted complimentary or preferred access to key sporting events, which can offer unique networking and professional opportunities.

• Travel Opportunities: As a Public Relations Manager, there will be opportunities to travel for various events, press tours, and industry conferences. This offers a chance to see new places and meet new people.

• Physical Fitness Programs: Given the nature of the industry, many sports organizations offer free or discounted gym memberships or other fitness programs as part of their benefits packages.

• Comprehensive Insurance Packages: Many companies offer comprehensive insurance packages that include health, life, and accident insurance. This offers peace of mind for employees and their families.

Working Conditions

The typical work environment for a Public Relations Manager can range from an office setting to various locations for press releases, meetings, or events. There is often a degree of travel involved, especially when coordinating public events or meeting with media outlets. 

The role doesn’t strictly adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule – crisis management or event coordination can demand availability beyond regular work hours. Furthermore, during major sports seasons or events, the pace of work can get quite intense.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Public Relations: This degree provides a more in-depth look at the world of PR and its role within businesses and sports organizations. Courses typically cover strategic planning, campaign development, crisis management, and digital media strategies. Having this degree not only equips you with advanced PR skills but also positions you for more senior roles within an organization, thereby increasing your career growth potential.

• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Certifications: The PRSA offers the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) certification, which attests to a PR professional’s competency in the field. It demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to the field, indicating that the holder possesses advanced skills and knowledge in managing all aspects of public relations.

Benefits

• Increased Demand and Job Stability: As sports, analytics is a rapidly growing field, there’s a strong demand for expertise in this area. This can offer a higher degree of job stability and security.

• Employee Well-being Programs: Given the importance of this role, many organizations offer wellness programs that could include fitness benefits, mental health support, and a healthy work-life balance.

• Competitive Compensation: As a specialized role, sports analytics managers often enjoy competitive salaries and benefits.

• Opportunity to Influence the Game: Through data, you have the power to change how the game is played, coached, and managed, which can be a very rewarding aspect of the job.

Working Conditions

In the role of a Sports Analytics Manager, you’d primarily work in an office environment, spending significant time on computers analyzing data. However, travel may be required to attend games, meetings, or conferences. Your Sports Management Degree will be useful when interpreting sports-specific data and communicating findings to sports teams or management.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Sports Analytics: A Master’s in Sports Analytics will take your analytical skills to a new level. This degree provides a deep dive into the methodologies, technologies, and applications of analytics in sports. You’ll learn how to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data to guide strategic decisions within a sports organization. Admissions prerequisites usually include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and coursework in statistics or a related quantitative field.

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): This is a broad certification that demonstrates a strong understanding of analytics methodologies and best practices. While less comprehensive than a master’s degree, a certification can serve as an entry point into sports analytics and help professionals stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field.

Benefits

• Creativity and Innovation: Sports marketing provides ample opportunities to flex your creative muscles, developing innovative campaigns that resonate with fans and stakeholders.

• Influence Over Brand Perception: Your marketing strategies can shape how the public perceives your sports organization or team. There’s immense satisfaction in successfully enhancing a brand’s image.

• Competitive Compensation: Sports marketing is a critical function in any sports organization, and the compensation often reflects its importance.

• Workplace Perks: Many sports organizations offer unique workplace perks such as gym memberships, team merchandise, and team-building activities centered around sports.

Working Conditions

As a Sports Marketing Manager, you’ll likely work in an office setting but may also need to travel for events, meetings, or promotional activities. This role requires flexibility due to frequent deadlines and event schedules that might include evenings or weekends. It’s a fast-paced job requiring creativity, collaboration with diverse teams, and constant interaction with athletes, sponsors, and media.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Sports Management with a concentration in Sports Marketing: This would be a direct and beneficial way to specialize in the realm of sports marketing. While specific requirements will vary by university, typically they might look for undergraduate coursework in marketing, business, and of course, sports management.

