The dynamic field of sports management seamlessly blends business acumen, marketing strategies, legal expertise, public relations and communication skills. This multidisciplinary approach is vital for planning, budgeting and training across diverse domains, such as community organizations, professional and amateur sports facilities, academic institutions and sports teams.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University‘s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Recreation Sports Management program equips graduates with foundational skills for success in a wide variety of sports management careers.
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management?
This degree cultivates leadership and management skills for amateur and professional sports settings. Students typically delve into a comprehensive curriculum covering sports policy, psychology, law, contemporary issues and management. Southeastern‘s program instills crucial communication and problem-solving skills, offering specialized courses in officiating, facilities management, kinesiology and more.
The field is awash with opportunities, allowing professionals to travel, whether organizing sports events, training athletes or representing college teams. The degree also empowers individuals to bring more fans into a sport, generate gambling and gaming revenues for organizations, contribute to communities and support social causes endorsed by sporting organizations. The field offers a high growth rate, promising ample job availability and career opportunities.
Sports Management Jobs
The following are just five of the diverse career outcomes available to graduates of Southeastern’s online B.S. in Recreation Sports Management program:
- Stadium Operations Manager
These professionals manage people, core operations, budgets and project delivery, contributing significantly to the overarching stadium and company strategy. Charged with responsibilities ranging from financial procedures to managing internal product support systems and overseeing staffing coverage, they play a vital role in protecting and maximizing company assets.
With a keen eye on policies and procedures, they collaborate with executives and apply project management principles to operations. Stadium operations managers earn an average salary of $106,840 and perform the following tasks:
- Budget planning and reporting: Plan, direct, control and monitor the operations department budget, actively participating in the development, tracking and reporting of annual KPIs to optimize financial performance.
- Staffing management: Ensure proper staffing coverage, working closely with HR to determine positional needs and provide training to all staff.
- Merchandising and sales optimization: Oversee merchandising activities and maintain the stores and kiosks to maximize impulse sales.
- Inventory and supply chain oversight: Monitor and manage inventory supplies, completing restocks as needed to uphold operational efficiency and meet demands.
- Resort Manager
This role oversees the business aspects of a lodging or resort location. Responsibilities encompass hiring and training staff, ordering supplies, marketing, budget maintenance and ensuring superior customer service.
The role extends to supervising various departments, including housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, attractions and guest services. Resort managers earn an average salary of $81,549 and have the following responsibilities:
- Employee onboarding: The resort manager takes charge of the hiring and training processes, ensuring that new staff members are adequately prepared to contribute.
- Contractor coordination: Arrange and oversee contractors for repairs and maintenance to uphold the resort’s infrastructure and amenities.
- Financial management: Handle the payment of bills, helping ensure the resort meets its financial responsibilities.
- Reporting to ownership: Regularly deliver comprehensive reports to ownership, providing insights into the resort’s performance and suggesting strategic improvements.
- Varied operational oversight: Manage the day-to-day operations, addressing diverse tasks such as organizing employee schedules and handling customer inquiries and complaints.
- Athletic or Sports Equipment Manager
Within the intricate machinery of sports teams and athletic departments, several essential roles contribute to the seamless functioning of the organization. Among these pivotal support positions is the sports equipment manager, a vital figure responsible for handling the equipment needs of a team or athletic department.
These professionals ensure athletes and coaches have the necessary supplies for practices and games. Equipment managers earn an average salary of $66,930 and perform the following tasks:
- Equipment preparation: Organize practice lockers with freshly laundered apparel and sporting gear before practices or games.
- Maintenance and readiness: Ensure sports equipment is in optimal condition by adding air, washing and patching as needed.
- Inventory management and ordering: Conduct regular equipment counts, ordering replacements and packing strategically for away games or matches.
- Fitness Center or Gym Manager
This position oversees fitness center operations to ensure a satisfying experience for guests. Collaboration with personal trainers and staff is crucial as they strive to maintain well-equipped facilities and meet the diverse needs of gym members. Core responsibilities encompass the efficient management of classes and trainers, membership sales and retention and the assurance that all equipment adheres to stringent safety standards.
Beyond operational prowess, a successful gym manager must possess sales and marketing acumen to generate interest and attract new members. Gym managers earn an average salary of $55,951 and have the following duties:
- Class and trainer management: Oversee and organize fitness classes and manage the activities of personal trainers, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for gym members.
- Membership sales and retention: Implement strategies to sell and retain memberships, fostering a strong and consistent membership base.
- Sales and marketing: Utilize sales and marketing skills to promote the gym, attract new members and enhance the overall visibility and reputation of the fitness center.
- Sports Event or Tournament Coordinator
Tasked with the intricate process of planning and organizing successful sporting events, these professionals guarantee a satisfying experience for both participants and spectators. From drawing up comprehensive event planning templates to overseeing security measures, inspecting facilities and coordinating logistics with organizing committees, sports event coordinators are linchpins in the complex machinery that brings athletic spectacles to life.
Tournament coordinators earn an average salary of $53,128 and perform the following tasks:
- Event planning and organization: Overseeing the planning and execution of successful sports events, ensuring a seamless experience for participants and audiences.
- Security assurance: Providing comprehensive security arrangements throughout the entire event, ensuring the safety of participants and attendees.
- Logistical coordination: Collaborating with organizing committees to manage accommodations, transportation and ticket sales, facilitating a smooth experience for guests and clients.
Southeastern‘s 100% online B.S. in Recreation Sports Management program is a gateway to these dynamic careers, equipping graduates with expertise for a wide assortment of leadership roles. As the sports industry continues to evolve, this program will continue developing the next generation of professionals ready to execute on the demands and contribute to the success of industry organizations.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Recreation Sports Management program.