Head Athletic Trainer

Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023, Athletes Unlimited is a new model of pro sports, where athletes are decision-makers and individual players are champions of team sports. Athletes Unlimited owns and operates professional women’s softball, lacrosse, volleyball and basketball leagues featuring world-class competition and fan experience and stands out as an organization driven by the athletes that play in the leagues.  Athletes Unlimited is the first professional sports league to be organized as a Public Benefit Corporation.

In June 2025, AU will significantly transform and expand its softball business by launching the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). AUSL will be a premier professional women’s softball league and will model traditional “city-based” leagues (e.g. WNBA and NWSL) with commensurate operations and commercial activities. The five-year goal is to grow AUSL aggressively by adding additional teams in 2026 and beyond, converting to a fully city-based model, bringing in team owners, and building out ancillary business, fan, and partner engagement opportunities.

We are hiring a Head Athletic Trainer to oversee the medical operations of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and ensure all players receive individualized care to optimize performance. This role will also support the health and wellness needs of the other sports at Athletes Unlimited (AU) during the AUSL off-season. This position reports directly to the Director, Medical Services at AU.

Responsibilities

• Own all daily medical service aspects (prevention, first aid, emergency and standard care, rehabilitation) of AUSL & AU athlete injuries and illnesses and determine appropriate medical referrals as warranted
• Maintain accurate and confidential injury record management for all applicable injuries and illnesses
• Organize and direct pre-participation Physical Exams annually
• Purchase and maintain the equipment and supply budget for medical services
• Serve as the primary athletic trainer with direct coverage for a designated team, including travel
• Work directly with the Head Sports Performance Coach and fellow coaches to design and execute scientific-based, sports-specific strength and conditioning programs for each team as needed
• Collaborate with the Asst. AT and Sports Performance Coach to ensure a safe and effective return to sport in the case of injury through proper conditioning modifications 
• Supervise and support AUSL Lead & Asst. athletic trainers, and other staff as determined, to ensure smoothly functioning medical operations across all the League sites
• Develop and maintain relationships with team physicians and other local medical professionals to ensure optimal player health and performance throughout the season
• Listen to athlete’s needs/concerns to determine appropriate referral to mental health resources when applicable
• Adhere to all Athletes Unlimited Pro Sports and AUSL policies and procedures including Health and Safety Protocols, medical documentation systems, and sports betting and anti-discrimination policies.
• Assist with sourcing and hiring of other medical and performance staff members as assigned
• Cover other AU sports out of AUSL season as needed
• Other administrative, sport, and athlete related duties as determined by League staff

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years in a professional sports setting as a Head and/or Assistant Athletic Trainer, or equivalent high level collegiate experience
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing staff in an athletic training work environment
• Master’s degree in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or similar field is required 
• Current and active NATABOC certification and eligible for state licensure is required 
• Current CPR, AED certification is required 
• Other preferred credentials and certifications include: Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Dry Needling, IASTM or similar, CPR Instructor certification
• Experience working directly with female athletes including but not limited to sport coverage of softball (baseball and or other AU Pro Sports preferred)
• Extensive knowledge of sports and health related medical issues and appropriate treatment options
• Proficient in managing and executing emergency medical care
• Ability to think critically and make logical decisions under times of stress, pressure, and time constraints; must be able to prioritize and effectively multitask as needed
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Preference for candidates based in Chicago
• Ability to travel and work weekends/non-traditional work hours (approximately 25-30%)
• Authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Benefits

This role is full-time, in-person and is compensated at a range of $69,000 - $85,000 annually. While this is the intended range, the actual compensation may vary based on several factors including but not limited to qualifications, skills, and geographic location of the position. We anticipate the highest end of the range will be reserved for those who exceed the hiring committee’s expectations on all measures of the evaluation process. In addition, Athletes Unlimited is proud to offer comprehensive benefits and perks to all of our full-time employees, including:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) plan with generous company match
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness and Development benefit
• Caregiving benefit
• Unlimited paid time off alongside company holidays

OUR DEI STATEMENT

As a company, we share a vision to change the world for the better and believe in the power of sports to tear down barriers. We will Be Unlimited in our pursuit to intentionally create an environment where every individual can be their authentic self.

Research shows that women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications. We strongly encourage you to apply even if your background is non-traditional or you might not meet every one of the qualifications described.

Athletes Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring process based on race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, pregnancy status, parental status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.