• Digital Marketing Certification: These programs typically cover search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, content marketing, and social media marketing. Digital marketing certification can be particularly beneficial in reaching and engaging sports fans, driving ticket sales, promoting events, and managing a team or athlete’s brand online.  Certifications from organizations like HubSpot or the American Marketing Association can be advantageous.

• Joining organizations like the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) can offer networking opportunities, workshops, and certifications to further boost your qualifications.

Benefits

• Develop Problem-solving Skills: This job involves a lot of problem-solving, which can be intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.

• Competitive Compensation: Given the importance and responsibility associated with this role, sports compliance officers often receive competitive compensation packages.

• Skill Transferability: Compliance skills are highly sought after and can be transferred to other industries.

• Job Satisfaction: Ensuring fair and legal sports practices can bring a deep sense of fulfillment.

Working Conditions

As a Sports Compliance Officer, your work setting is predominantly office-based. However, you might also visit sports facilities or attend meetings and games. The job often involves extended hours of focused work, reviewing policies, and ensuring compliance across all operations. 

While the work schedule usually aligns with standard office hours, certain times like transfer seasons or compliance deadlines may require additional time. It is a role that demands precision and a thorough understanding of both sports and regulatory nuances.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Sports Law or Master of Legal Studies: A Master’s in Sports Law or a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a concentration in sports law could be ideal for this role. These degrees offer in-depth knowledge of the legal issues related to sports, including contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. With this degree, you would be well-equipped to handle legal matters within a sports organization. The prerequisites for these programs typically include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. In some cases, law-related undergraduate coursework may be required.

• Compliance Certification Board (CCB) Certifications: The CCB offers various certifications for compliance professionals, including Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) and Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional – International (CCEP-I).

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Compliance Certification: If you’re planning to work within collegiate athletics, NCAA offers a certification program.

Benefits

• Access to Major Sports Events: Given the nature of the role, you may often have access to major sports events as part of relationship-building with clients and partners.

• Job Satisfaction: Achieving business growth and seeing your plans come to fruition can bring a high level of job satisfaction.

• Impact on Sports Promotion: Your efforts can directly contribute to the promotion and popularity of your sport or team, which can be very satisfying.

• Skills Development: The role helps in developing a wide range of skills, such as negotiation, strategic thinking, and relationship management, which are valuable in any career.

Working Conditions

A Sports Business Development Manager generally works in an office environment, though travel to meet with potential partners, attend sports events, or explore new markets may be required. The role is fast-paced, often with challenging targets and deadlines. 

The sports-centric business acumen you’ve gained from your Sports Management Degree will prove vital in identifying and leveraging growth opportunities within the sports industry.

Further Studies

• MBA with a Focus on Sports Management: This provides a combination of general business knowledge and sports-specific topics. Specific prerequisite courses usually aren’t rigid, but having taken courses in business, marketing, and finance during the Bachelor’s program can be helpful.

• Sales and Marketing Certifications: These certifications, such as those offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA), can enhance sales and marketing skills, which are pivotal for business development roles.

Benefits

• Skills Transferability: The skills and knowledge you gain in this role can be transferred to other roles within the sports industry and beyond, providing flexibility in your career progression.

• Job Stability: The need for contract administrators is consistent across sports organizations, providing a degree of job stability.

• Professional Growth Opportunities: The evolving nature of sports law offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

Working Conditions

A Sports Contract Administrator typically works in an office setting, but travel may be required for meetings, negotiations, or player signings. The job often involves detailed, concentrated work reviewing contracts and legal documents, requiring precision and patience. Deadlines related to contract negotiations might necessitate extra hours.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Sports Administration or Sports Law: These advanced degrees can provide you with a deeper understanding of the sports industry, particularly regarding its legal aspects. These programs often cover topics like sports contracts, dispute resolution, intellectual property rights, and athlete representation. This knowledge can prove vital in managing contracts for a sports organization. Admissions prerequisites for these programs generally include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Certified Contract Manager (CCM): The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) offers the CCM certification. This program can provide a solid foundation in contract management principles, such as negotiations, contract performance, and contract termination. Earning this certification could enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Benefits

• Career Progression: Successful Athletic Directors can progress to higher positions within or outside the institution, such as college president or league commissioner.

