What is Sports Management?

Sport management is the business of sports and recreation. Sport managers work for pro teams, colleges and recreational departments.

JOBS WITH A SPORT MANAGEMENT DEGREE

Game Day or Event Coordinator

These organized, dynamic professionals oversee all the essential elements that go into effectively promoting, executing, and broadcasting a sporting event. Often acting as liaisons between fans, the venue, and management, game day coordinators help to create a lively, engaging environment and ensure that the event is a pleasant experience for all attendees.

Athletics Administrator

Athletics administrators are often the central decision makers in sports organizations, responsible for supervising nearly every facet of a franchise, team, or club. Anything from ordering equipment to hiring and firing staff can fall within their purview. Their job can also involve ensuring compliance with changing legal regulations, particularly in the collegiate setting.

Sport Marketer

Sport marketing professionals focus on both creating buzz surrounding the franchise or organization they serve and managing sponsorships that may affect the team’s brand. Overall, their mission is to promote the team, its players, and whatever other stories or assets draw public interest, increasing sales and strengthening the voice of the organization. Organizations of all kinds rely on experts who communicate powerfully through both digital and traditional media.

Facility Operations Manager

Leaders in this field effectively apply the available resources to maintain and improve an athletic venue. They may be responsible for managing construction contractors, hiring custodial employees, organizing ticket sales and entry, and coordinating emergency response plans.

Financial and Contract Analyst

As with any business, sports teams and franchises aim to be profitable and fiscally responsible. Financial analysts in sport support this goal as they do in other businesses: analyzing available funds, capital, and expenditures to maximize revenue and report on performance. Considering that much of the company’s capital may involve athlete salaries and vendor agreements, these professionals may also be called upon to examine the terms of a pending contract and ensure it reflects the organization’s best interests.

Guest Relations Manager

The guest relations manager ensures that fans have a positive experience with every member of a venue’s customer service staff. They coordinate with employees to check that everyone adheres to organizational policies. When any disputes or difficult situations arise, the manager takes the lead in finding a resolution.

Corporate Partnerships Manager

Sport organizations frequently work with corporate partners to promote a product or service in exchange for initial or ongoing fees. The corporate partnership manager oversees these partnerships, discovering new opportunities, developing agreements, and supervising their execution. Other types of partnerships in sport may include deals with media outlets, such as exclusivity agreements for broadcasting rights.