Sports management is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. Jobs in the industry, specifically as a sports management professional, are projected to increase by 22% by 2030. Working in the sports industry represents a high school dream for many, and with the market growing as quickly as it is, here are a few jobs in sports management that can help turn those dreams into reality.
Event Coordinator
The event staff works behind the scenes to ensure game days and sporting events run smoothly. Event coordinators help keep the staff organized by managing expense reports and travel itineraries, preparing materials for meetings, and maintaining event calendars. In addition, they’re the point person for correspondence between other departments such as facilities, production, and any outside vendors. They also work with security to supervise personnel access to event venues.
Helpful Skill:
This role demands an expert in multitasking. You’ll likely be assisting on several events that are in different stages of planning.
Facility Assistant/Coordinator
The facilities team manages the day-to-day operations of an arena or stadium. A Facility Coordinator provides administrative support for managers and directors. They typically handle scheduling, processing work order requests, and keeping maintenance records. Coordinators may also work with event staff to set up and break down technical equipment for events.
Helpful Skill:
Some tasks will require you to be hands-on, so you can’t be afraid to get them dirty as a facility coordinator.
Guest Relations Associate
Also referred to as a Box Office Associate, this customer service-oriented role works on behalf of a venue or an amateur or professional sports organization. They ensure that event attendees have an enjoyable experience by handling inquiries and troubleshooting ticket and seating issues.
Helpful Skill:
As the first point of contact with the public, guest relations associates have to possess the ability to interact with different personalities in a friendly manner. The more outgoing you are, the better.
Scout Assistant
A scout works for a professional sports agency, a sports team, or on the collegiate level. They’re talent evaluators tasked with finding athletes and tracking their development. Their end goal is to sign them to their agency or offer them a roster spot on their team. Scouts don’t just analyze raw talent; they also gauge athletes’ personalities and backgrounds to ensure they’re a good fit or provide risk assessment.
Helpful Skill:
Former players and coaches are being hired more frequently in scouting departments. If you have a background as an athlete at any level, you may have a leg up on the competition.
Social Media Coordinator
Social media management is a subsection of marketing and is a great way to engage with fans and the public directly. Coordinators monitor social channels, write copy, manage content calendars, and report performance indicators. They work with agencies, sports teams, or venues.
Helpful Skill:
If you’re usually the first person in your friend group to download a new social app, this position may be a fit for you. Being able to anticipate trends and having a grasp on new technology will set you apart.
Sports Marketing Assistant
Sports marketing consists of three sections: advertising, event promotion, and increasing general awareness of the sport or team. An assistant helps a marketing team execute its strategy. For someone just entering the field, responsibilities can include writing case studies and executive summaries, maintaining contact lists, and general administrative duties like answering phone calls and emails. In some instances, an assistant is assigned to a specific marketing manager or director.
Helpful Skill:
The responsibilities of a marketing assistant can change daily, so you’ll need to be adaptable and willing to take on different roles.
Sportswriter
Sports broadcasting is one of the most in-demand careers in the industry. An early entry point into a broadcasting career is as a sportswriter. Sportswriters report on industry news, interview athletes, and recap games for blogs, newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. They may cover all sports or specialize in one, and some work locally and provide coverage for multiple sports in a specified region.
Helpful Skill:
A good memory is an asset every sportswriter should have. Being able to recall specific game moments in detail will make your writing more interesting.
Video Coordinator
Practicing is an integral part of getting better as an individual athlete and as a team. In the digital era, coaches utilize video sessions to provide visual aid and feedback to their teams. Video Coordinators work with team management to capture footage of practices and games for training purposes. They are responsible for operating video equipment and using editing software to organize clips and breakdowns of team performance that assist coaches in analyzing team performance and adjusting future strategies.
Helpful Skill:
Do you love to watch sports? You should if you want to be a video coordinator. This role requires watching hours of game tape — sometimes rewatching the same game multiple times to find the footage coaches need.
If you’re interested in pursuing one of these Sports Management jobs and would like to scout careers and practical experiences in the industry, check out Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Sports Career Guide.