• Workplace Perks: Benefits can include access to sporting events, use of athletic facilities, and interaction with high-profile guests and speakers.

• Leadership Role: As an Athletic Director, you hold a key leadership position, managing the entire athletic department, which can be highly rewarding.

• Direct Impact on Student-Athletes: You have the opportunity to create programs and initiatives that directly impact the lives of student-athletes, contributing to their growth and development.

Working Conditions

As an Athletic Director, you’ll have a diverse work environment, splitting time between an office, and sports facilities, and attending games or meetings, which may require travel. The job involves managing multiple tasks concurrently and may require work during evenings or weekends, particularly during sports seasons. Your Sports Management Degree provides the essential knowledge to manage sports programs, enhance athlete performance, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Athletic Administration or Sports Management: This degree will provide an advanced understanding of sports and athletic programs’ operation and management. The curriculum typically includes strategic planning, budgeting, leadership, sports law, marketing, and public relations – all crucial components of an Athletic Director’s job.

• Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) or Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA): Offered by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), these certifications demonstrate a high level of proficiency and dedication in the field of athletic administration. They involve completing a set of courses and passing an exam. The CAA and CMAA can give you an edge when seeking an Athletic Director position, particularly in the scholastic sports setting.

Benefits

• Creative Control: As a Sports Broadcast Producer, you have a large amount of creative input, which can be highly rewarding for those with a creative flair.

• Competitive Compensation: Given the skills required and the responsibility of the role, sports broadcast producers often receive competitive salaries and benefits.
  Skills Transferability: The skills you develop in this role, such as project management, teamwork, and communication, are transferable to other roles and industries.
  

• Continuous Learning Opportunities: Given the evolving landscape of education, consultants are always on the move to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and pedagogical approaches. This commitment to continuous learning ensures they remain at the forefront of educational innovations.

• Career Progression Opportunities: Successful sports broadcast producers may have opportunities to move into higher-level roles, such as executive producer, or to work on larger, high-profile broadcasts.

Working Conditions

A Sports Broadcast Producer’s work setting oscillates between an office, production studio, and on-site at sports events. The role involves irregular hours, often including evenings, weekends, and even holidays, depending on when games are scheduled. The job is fast-paced, especially during live broadcasts, and requires excellent problem-solving and multitasking skills.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Broadcast Journalism or Communications: These programs offer advanced studies in production, scriptwriting, editing, and other critical areas of broadcasting. Typically, these programs require a Bachelor’s degree, but not necessarily in a related field. Prior coursework or knowledge in communications, journalism, or media studies would be beneficial.

• Broadcasting Certifications: Certifications like the Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) or Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT) from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) can showcase technical proficiency in broadcasting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits: Sports sponsorship coordinators typically earn a competitive salary and benefits package, which can include health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

• Travel Opportunities: Coordinating sponsorships often require on-site visits to sports events, client meetings, and industry conferences. This can lead to extensive travel opportunities, domestically or internationally.

• Continuing Education Support: Some organizations may provide support for additional education, such as certifications or advanced degrees that could enhance your skills and knowledge in the field.

• Performance Bonuses: Many positions in this field may offer performance bonuses or commission structures based on the success of the sponsorship deals secured. This can serve as a significant financial incentive.

Working Conditions

Being a Sports Sponsorship Coordinator, your work is split between an office environment for planning and communication tasks, and on-site roles at sports events ensuring sponsors’ visibility and satisfaction. The working hours can extend beyond the typical 9-5, especially during sports seasons and events. 

The role can involve a good deal of travel for face-to-face sponsor meetings, events, and networking opportunities. Every day can bring a different challenge, making the job dynamic and varied.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Sports Marketing or Sports Administration: A Master’s in Sports Marketing or Sports Administration would offer an in-depth understanding of the sports industry’s marketing aspects, including sponsorships. Courses might cover areas such as sports consumer behavior, digital sports marketing, sponsorship, and event marketing.

