Director of Sports Medicine

Director of Sports Medicine
Organization: PlaySafe USA
Location: Anderson, South Carolina (Hybrid work schedule with travel)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Application Deadline: 04/10/2026
Start Date: Target, May 1, 2026, or before

Organizational Overview

PlaySafe is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the health, safety, and overall well-being of youth by providing access to full-time certified athletic trainers and comprehensive sports medicine services. Beyond clinical care, PlaySafe offers innovative programs such as PlaySmart, focused on opioid misuse prevention, and PlayMindful, which promotes mental health awareness. Operating at the intersection of healthcare and education, our team works to ensure student-athletes and communities have access to the resources they need.

For more information, please visit www.playsafeusa.org.

Position Summary

The Director of Athletic Training is a senior-level leadership role designed for a forward-thinking, solutions-driven professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This position is responsible for driving the vision, growth, and excellence of PlaySafe’s athletic training services, leading a program that places certified/licensed athletic trainers in schools and community settings to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to student-athletes.

This is more than an administrative role, it is an opportunity to innovate, build, and shape the future of care delivery. The Director will set clinical standards, champion new ideas, and continuously evolve program strategies to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve. Success in this role requires a leader who is adaptable, proactive, and willing to think beyond traditional models to strengthen outcomes and expand impact.

Serving as the central hub for all athletic training operations, the Director will lead and inspire staff, foster strong partnerships, ensure regulatory excellence, and elevate program performance through strategic leadership. This individual will play a critical role in cultivating a culture of growth, collaboration, and innovation, advancing PlaySafe’s mission while redefining what’s possible in student-athlete care.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Administration

• Develop and execute the organization-wide vision for athletic training services, ensuring alignment with PlaySafe’s mission, strategic plan, and community health priorities. Including new program development.

• Lead the design and implementation of scalable service delivery models that meet the needs of school districts and community partners.

• Create, update, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for clinical service delivery, incident response, documentation, and safety protocols.

• Collaborate with executive leadership to secure funding, expand into new regions, and develop innovative programming.

Clinical Governance and Compliance

• Ensure athletic training programs are fully compliant with local, state, and federal regulations, including all licensure and certification requirements.

• Oversee quality assurance and clinical documentation systems, including injury tracking, EMRs, and reporting procedures.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as injury rates, recovery outcomes, referral patterns, and client satisfaction.

Personnel Management and Workforce Development

• Directly supervise and evaluate a statewide or multi-regional team of certified/licensed athletic trainers.

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, and professional development programs to build clinical excellence and retention.

• Coordinate ongoing training related to emerging practices in athletic training, trauma-informed care, adolescent development, and substance misuse prevention.

Partnerships, Advocacy, and Outreach

• Serve as the primary liaison to school administrators, athletic directors, health providers, and community leaders to promote collaborative care models.

• Advocate for the role of athletic trainers in youth development, injury prevention, and public health through presentations, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

• Support PlaySafe’s advocacy initiatives at the state and national level, including legislation and funding for student-athlete safety and sports medicine. SCATA and NATA

Program Evaluation and Reporting

• Develop and maintain data collection protocols to evaluate program impact, service utilization, and outcome trends. Currently utilizing Injure Free Software.

• Prepare regular reports for internal leadership and external funders.

• Translate evaluation findings into actionable recommendations for continuous improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure ** Required**

• Master’s Degree in Athletic Training

• Active Board of Certification (BOC) certification.

• South Carolina or Georgia licensure (or eligibility to obtain licensure) as a Certified Athletic Trainer.

Experience ** Preferred**

• Minimum of 10 years of clinical experience as a certified athletic trainer, with at least 3 years in program management or leadership roles.

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and managing clinical programs, especially in school-based or community health settings.

• Experience with electronic medical records systems, program data analysis, and compliance reporting.

Competencies and Attributes **Required**

• Visionary leadership with the ability to scale programs across multiple regions or school systems.

• Deep commitment to health equity, youth development, and community health innovation.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills: ability to lead diverse teams and build trust with stakeholders.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.

• * Preferred* Familiarity with the grants process, budget oversight, and nonprofit administration.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work environment based out of Anderson, SC, with travel to school sites and community partners (up to 50%).

• Evening and weekend availability may be required for community events, athletic coverage, or emergency response coordination.

• Use of a personal vehicle may be necessary.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary

• Benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401k retirement plan with employer match

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development funding

• Flexible scheduling and supportive work culture

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): As a full-time employee of PlaySafe (a qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) you may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This initiative forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under an income-driven repayment plan while employed full-time by a qualifying employer.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

• A detailed cover letter outlining their interest in the role and salary expectations.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Applications should be submitted via email to Ann.Cioffi@playsafeusa.org with the subject line: “Director of Athletic Training Application – [Your Name]” by April 10, 2026.

Pay: $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Athletic Training License/Certification (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Anderson, SC 29621

Salary : $70,000