Sports Facility Management: What Is It?

Whether local or international, sporting events are great entertainment for so many fans. The anticipation, excitement, anger, and joy felt are almost addicting. However, while we may know what to expect on game day, we don’t know what happens behind the scenes of these events that make them so special. That’s where sports facility management comes in. 

Individuals in this industry work hard to ensure the event is successful. Sports facility management doesn’t just organize events. They work around the clock to ensure fields are maintained, fans are taken care of, and the overall operations are handled. If you’re interested in this line of work, it’s important to be dedicated, organized, and have strong attention to detail. 

What Is Sports Facility Management?

Sports facility management is all about managing and maintaining the field and other areas of the facility. Overall, the sports facility manager is the primary supervisor and is responsible for managing and maintaining the entire facility. 

There are different sports facilities, which range from small to large. Managers can be handling a small facility like a park or gym, or they can be responsible for large stadiums or playgrounds. The management of the sports facility also entails that other facility employees coordinate with each other to keep the facility maintained.

Types of Sports Facility Management Jobs

When it comes to jobs in sports facility management, it’s crucial to understand that they can vary. Your level of education, experience, and skills plays a role in the type of position you are qualified to apply for – and land. 

Since there are many types of jobs, it might be difficult for you to choose one. Here are the types of jobs and a brief description of their roles: 

• Operations Manager: The operations manager ensures that the facility is maintained perfectly. They keep a check on employees that do routine maintenance. The manager also keeps the guests, players, and everyone else safe from injuries. In addition, managers have to arrange timings and schedules for the teams’ training sessions.
• Facility Directors: As a part of the management team, many sports facility directors can help players and train them. They work with amateur teams to help them polish their skills. 
• Athletic Trainer: Managers can also play the role of an athletic trainer by helping other players stay in shape. They also help them by giving them support to recover from injuries quickly and ensure that they get proper rest. 
• Promotions Specialist: If you have an attachment to a particular sport, you can work as a promotions specialist for a facility. It’s a part of the public relations field which aims to enhance the image of the sports facilities in the public’s eyes. The promotions specialist can also use its connections with media outlets to conduct concerts or events in the off-season. 

There are other jobs in sports facility management beyond what is listed above, such as working in the box office and becoming a booking and scheduling coordinator. 

Sports Facility Manager

The facility manager is the face of management. Their primary responsibility is to look after the facility by hiring and managing employees. In addition, they have to book and organize the events. 

How to Become a Sports Facility Manager? 

Now that you understand the jobs available in sports facility management, you might be wondering how to become a sports facility manager.

Becoming a sports facility manager requires a certain level of education, skills, and experience. A bachelor’s degree is the bare minimum education requirement, and you need one in a sport-related field or marketing.

You can also pursue a master’s degree to further progress in your career. Apart from education, you need to have a minimum experience of 5 years in the sports facility management field.

Salary

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of the sports facility manager is around $98,890 per annum. As of 2020, there are around 322,000 jobs in administrative services, including facilities managers. There is a chance of significant growth, with more than 28,000 coming into the market in the next decade.

Sports Facility Director

The role of a sports facility director is quite similar to that of a sports facility manager. Directors have a few more responsibilities than managers, as their position requires them to maintain the entire facility, including the field. 

They’re also responsible for the safety of the players by helping them with their injuries. The sports facility director organizes the entire event so that the spectators can watch the games without any disturbances. 

How to Become a Sports Facility Director? 

To progress your career and become a sports facility director, you need to fulfill a few educational requirements. A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite, with majors in sports management or business administration. Pursuing a master’s can also help you rise up the ranks to become a sports facility director quickly. 

Furthermore, there is a skill set you need to have to become a top pick for the position of director. You should have interpersonal and management skills to efficiently manage the facility’s employees. Also, directors need to be tech-savvy to deal with any system issues in the facility. 

Salary

The initial salary in the early stage of your career will be around $49,000. However, it is worth noting that a highly experienced sports facility director can get a six-figure salary quite easily. The average salary for the top management position is $122,762, but it can be higher than that for some individuals.

Start Your Management Career Today

There are numerous career opportunities in the field of sports facility management. If you’re passionate about sports, are organized, and have attention to detail, a job in this industry may be perfect for you. On your journey to landing the right job, be sure to focus on your education and experience. Applying for sports internships should also improve your chances of getting the job you want. 

Networking is also crucial. At JobsInSports.com, our Network allows you to connect with industry professionals online and apply for the internships and jobs best suited for your career path. Join today for free to start your journey.