• Sponsorship Strategy: Developing Objectives and KPIs: Offered by organizations like the Sponsorship Collective, these are tailored to those wanting to excel in sponsorship coordination.

• Courses in Contract Negotiation: Given that sponsorship coordinators often deal with contract details, understanding contract law can be beneficial. Here are a few options:

• • Negotiation Mastery | Harvard University

• • Negotiation Training Classes, Courses & Seminars | Negotiation Experts

Benefits

• Pioneering Pathway: This role can be your ticket into the evolving field of sports media, a blend of sports, communication, and analytics.

• Exposure to High-Profile Projects: You may have the chance to work on high-profile sports projects or with top-tier teams and athletes, providing a unique and exciting work experience.

• Learning Opportunities: Many companies offer workshops, seminars, or conferences that allow you to stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and practices.

• Competitive Compensation: Many companies offer competitive salaries for this role, along with performance-based bonuses or benefits, providing a high earning potential.

Working Conditions

A Sports Media Analyst usually works in an office environment, but travel may sometimes be necessary for attending sports events or media meetings. This role requires spending considerable time on media platforms, monitoring and analyzing sports-related content. The work can be high-pressure and deadline-driven, particularly during key sports seasons. 

Your understanding of sports, acquired through your Sports Management Degree, combined with analytical skills, will aid in creating insightful reports to shape media strategies

Further Studies

• Master’s in Sports Journalism or Sports Media: A Master’s in Sports Journalism or Sports Media provides a comprehensive understanding of the sports media landscape. These programs typically cover sports writing, broadcasting, digital media production, and media law. This degree could significantly enhance your analytical skills in sports media and provide you with a competitive edge. Admissions prerequisites generally include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Certification in Sports Analytics: Certifications in sports analytics offer focused training on how to leverage data in sports-related contexts. These programs typically cover predictive modeling, data management, decision-making, and sports statistics.

• Certification in Media Analytics: Several institutions and online platforms offer certifications in media analytics. These certifications focus on teaching students how to collect, analyze, and interpret media data to inform strategic decisions. They usually cover key concepts like social media analytics, digital audience measurement, and content performance analysis.

• The following certifications and courses will further strengthen your credibility:

• • Google Analytics Certification

• • Social Media Data Analytics Certification

Benefits

• Multidisciplinary Skills: The role involves handling operations, marketing, customer service, and sometimes even coaching, leading to the development of a diverse set of skills.

• Job Stability: Given the consistent need for sports facilities across the country, the job often offers a high level of stability and security.

• Continuous Learning: Many employers support continued education and professional development in facility management, business administration, or related fields.

• Fitness Culture: Being immersed in a sports-oriented environment can encourage and provide opportunities for personal fitness and wellness.

Working Conditions

The work environment of a Sports Facility Manager largely revolves around sports facilities like stadiums, arenas, or gyms, where much of the day-to-day activities are conducted. While office work is involved, a substantial portion of the role requires inspecting the facility, interacting with maintenance staff, and overseeing operations. The job might demand irregular hours, including weekends, depending on the schedule of sports events.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Facility Management or Sports Management: A Master’s in Facility Management provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in managing facilities. A Master’s in Sports Management, on the other hand, can provide you with a more specialized understanding of managing sports-related facilities. Both programs typically cover topics like operations management, maintenance management, risk management, and sustainability. Admissions prerequisites generally include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Certified Facility Manager (CFM): The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers the CFM certification, recognized globally as the most esteemed credential in facility management. This certification demonstrates proficiency in the field and covers key competencies, including operations and maintenance, project management, finance, and communication.

Benefits

• Flexible Work Hours: Coaching hours often vary and can provide more flexibility than a typical 9-5 job, which can accommodate personal or family needs.

• Health and Fitness: The role often involves physical activity, which can contribute to personal fitness and well-being.

