Description
The Senior Director, Athletic Medicine Ops/Head Athletic Trainer is responsible for overseeing a comprehensive athletic medicine program for the prevention, evaluation, treatment, management and overall rehabilitation of student athletes and their sports-related injuries and is designated as the head certified athletic trainer. The role will lead the Athletic Medicine Department, develops policies, procedures and guidelines where student athletes receive the best possible medical care and aligns with best practices, NCAA, Big 10, AAAHC, US Council on Athletes Health and USC guidelines. Oversees all operations within Athletic Medicine including planning and scheduling, personnel administration, budget and equipment. Directly supervises the certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, sports dieticians, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and chiropractors. Assumes responsibilities of the Athletics Health Care Administration and acts as point of contact for the health and safety of student athletes and establishes structure that supports the delivery of independent medical care for student athletes. Serves as the primary point of contact for the Department of Athletics regarding Athletic Medicine.
Essential Duties:
- Working directly under the direction of the Director of Athletic Medicine, Faculty from Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Physical Therapy, and the Executive Administrator, Clinical Ops, Strategy, & Quality, specific clinical care will be provided. Administers and oversees the care, prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries to all student-athletes. Evaluates the competency and practice of athletic training staff.
- In conjunction with the Director of Athletic Medicine, Faculty from Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Physical Therapy, and the Executive Administrator, Clinical Ops, Strategy, & Quality, manages and supervises athletic medicine staff including physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, sports dieticians, chiropractors, acupuncture, massage therapists, and care team. With Director of Athletic Medicine, plans and coordinates physical examinations and screenings.
- Ensures effective communication between athletic medicine and and coaching staff, sport adminstrators,and healthcare teamregarding the injury status of athletes. Makes appropriate physician's referrals and appointments.
- Serves as the primary point of contact between Athletic Medicine and the Department of Athletics. Meets regularly with Athletics Administrators, coaches, and other staff to ensure collaborative working relationships, set priorities for Athletic Medicine, and resolve issues and concerns.
- Organizes and maintains all medical records in accordance with federal and state regulations. Develops and maintains emergency action plans for all permanent and temporary practice and competition venues in accordance with university risk management guidelines and state regulations.
- Develops and tracks key performance indicators for all aspects of Athletic Medicine in collaboration with the Director of Athletic Medicine, Executive Administrator, Chief Health Officer, and Department of Athletics in areas of cost, quality, and patient experience.
- Assists the institution in hosting athletic events. Assists the athletics administration and coaching staff in determining whether the athletic facility is in optimal and safe condition. Helps monitor weather conditions and dangerous environments (air quality/humidity/lightning). Adheres to Big 10 Conference guidelines, including visiting team accommodations and services.
- Develops and maintains all department guidelines, policy and procedure in accordance with AAAHC and other applicable national/international best practices and consensus statements.
- Responsible for reporting any misconduct and/or actions not in accordance with department guidelines, policies and procedures.
- In conjunction with the Executive Administrator, Clinical Ops, Strategy, & Quality, develops and manages the Athletic Training Facilities(including off site and travel locations), budgets and policies to maintain optimal health, safety and welfare of all constituents. Coordinates the purchasing and use of all equipment and supplies needed for the operation of the athletic training facility, in accordance with, AAAHC State and organizational policies.
- Develop and implements prevention of potential injuries through rehabilitation and corrective exercise programs to obtain maximum performance.
- Convenes working groups to support Sports Science and use of performance technologies with coaches, athletic medicine staff, researchers, and others. Ensures all programs align with NCAA recommendations and support athlete well-being.
- Organizes and supervises drug testing per department policy.
- Ensures the Athletic Department staff maintains First-Aid, CPR and AED certification, relevant licenses and certifications required for employment. Responsible for implementation and rehearsal of health and safety best practices.
- Knowledge of rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA and Big 10 Conference should be maintained, reviewed and practiced to ensure compliance relative to those applicable duties.
- Provides medical emergency coverage to injured student athletes at practices and athletic events, as needed. Administers first aid until appropriate medical assistance can be obtained.
- Provides guidance and supervision to physical therapists, athletic trainers, nutritionists, chiropractors and massage therapists as well as assistants. Develops talent, character and values. Assigns and schedules work based on department needs. Makes hiring, promotional and salary decisions in accordance with organizational policy. Provides performance appraisals for direct reports and determines need for disciplinary action. Evaluates the competency and practice of athletic training staff.
- Stays informed and knowledgeable of developments in the sports medicine field, as well as changing governmental and NCAA legislation and policies which may affect the sports medicine program's guidelines and decision-making. Advises administration, coaches and staff members of updates in a timely manner.
- Reads pertinent literature, attends meetings, seminars and conferences, and maintains certification from the Board of Certification (BOC) and National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).
- Acts as the Athletics Health Care Administrator and oversees the health care administration and its delivery and ensures compliance with NCAA constitution and bylaws.
- Establish best practices polices under the Interassociation Checklists for Cardiovascular Care Best Practices, Concussion Safety Protocol, Year-Round Football Practice Contact Recommendations, Performance Technologies Recommendations:
- Responsible Use in Collegiate Athletics, and Mental Health Best Practices.
- Responsible for the Athletics Health Care Administration and acts as point of contact for the health and safety and establishes structure that supports the delivery of independent medical care for student athletes.
- As Athletics Health Care Administrator, will engage regularly and actively with stakeholders within the athletics department and across the organization.
- Follows the Athletics Health Care Administrator Checklists to ensure compliance with NCAA health and safety regulations.
- Coordinates Athletic Medicine compliance with AAAHC standards.
- Collaborates with Nursing and medical providers to support the health, safety, and recovery of student-athletes by providing clinical nursing care, assisting with injury assessment and treatment coordination, monitoring medical conditions, and ensuring adherence to healthcare protocols.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Req Master's degree Degree in Athletic Training, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology or related field
- Req 7-10 years Experience managing/overseeing an athletic training/medicine services for NCAA student-athletes division
- Req 5 years Progressive managerial experience
- Req Experience as a head athletic trainer in a university's athletic department (preferably in football)
- Req Demonstrated excellence in effective leadership and ability to motivate individuals and teams through change efforts.
- Req Demonstrated fiscal management capabilities including budgetary control, sustainable expense reduction, and new revenue generation.
- Req Proven personnel management strength including ability to select, develop, and retain people and promote collaborative teamwork.
- Req Excellent problem-solving and planning skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Pref Master's degree Degree in Healthcare administration, business or related field
Required Licenses/Certifications:
- Req Certified Athletic Trainer Certification from the Board of Certification (BOC)
- Req National Provider Identifier (NPI)
- Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
The annual base salary range for this position is $145,600.00 - $240,240.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. Job ID REQ20173729 Posted Date 04/01/2026 Apply Save Job Current employees apply here
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