Athletic Compliance Jobs: How to Land a Job in NCAA Compliance

NCAA compliance is a competitive field that offers many opportunities for those interested in working in the world of college sports. Athletic compliance jobs allow you to work with student-athletes and athletic staff to ensure that the rules and regulations outlined by the NCAA are adhered to, along with additional responsibilities. These types of careers in college athletic compliance are highly sought-after and provide those with a love of sports the opportunity to work as a professional in an ever-changing industry.

What is Athletic Compliance? 

Athletic compliance professionals are responsible for ensuring student-athletes meet the standards set by the NCAA, the institute, or any other relevant authority. They communicate with student-athletes and other regulatory bodies, including the NCAA, to ensure that the athletes meet the rules set by these institutions. Additionally, the athletic compliance officer or coordinator also has the responsibility to check that athletes fulfill the financial requirements. 

It’s imperative to meet the financial guidelines so athletes can retain their amateur status. The academic performance has to be up to the standards set by the NCAA for the athlete to be eligible. Therefore, maintaining the academic performance of the athletes is also the responsibility of the compliance officers. Moreover, the athlete’s attitude and behavior on and off the field have to be proper, which also falls under the purview of athletic compliance.

How to Get a Job in Athletic Compliance?

Landing a job in athletic compliance requires either a bachelor’s degree or postsecondary education, dependent upon the type of job you’re seeking and overall knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations to start. You will be required to also know the rules and regulations of any school/organization that employs you and keep up-to-date on any changes to those rules to ensure compliance of both the school, student-athletes, and staff. 

You’ll also want to be sure that you understand the athletic compliance job market as you’re applying for jobs to better understand the overall requirements. 

Also, consider building a strong network with industry professionals to help create connections within the industry. Knowing the right people at the right organization can help you land the job you want. 

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Types of Careers in NCAA Compliance

There are different types of NCAA jobs available in the field of athletic compliance. As you advance in your career, you can gradually move to higher positions. Below are the types of careers in NCAA compliance you can go after: 

Athletic Compliance Officer

The main responsibility of the athletic compliance officer is to ensure that they coordinate and bridge the communication gap between the coaches and the university. They work closely with the eligibility coordinator and the athletic compliance coordinator to determine the eligible candidates for scholarships and financial aid. Also, they will prepare reports for senior management, look after the preliminary investigations, and manage other things.

Athletic Compliance Coordinator

The athletic compliance coordinator is responsible for monitoring the rules set by the collegiate athletic departments. They plan and set guidelines that are essential for the betterment of the players. 

Also, they coordinate with the university and the athletic department to ensure that the athletes follow the guidelines set by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). In addition to this, the athletic compliance coordinator also manages scholarships for athletes and awards them to deserving candidates.

Athletic Director 

The role of the athletic director may vary from university to university. However, the athletic director must plan and help the university with its athletic programs. The director has to plan budgets and set limits for each thing, like facility management, travel expenditure, coach salary, etc. 

Furthermore, they have to coordinate with the coaches to schedule the leagues and tournaments, internally and externally. Also, they are responsible for resolving any issues between the university manager, student-athletes, or coaches.

Additionally, athletic directors have to file reports regarding the team’s performance. They have to coordinate with the team and other athletic compliance professionals to work on a strategy to improve the athlete’s or the team’s performance.

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Athletic Compliance Salary

Athletic compliance is a well-paying field, with the median earning of an athletic compliance officer being around $56,250 with a bachelor’s degree. As for the high-level posts, such as director, the annual salary can be anywhere between $58,831 to $94,429, depending on the education, skills, and responsibilities.

Education and Certification

Like any competitive field, athletic compliance necessitates a certain education for you to enter the field. You can pursue a bachelor’s in the field relating to athletic compliance and even pursue a master’s to further progress in your career. 

Also, you must be aware and have a firm understanding of the rule and regulations set by the NCAA. It will help you to become a top pick for employers. Apart from that, you need to have amazing communication skills since you will be dealing with the university administration and the compliance director. 

Athletic Compliance Internships

The first step for entering the athletic compliance field is finding the relevant internships to advance your career. If you can gain the right experience by signing up for internships, you can land a high-paying job in athletic compliance. Keep an eye out for these opportunities during your time in college. You can network with your teachers or industry professionals so they can connect with you when there are relevant internships available for you. 

Start Planning for Your Future

When planning for a career in athletic compliance, it’s imperative you seek the right level of education for the type of job you’re seeking. While a bachelor’s degree can help you get certain jobs, a postsecondary degree can help you land a lucrative career in the field. Internships will allow you to gain hands-on experience as well, so be sure to take the time to research and apply for the right opportunities. And don’t forget to do your homework. Stay on top of NCAA rules and regulations to give yourself a running start. 


Also, be sure to network and create connections. Knowing the right people can make a big difference in getting the career you want. At JobsInSports.com, we understand the importance of networking and landing the job of your dreams. Our network is designed to get you connected with industry professionals, create engagement, and give you more opportunities for career advancement. Join today for free!