Head Athletic Trainer

JOB SUMMARY:

The College invites applications for the position of Head Athletic Trainer. The Head Athletic Trainer serves as the primary healthcare administrator for the athletic department and is responsible for providing comprehensive athletic training services to the College's intercollegiate student-athletes. This position oversees injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, emergency care, and return-to-play decisions supporting an evidence-based practice while ensuring compliance with all institutional, conference, state, and national governing body regulations. The Head Athletic Trainer will also perform professional and administrative services essential for the successful implementation and development of the program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Athletic Healthcare

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive athletic healthcare program for all varsity and select club athletic teams.
• Provide injury prevention, evaluation, emergency care, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play management for student-athletes.
• Coordinate and supervise daily athletic training room operations.
• Serve as the NCAA Athletics Healthcare Administrator.
• Maintain appropriate medical records and documentation in compliance with HIPAA and institutional policies.
• Develop emergency action plans (EAPs) for all athletic venues and ensure annual review and staff training.
• Coordinate concussion management protocols and return-to-learn/return-to-play procedures.
• Oversee injury surveillance and health-related data collection.

Medical Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between student-athletes, physicians, healthcare providers, coaches, and administrators.
• Serve as the primary liaison for secondary insurance policy and claim coordination.
• Coordinate physician clinics, specialist referrals, diagnostic testing, and surgical consultations.
• Assist with pre-participation physical examinations and medical clearance processes.
• Manage relationships with team physicians and other medical professionals.

Leadership and Administration

• Supervise assistant athletic trainers, graduate assistants, interns, and student workers, as applicable.
• Develop departmental policies, procedures, and best practices for sports medicine.
• Prepare and manage the sports medicine operating budget.
• Purchase, inventory, and maintain athletic training equipment and medical supplies.
• Ensure proper maintenance and sanitation of athletic training facilities.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with NCAA, conference, OSHA, HIPAA, FERPA, state licensure, and Board of Certification (BOC) standards.
• Assist in developing and implementing departmental risk management initiatives.
• Maintain all required certifications, licenses, and continuing education requirements.
• Demonstrate and lead expectations for safe practices during practices, competitions, strength and conditioning activities, and team travel.

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with coaches, strength and conditioning staff, sports performance personnel, counseling services, and campus health professionals.
• Participate in department meetings and institutional committees as assigned.
• Support departmental initiatives promoting student-athlete wellness and mental health.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend assigned home and away contests.
• Maintain professional development through continuing education and professional organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Master's degree required
• Experience: 2-3 years athletic training experience required. Sports performance experience preferred
• Certificate/License: Certified by the NATA BOC, NC Athletic Training Licensure, and familiarity with NCAA governing rules are required. CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor certification preferred.