Becoming an Athletic Director
Mark Curcio
American Public University
The “dream job” I selected is becoming an athletic director in my school’s district. I have been a teacher in my district at both the high school and middle school level. Since I started I have been improving my resume over the last seven years to be ready when the position becomes available. It is my intention with this paper to show the research and goals that I have set and need to attain to get my dream job.
I want to start first by describing the qualifications needed to obtain this position. You must be able to show leadership experience as an administrator, Athletic Director, Head Coach, or another appropriate leadership position. Next is being able to work with parents, student athletes, staff, community, and administration as well as the board of education. I must be able to show knowledge of methods, materials, and practices in athletics and show skills in budget development and management. In Connecticut being knowledgeable about CIAC rules, regulations, and guidelines is important. Then the ability to plan, organize and assess athletic programs and activities. According to Susan Mamchak in her book Complete Communications Manual for Coaches and Athletic Directors she writes, what does it take to be an Athletic Director? Well, for young men and women looking for a career in sports becoming an Athletic Director keeps you in the game. I have talked with many ADs over the past three years and I have yet to find an Athletic Director who did not say "how much they love their job." Not everybody can say that. It's not an easy job and certainly not a 9 to 5 position. For one, it has a ton of responsibilities assigned to the AD. First, an AD is an "Administrator." He or she is responsible for developing and maintaining a sports program usually at a high school or college. But the job may place you in a...