An Athletic Trainer treats injuries and provides training to minimize the risk of injury for athletes and people playing sports. Responds when an athlete is injured on the field. Works for schools or colleges, for professional sports teams, or in physicians' offices.
Valparaiso University seeks a Head Athletic Trainer to lead the Sports Medicine Department. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of all sports medicine services, ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes competing in 19 varsity sports. The Head Athletic Trainer is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive sports medicine policies and procedures, supervising athletic training staff, coordinating healthcare services with team physicians and other medical providers, and fostering a collaborative approach to student-athlete care. This position serves as a key member of the Athletics leadership team.
Major Responsibilities:
Sports Medicine Leadership Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Valparaiso University Sports Medicine Department. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices that promote the health and safety of student-athletes. Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality sports medicine services across all varsity programs. Coordinate athletic training coverage for practices, competitions, camps, and postseason events. Maintain and regularly review emergency action plans for all athletics venues. Student-Athlete Healthcare Prevent, evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate athletic injuries and illnesses. Coordinate pre-participation physical examinations and medical clearances. Develop individualized rehabilitation and return-to-play programs in consultation with team physicians and sport performance staff. Monitor student-athlete health and wellness while promoting injury prevention strategies. Provide emergency medical care during practices and competitions. Medical Administration Oversee the department's electronic medical records system, including Healthy Roster, ensuring accurate, timely, and confidential documentation. Coordinate physician clinics and referrals to medical specialists. Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, NCAA, conference, and university healthcare standards. Ensure proper documentation of injuries, treatments, rehabilitation progress, and medical clearances. Supervision and Staff Development Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant athletic trainers, interns, and student employees. Foster professional development and continuing education opportunities for sports medicine staff. Collaboration Work collaboratively with team physicians, sports performance personnel, nutrition services, counseling services, compliance, academic services, coaching staffs, and university administration. Participate in departmental leadership meetings and university committees as assigned. Serve as a resource to coaches regarding injury management, return-to-play decisions, and student-athlete health initiatives. Budget and Equipment Management Manage the annual Sports Medicine operating budget. Oversee purchasing, inventory, and maintenance of athletic training equipment and medical supplies. Compliance and Risk Management Ensure departmental compliance with NCAA legislation, conference policies, university policies, and applicable state and federal regulations. Oversee concussion management, environmental safety protocols, and other NCAA health and safety initiatives. Maintain required certifications, licensure, and departmental accreditation standards. Other Responsibilities Travel with athletic teams as assigned. Support departmental initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience. Perform other duties as assigned by the
Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports Required Knowledge and Skills:
Master's degree in Athletic Training Certification by the Board of Certification (BOC). Current eligibility for athletic training licensure in the State of Indiana. Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications. Minimum of five years of collegiate athletic training experience, with progressive leadership responsibilities. Demonstrated supervisory experience. Experience utilizing electronic medical records systems, preferably Healthy Roster or similar software. Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Other Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Athletic Training. Experience leading a Division I sports medicine program. Knowledge of NCAA Division I health and safety initiatives and best practices. Additional Information Comprehensive knowledge of athletic injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and emergency medical procedures. Strong understanding of NCAA regulations, sports medicine standards, and risk management practices. Excellent leadership and staff management skills. Outstanding organizational and communication abilities. Ability to build trust with student-athletes, coaches, physicians, and campus partners. Commitment to providing exceptional healthcare while supporting the University's mission of excellence in academics, athletics, and character development. All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment. To be considered for this position, you must upload: Cover letter Resume List of 3 professional references Answer all application questions Please address the cover letter to: Merce Poindexter, Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Welfare & Compliance Valparaiso University
