Head Athletic Trainer

Carthage College Athletics is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head Athletic Trainer to lead our sports medicine program. This full-time, 12 month position provides the opportunity to oversee and shape a comprehensive NCAA Division III sports medicine operation that supports the health, safety, and performance of over 28 varsity teams and a broad-based student-athlete population.

The Head Athletic Trainer will have the autonomy to determine sport assignments and staffing structure based on departmental needs and staff strengths. The position also involves collaboration with the Carthage College Athletic Training Education Program, a CAATE-accredited master's-level program, including serving as a preceptor for athletic training graduate students.. Opportunities for academic teaching appointments may also be available.

The successful candidate will lead a dedicated sports medicine team that includes five full-time Athletic Trainers, one Director of Sport Performance, and one part-time Director of Rehabilitation. On-campus services are further supported by team physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, strength & conditioning staff, a sports dietitian, campus pastor, and licensed mental health professionals.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in Athletic Training or related field.
• BOC-certified and licensed (or eligible for licensure) in the state of Wisconsin.
• CPR/AED certification.
• Minimum of 7 years of athletic training experience, preferably in a collegiate setting.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent clinical decisions and manage multiple responsibilities.

Preferred:

• Experience in NCAA Division III athletics.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience working with external healthcare providers and managing referral networks.
• Experience with advanced treatment techniques (e.g., manual therapy, dry needling).

Responsibilities:

Clinical Care & Student-Athlete Health

• Provide comprehensive athletic training patient care, including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of student-athletes.
• Deliver high-quality, individualized patient care with an emphasis on clinical outcomes and safe return-to-play decisions.
• Provide immediate and emergency care for athletic injuries.
• Implement and oversee concussion management and return-to-play protocols.
• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records for all student-athletes.

Leadership & Sports Medicine Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight for all athletic training and sports medicine services.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate athletic training staff and students.
• Establish and refine policies, procedures, and best practices aligned with clinical care, NCAA Division III, and institutional standards.
• Coordinate and assign athletic training coverage for practices, competitions, and special events.
• Manage the sports medicine budget, including supplies, equipment, and services.
• Oversee pre-participation physicals and medical clearance processes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance athletics healthcare delivery, efficiency, and overall program effectiveness.

Healthcare Coordination & External Partnerships

• Serve as the primary liaison to team physicians, orthopedic specialists, and other healthcare providers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local healthcare partners to support comprehensive care.
• Coordinate referrals, imaging, and follow-up care for student-athletes.
• Serve as a key connector between student-athletes, coaches, families, athletic administration, student health services and medical providers.

Education, Collaboration & Compliance

• Adhere to all NATA, CCIW Conference, and NCAA guidelines, directives, and recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with coaches to support safe training practices and informed return-to-play decisions.
• Collaborate with sport performance staff and campus health resources to support student-athlete well-being and performance.
• Oversee and mentor athletic training students, including timely evaluations and supervision.
• Provide education and training for athletics staff in areas such as first aid, CPR/AED, and injury prevention.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and all applicable healthcare regulations.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage medical documentation, insurance coordination, and communication with providers and families.
• Ensure proper selection, fitting, and maintenance of protective equipment.
• Stay current with developments in athletic training and sports medicine.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by athletic department leadership.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three letters of reference to:

Ryan Kane Director of Athletics Carthage College Email: rkane@carthage.edu

Applications will be reviewed as received, and the search will continue until the position is filled.

Apply Online

About Carthage

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the thriving Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, Carthage College blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, and personal attention from dedicated faculty and staff. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum with stunning lake views, is home to 2,600 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students. Founded in 1847, Carthage is consistently named a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review and a Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report. All Carthage employees play a vital part in the success of our students, as we work together to create an environment where all can achieve their true potential. Grow with Carthage.

Carthage College is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse community. We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

This position requires a background screening