The RoleThe Director of Sports Medicine leads league-wide sports medicine administration, medical operations, and the implementation of policies and programs that support player health and safety across the League and its member clubs. This role helps ensure consistent implementation of league operating manuals including the Medical Manual, league policies, workers compensation and insurance processes, and the NWSL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
As an integral member of the Sporting team, the Director will work with League Medical consultants including the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), club medical staff, the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA), U.S. Soccer, relevant competition organizers, and medical and professional organizations. The Director serves as a key operational leader between the league office and the delivery of medical care at the Club level. The role emphasizes strong leadership, subject matter expertise, and sound judgement and communication skills across a varied and broad ecosystem.
What You Will Own, Drive, & Contribute ToLeague Medical Manual, CBA Compliance and Related Medical Policies- Lead the development, annual review, implementation and administration of the NWSL Medical Manual and related medical policies and protocols.
- Oversee the implementation of and compliance with the NWSL/NWSLPA CBA medical provisions, including requirements related to healthcare delivery, player medical rights including second-opinion, and mental health support.
- Oversee administration and management of the NWSL Concussion Protocol and Medical Spotter Review (MSR) system, including case review, documentation, follow-up and identification of opportunities for education and quality improvement.
- Support league-wide efforts as they relate to the inclusion of policies and practice regarding performance and female-specific health needs including reproductive and menstrual health, pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum return-to-participation.
League-Wide Injury and Illness Reporting and Surveillance- Contribute to League-wide injury and illness reporting and surveillance operations, including mandatory documentation requirements and data-quality standards for the Club electronic medical record (EMR) system.
- Work with Club medical staffs and relevant League partners to improve the accuracy, completeness, consistency and timeliness of medical and injury- surveillance data.
Workers Compensation and Insurance- Manage the operational aspects of the League's workers compensation and medical insurance programs as they relate to Player injuries and medical care.
- Develop and maintain clear processes, protocols, and workflows to facilitate timely and consistent case management.
- Collaborate and communicate with claims administrators, insurers, League officials, Clubs, medical providers, and other stakeholders to identify and resolve operational issues and improve efficiency and consistency across the League.
NWSL Club Medical Oversight, Readiness and Support- Serve as the primary League office resource for Club sports medicine staff, promoting consistency in League medical standards while supporting effective local implementation.
- Facilitate communication, education, and sharing of best practices among Club team physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, licensed mental health professionals, and other members of the multidisciplinary medical team, including monthly Executive Medical Advisory Team (EMAT) meetings.
- Support quality-assurance and continuous-improvement initiatives related to League and Club medical operations.
- Lead the development, revision, review and oversight of the Pre Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) and related Club medical-readiness.
- Conduct end-of-season medical and operational reviews with Clubs including oversight of exit physicals, and identify opportunities for system-wide improvement.
- Establish and maintain League medical standards for Match Venue and Practice Facility Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and support Clubs in implementation, review and readiness.
NWSL League Medical Operations Support- Lead and coordinate medical planning, logistics, programming, and venue medical standards for the NWSL Championship, Combine, Annual Medical Meeting & Symposium, and other relevant league-owned competitions and events.
- Support medical planning and response for emerging and/or emergent player-health and competition-related issues as needed.
What You Will BringCore Qualifications- 8+ years of experience in elite sports medicine administration, including administrative and operational responsibility within professional sports and/or NCAA Division I athletics.
- Significant experience with sideline and competition management and medical operations.
- Strong working knowledge of FIFA and US Soccer medical protocols and standards relevant to professional soccer.
- Experience working within a unionized professional sports environment.
- Working knowledge of workers' compensation practice and protocol.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with EMR systems, injury and illness classification, surveillance platforms, and other medical data-quality processes.
- Experience developing, implementing and evaluating medical policies, protocols, and operational standards.
- Strong organizational, communication and project-management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage complex and sensitive medical and operational matters.
- Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, medical ethics, and appropriate protection of health information.
Preferred Qualifications- Professional qualification/s and current certification/licensure in Athletic Training (LAT/ATC) and/or Physical Therapy (DPT/PT) .
- Experience in women's soccer, at the collegiate, professional, or national/ international level.
- Experience with sports medicine research particularly in athlete health and performance.
Our Investment in YouIn addition to working in an incredible, inclusive, and committed-to-diversity culture, we offer:
- Competitive Compensation: $125,000 - $155,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
- Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
- Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
- Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
- Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
- Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: Commuter Benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Gym On-Site, Voluntary Pet Insurance, and more!