• Lifelong Learning: Sports techniques, training methodologies, and the science behind sports are constantly evolving, so there are always opportunities for continued learning.

• Potential for Travel: Depending on the level and nature of the sport, there may be opportunities to travel for games, tournaments, or training camps.

Working Conditions

For a Sports Coach, the ‘office’ is typically the field, court, or gym, where training sessions and games are held. The hours can be unconventional, often including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends to accommodate athletes’ schedules and game times. 

Travel is frequent, for away games and tournaments. While there can be downtime between sports seasons, peak times are intense with back-to-back training sessions and matches, requiring physical stamina and resilience.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Coaching or Sports Science: A Master’s in Coaching or Sports Science provides an in-depth understanding of coaching methodologies, sports psychology, player development, and performance analysis. Such a degree could significantly enhance your coaching skills and provide you with a competitive edge. Admission prerequisites generally include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Coaching Certifications: Each sport typically has its own governing body that offers coaching certifications. For example, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) for soccer, the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) for various sports, and the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) for tennis. These often require participation in courses and passing an exam.

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS): Offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the CSCS certification can be a valuable addition if you’re interested in working on the physical conditioning aspect of coaching. This certification focuses on the application of scientific knowledge to train athletes with the primary goal of improving athletic performance.

Benefits

• High-Profile Networking: As a sports agent, you’ll have the chance to interact and build relationships with renowned athletes, team managers, and industry professionals. These connections can be valuable for career progression.

• Financial Rewards: Successful sports agents often receive a percentage of their client’s earnings, which can lead to significant financial rewards, particularly when representing high-earning athletes.

• Event Access: As a sports agent, you’ll often get access to high-profile sporting events, matches, and behind-the-scenes activities, which can be an exciting perk for sports enthusiasts.

Working Conditions

The world of a Sports Agent often blends office settings with on-the-go environments. While a portion of the job involves paperwork and contract negotiations in an office, agents frequently travel to scout potential talents, meet with teams, or attend games and showcases. Hours can be unpredictable, driven by the demands of the athletes they represent and the schedules of sporting events.

Further Studies

• Master’s in Sports Administration or Sports Law: A Master’s in Sports Administration or Sports Law would provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal and administrative aspects of the sports industry. These programs typically cover topics like contract law, sports marketing, athlete representation, and dispute resolution, which are all critical to a Sports Agent’s role. For law programs, the LSAT is typically required.

• Agent Certification: Depending on the sport, a certification may be required to represent athletes. For instance, to represent NFL players, you need to be certified by the NFL Players Association.

Benefits

• Creativity: This role often involves designing unique and memorable experiences for attendees, offering a chance to use your creative abilities and see your vision come to life.

• Sense of Accomplishment: Seeing a successful event come together after careful planning and hard work can bring a deep sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction.

• Promotional Perks: Event coordinators often receive promotional items or services from sponsors or vendors, which can be an added perk of the job.

• Job Flexibility: Many Event Coordinators can work as freelancers or consultants, providing the flexibility to control their schedule or choose the events they want to manage.

Working Conditions

As an Event Coordinator, your work environment can be quite varied and dynamic. You might spend time in an office planning and coordinating, but you’ll also be on-site managing events, which can occur indoors or outdoors, and often on weekends or evenings. The role can be high-pressure and fast-paced, especially during event days.    

Further Studies

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP): Offered by the Events Industry Council, the CMP certification is recognized globally and demonstrates a high level of professional experience and competence in meeting management. The program covers a broad spectrum of meeting management skills, including strategic planning, stakeholder management, and risk management.

• Certified Sports Event Executive (CSEE): Offered by the Sports Events and Tourism Association, the CSEE program is designed to elevate professional standards in the field of sports events and tourism. The curriculum includes various aspects of sports event management, such as bid process, negotiations, contracts, marketing, and event evaluation.

Note: Also, remember that besides formal education and certification, on-the-job experience, internships, networking, and volunteer work in event management can also play a critical role in developing the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career as an Event Coordinator.