Sign up for our newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.

Sports Facility Manager Career Guide

Job Description:

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.
Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services.
Usually manage through subordinate supervisors.
Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

Sports Facility Manager Salary 2024

National Salary Data for Sports Facility Managers

This bar graph shows the annual salary for Sports Facility Managers.

U.S. Salary in 2024

Annual Median Salary: $98,100

Hourly Median Wage: $47.16

Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Projected Employment for Sports Facility Managers

Job Growth Projections

This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Sports Facility Managers.

Projected Job Openings for s by 2031

Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 7%

Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Typical Tasks for Sports Facility Managers

Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.

Technologies and Skills Used by Sports Facility Managers

Customer relationship management CRM software

Oracle Eloqua
Salesforce software

Data base user interface and query software

Blackboard software
Yardi software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle PeopleSoft

Basic Skills

Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

Changing what is done based on other people's actions
Understanding people's reactions

How To Become a Sports Facility Manager

Becoming a sports facility manager involves a mix of education, experience, and skills development. If you're keen to pursue this career, follow these steps to increase your chances of landing a position in this dynamic field.

Understand the Role of a Sports Facility Manager

Before you dive into this career path, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what the job entails. Sports facility managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of sports complexes, stadiums, gyms, and recreational facilities. Their duties can include:

Scheduling events and maintenance
Managing staff and budgets
Ensuring the safety and satisfaction of patrons
Coordinating with vendors and stakeholders

Acquire the Necessary Education

Most sports facility manager positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Here are some educational paths you might consider:

Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management: This specialized degree focuses on the business and management aspects of sports and recreation.
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration: A broader business degree can also provide valuable skills for managing sports facilities.
Relevant Coursework: Regardless of your major, courses in event management, finance, marketing, and facility management will be beneficial.

Gain Experience in the Field

Hands-on experience is invaluable in this industry. You can gain experience through various avenues:

Internships: Look for internship opportunities at local sports facilities or with professional teams.
Part-time Jobs: Work in different roles within sports complexes, such as customer service, maintenance, or event coordination.
Volunteering: Offer your time to help with sporting events or facility operations at community centers or schools.

Develop Essential Skills

Certain skills are critical for success as a sports facility manager. Focus on developing these competencies:

Leadership and Team Management: Learn to lead a team effectively and manage staff schedules and conflicts.
Organizational Abilities: Become adept at organizing events, maintaining records, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Communication Skills: Hone your ability to communicate clearly with staff, patrons, and stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Cultivate the ability to quickly identify problems and implement effective solutions.

Obtain Professional Certification

Professional certification can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Consider these certifications:

Certified Sports Facility Manager (CSFM): Offered by the Sports Turf Managers Association for those managing outdoor facilities.
Certified Venue Executive (CVE): Available through the International Association of Venue Managers, focusing on venue management.

Stay Current with Industry Trends

The sports management field is always evolving. Keep up with the latest trends by:

Subscribing to industry publications
Attending conferences and workshops
Joining professional organizations such as the National Recreation and Park Association

Network within the Industry

Networking can open doors to job opportunities and valuable insights into the industry. Build your professional network by:

Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn
Participating in sports management forums
Engaging with peers at industry events

Following these steps can set you on the path to becoming a successful sports facility manager. Remember, continuous learning and adaptability are key components of thriving in this role.

Sports Facility Manager Career Path FAQ's

What education is needed to become a Sports Facility Manager?

Becoming a sports facility manager typically requires a combination of education and experience. Here's what you might need:

Bachelor's Degree: Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in sports management, business administration, or a related field.
Relevant Coursework: Classes in event management, facility management, finance, marketing, and business law can be particularly beneficial.
Master's Degree (Optional): For more competitive positions or for those seeking higher-level roles, a master’s degree in sports management or business administration may be advantageous.

What kind of experience is required for a Sports Facility Manager?

Hands-on experience is crucial in this field. Consider the following types of experience:

Internships: Working as an intern at a sports facility can provide invaluable experience.
Entry-Level Positions: Jobs in areas like event coordination, operations management, or customer service at a sports venue can lead to managerial roles.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering for sports events or with community organizations can also add relevant experience to your resume.

What skills are important for a Sports Facility Manager?

Effective sports facility managers often have a mix of soft and hard skills including:

Leadership and Team Management: Overseeing staff and ensuring effective teamwork.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Addressing issues that arise with facilities or events.
Budget Management: Handling finances and ensuring profitability.
Communication Skills: Articulating ideas clearly and negotiating with vendors.
Organizational Skills: Juggling multiple tasks and maintaining schedules.

Are there certifications for Sports Facility Managers?

Yes, there are certifications that can bolster your credentials:

Certified Venue Executive (CVE): Offered by the International Association of Venue Managers.
Certified Sports Event Executive (CSEE): Provided by the Sports Events & Tourism Association.

What are the typical duties of a Sports Facility Manager?

The day-to-day responsibilities can vary but often include:

Coordinating events and scheduling
Managing staff and overseeing operations
Maintaining the facility and ensuring safety standards
Developing budgets and managing finances
Marketing the facility and promoting events

What is the job outlook for Sports Facility Managers?

The job outlook for sports facility managers is generally positive, with growth expected as new sports facilities are built and existing ones are renovated. Keep an eye on industry trends through resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the most current information.

Where do Sports Facility Managers typically work?

Sports facility managers can find employment in a variety of settings:

Stadiums and arenas
Collegiate athletic facilities
Recreational sports complexes
Community sports centers
Fitness clubs

Remember to check job listings regularly and network within the industry to find out about new opportunities.