The assistant director of intramural sports organizes sports programs for college students and oversees training for officials while also providing counseling and support to the students under their supervision.
Assistant directors of intramural sports primarily work in an office and on-site at sports events, with a schedule that includes regular office hours and weekends during events.
Exciting parts of the job
Seeing students grow from being freshmen to confident seniors who have gained valuable life skills such as leadership and teamwork
Organizing sports events for students and faculty members
Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued
Challenging parts of the job
Providing support to students with personal issues can be emotionally taxing, especially when balancing empathy and professionalism
Organizing events with limited resources while ensuring that everyone enjoys the event can be challenging
Keeping programs engaging and adapting to trends and student interests also requires continuous effort
Job outlook:
The future for assistant director of intramural sports is moderate, with steady demand in universities and recreational facilities for student engagement and wellness through sports and recreational programs.
Education requirements:
A bachelor’s degree is typically required along with sports-related certifications (see “How to Become an Assistant Director of Intramural Sports” below).
This is perfect for you if:
You have a passion for sports and other recreational activities
You possess strong leadership skills
You are a good listener and advisor to someone
You love promoting inclusivity, community building, and teamwork
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Kaulin Andric to learn more about being an assistant director of intramural sports below!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Typical start time is 8:30 or 9:00am, and end time is late afternoon or early evening. They often work weekends, especially during sports events.
Setting:
Office spaces within universities or recreational facilities with frequent visits to sports venues during events. Some roles offer opportunities for hybrid work, especially during non-peak events or for specific administrative tasks that can be managed remotely.
Tasks:
Administrative tasks like reviewing student reports and filling out business forms as well as customer service, interacting with college students, answering inquiries, and overseeing the development and support of a team of about 200 student employees.
Topics:
Continual learning of sports management, student engagement, event planning, and program development. They also stay updated on trends in recreational activities and leadership techniques.
Skills:
Strong organizational skills for managing large-scale sports events with numerous teams and thousands of students, good communication, and practical customer service skills for handling diverse student needs.
Tools:
MS Office and Google Drive for documents, Imeleaks for managing programs and schedules, and Slack for team communication.
Common Characteristics
Natural Talents (strengths):
Leadership, inspiring teams, communicating effectively with diverse groups, managing multiple tasks to ensure the smooth operation of sports events, and creating a positive environment.
Interests:
Working with people, creating a sense of community among students and staff, organizing sports events, and activities related to sports management.
Personality:
Social, enterprising, realistic, empathetic, nurturing, ambitious, entrepreneurial, practical, and resourceful.
Values:
Inclusivity, supporting others, health and wellness, collaboration, and teamwork.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become an Assistant Director of Intramural Sports
Education requirements:
A bachelor’s degree is typically required, but the field welcomes professionals from different academic backgrounds. A master’s degree and certifications such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, or specific sports-related credentials can provide additional advantages.
Preferred majors:
Pursuing majors in sports management, recreation administration, physical education, higher education administration, exercise science, and health promotion can be helpful.
Specialties within Intramural Sports and Similar Career Paths
Basketball Referee
Diving Judge
Dressage Judge
Facility Management
Fitness and Wellness Programming
Football Referee
Horse Show Judge
Major League Baseball Umpire (MLB Umpire)
Recreation Therapy
Referee
Soccer Referee
Softball Umpire
Sports Event Management
Sports Marketing and Promotion
Sports Official
Student Engagement and Leadership Development
Advice from Kaulin
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer roles in sports programming is crucial. Additionally, networking with professionals in the field and staying updated on industry trends can significantly enhance job prospects.
Fastest way to get your foot in the door:
Get involved in intramural sports programs during college and pursue related internships or graduate assistantships. Networking and applying to various universities’ sports departments are key steps to gaining entry into this field, where requirements vary widely between institutions.
What Kaulin would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:
“I would emphasize the importance of self-care. Taking care of my physical and mental well-being, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance were crucial lessons I learned as a graduate assistant and later as a professional. This approach enabled me to perform effectively and avoid burnout in my role.”
