Head Athletic Trainer, First Team

Job Description Summary

We elevate Kansas City through soccer experiences and create memories through personalized touchpoints with our club. Our promise is to continually delight our fans and set the benchmark for best practices across Major League Soccer.

Sporting Kansas City’s values are to be experience obsessed, high performance in all that we do, exemplify accountability, demonstrate integrity and to always put the club first.

The Head Athletic Trainer is responsible for managing the comprehensive sports medicine and injury mitigation support for the Sporting Kansas City First Team in Major League Soccer. This role leads daily athletic training operations, ensures compliance with MLS medical protocols, and works collaboratively with technical coaches, the CMO, and medical and performance staff.

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Deliver high-level acute injury management, clinical diagnostics, manual therapy & first aid/emergency care & preventative taping for all First Team players.
• Work closely with the Head of Physical Performance & Head of Rehabilitation to ensure alignment in these key areas.
• Manage the medical department budget, travel & emergency equipment, and all related equipment infrastructure.
• Maintain a complete and up-to-date roster of Player health, participation records & medical data in the League-provided electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Attend all training, scrimmages and games and must ensure two vetted Athletic Trainers/Therapists are present at all matches.
• Supervise Assistant Athletic Trainers/Therapists, medical Interns, and volunteers as applicable and/as outlined in the MLS Medical Manual.
• Oversee the completed entry of player medical records, including the documentation of accurate first report of injury, physician diagnosis, player assessments & treatments in the EMR daily.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, players, and external medical partners.
• Stay current on all MLS & MLSPA medical policies and protocols to ensure club-wide compliance.
• Lead EAP periodic practice sessions for all venues with medical staff.
• Maintain & develop a competitive & successful team culture & environment.
• Always represent Sporting Kansas City and its related affiliates in a professional manner at all times.
• Perform other related tasks or projects as assigned.

Personal Attributes

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Must possess a strong, positive, and self-motivated work ethic.
• Strong problem-solving skills & detail-oriented.
• Have a growth mindset to continually improve from both individual & team perspectives.
• Passionate about professional sports.
• Ability to demonstrate poise, tact and diplomacy. Strong teamwork aptitude required.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive, confidential situations and information.
• Professional appearance and attitude, as well as ability to work with others.

Skills and Experience

• CATA or NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• 6+ years of professional experience as an Athletic Trainer with a minimum of 2 years working with elite-level athletes; professional soccer experience preferred.
• Professional liability insurance & CPR certified.
• Bilingual English / Spanish skills preferred.
• CSCS, PES, LMT, and/or NREMT preferred.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Calendar preferred.

Physical Abilities

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and provide hands-on athletic training and rehabilitation services.
• Must be able to assist athletes with therapeutic and functional activities and move or utilize medical, rehabilitation, and athletic-training equipment consistent with the essential functions of the position.
• The role will be performed both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions, including frequent exposure to the sun and heat, as well as wet, cold conditions.
• Must be able to work for extended periods in indoor and outdoor training and competition environments.
• Ability to maintain emotional control in stressful situations.
• Required to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary.
• Required to travel at various times during the year.

Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create an empowering environment for a diverse and inclusive team of associates who make a positive impact on our club and our community. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.