College sports in the United States are big business. From packed stadiums and national broadcasts to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals for student-athletes, the industry brings in billions of dollars each year. Behind the scenes, thousands of people make it all work. These include staff in athletic departments, marketing teams, sports agencies, and media crews.
If you’re looking for a job that combines your love of sports with a professional career, there are many paths to explore. College sports jobs are available at small colleges and major universities in almost every state. Whether you want to work directly with athletes or support teams from behind the scenes, you have a role. This guide breaks down the most common college sports jobs, what they pay, the skills needed, and how to get started.
Types of College Sports Jobs
Jobs in college sports aren’t just limited to coaching jobs or athletic directors. Many people work behind the scenes at schools, sports agencies, media outlets, or marketing companies. These roles help support athletes, connect with fans, and build the school’s brand. They also create real impact, helping shape student-athletes’ success and the reputation of college programs.
Sports Agency Jobs
Sports agencies have recently become more involved in college athletics, especially with NIL deals allowing athletes to profit from their name and image. These changes have created new opportunities for agencies to represent college athletes and negotiate brand partnerships.
Agencies offer support in several key areas, including athlete representation, legal advice, and sponsorship management. Roles at these firms may include athlete agents, contract advisors, marketing agents, social media strategists, or account managers. Some professionals work directly with student-athletes to build their personal brand, while others develop larger marketing campaigns alongside athletic departments.
Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential if you’re interested in this type of work. Some roles may also require a law, finance, or digital marketing background.
College Sports Marketing Jobs
Marketing staff play a key role in keeping college sports exciting and profitable. Typical jobs include promotions managers, fan engagement coordinators, social media leads, or sponsorship activation specialists. These professionals work year-round to build the college’s brand and grow support for its teams.
The work is creative and fast-paced, from managing digital ad campaigns to coordinating halftime events. Professionals in these roles often help fill stadiums, run contests, design merchandise promotions, and organize outreach efforts to students and alumni. They may also work with sponsors to ensure their brands are represented in a way that fits the team’s image and audience.
Sports marketing jobs in college athletics are ideal for creative, outgoing, and organized people. Balancing planning with quick decision-making is also essential, especially during live events.
College Sports Media Jobs
Many colleges have whole media departments dedicated to their athletic programs. These teams handle live game coverage, press releases, interviews, and highlight videos. Media jobs are essential in shaping how fans and the public see the team.
Typical roles include content creators, video editors, reporters, photographers, and sports information directors (SIDs). These professionals manage team websites, shoot game footage, write stories, edit graphics, and schedule social media posts. They may also coordinate with TV networks or national sports media outlets in larger schools.
Sports media jobs require strong storytelling skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work on tight deadlines.
Experience with video editing tools, graphic design software, or sports writing can make a big difference.
College Sports Jobs Salary Expectations
Salaries in college sports vary depending on the school size, division level, and job title. Entry-level jobs in sports marketing or media usually start around $35,000 to $45,000 per year. These roles include digital media assistants, event coordinators, or graduate assistants.
Mid-level jobs, like marketing coordinators, communications managers, or junior agents, may pay between $50,000 and $65,000. These positions often require a few years of experience and the ability to manage projects or lead small teams.
Senior roles, such as athletic directors, creative services leads, or head agency reps, can earn $80,000 or more. Some salaries are well into the six figures at larger Division I schools or within major athletic conferences. Beyond pay, many positions come with substantial benefits, access to sporting events, and a chance to build a long-term career in sports.
Skills & Qualifications for Jobs in College Sports
You’ll need personal and technical skills to work in college sports. Communication, organization, time management, and teamwork are essential in every role. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, video editing tools, content scheduling apps, or social media platforms is a big plus for media and marketing jobs.
Technical knowledge also helps manage CRM platforms, email marketing systems, or data tracking tools. Many schools use platforms like Hudl, Teamworks, or INFLCR to manage athlete profiles and team content.
A large number of professionals begin their careers with degrees in sports management, marketing, communications, journalism, or digital media. Just as important, however, is gaining real-world experience. Internships, student worker jobs, and volunteer opportunities with a school’s athletic department can help you stand out. These early roles teach you how things work behind the scenes and allow you to build a strong network.
Soft skills are just as critical. Being flexible, staying calm under pressure, solving problems quickly, and speaking all matter in a fast-moving college sports environment.
How to Land College Sports Jobs
Getting a job in college sports takes more than just a passion for athletics. It takes planning, persistence, and connecting with the right people. Whether you’re still in school or looking to make a career shift, there are concrete steps you can follow to increase your chances of landing a role. This section offers a clear path you can follow, no matter your background or experience level.
Step 1 – Get Experience at Your University or Local Team
The best place to start is close to home. If you’re still in school, work with your college’s athletic department, join the game day events team, write for the sports section of your campus paper, or volunteer at athletic fundraisers. Even unpaid roles help you gain real experience, show interest, and make valuable connections.
Look for community college or semi-pro teams nearby if you’re not in college. High school sports programs sometimes need volunteers or part-time staff, too.
Step 2 – Build a Network in College Athletics
Connections matter in college sports. Try attending local or national events where sports staff gather, such as NACDA conferences or university networking nights. Follow athletic professionals on LinkedIn or Instagram. Don’t be afraid to send polite messages asking for a short call or email exchange to learn more about what they do.
Joining sports business groups or online communities is also a great way to meet others. Sometimes, one conversation can lead to a job lead or mentorship opportunity.
Step 3 – Make Your Application Sports-Specific
When you apply for a job, highlight your sports experience—even as a volunteer, student worker, or intern. Use examples and numbers to show your impact. For example: “Coordinated halftime promotions for three home games, increasing fan engagement by 25%.”
Ensure your resume and cover letter match the style and energy of the athletic world. Use action verbs, show results, and keep your writing clear and direct. Show that you understand the fast pace and team-driven culture of sports.
Step 4 – Use Trusted Job Boards and College Sports Sites
Finding the right job takes time, but the right tools can help. JobsInSports.com is one of the top websites for college sports listings. It includes marketing, agency, and media roles across the country. You can also check NCAA.org, individual school websites, and specialized job boards for sports professionals.
Sign up for job alerts, follow your favorite college athletic departments on social media, and stay ready to apply when something opens up.
Let JobsInSports Help You Find College Sports Jobs
If you’re serious about working in college sports—as a video editor for a college hockey program, a recruiting coordinator for football, or a social media manager for women’s basketball, JobsInSports can make the search easier. The site offers updated job listings for nationwide marketing, agency, and media roles. You can find entry-level positions, remote jobs, and opportunities in small schools and major programs.
JobsInSports also provides resume tips, interview preparation guides, and career advice for those looking to enter the industry. Whether you’re just starting or hoping to advance, it’s a trusted resource used by agencies, universities, and sports companies to find great talent.
