The 3-time WNBA Champions, the Los Angeles Sparks, are looking for an experienced Director of Health & Performance to lead our Health and Performance team! This role will oversee all aspects of player health, injury management, and medical operations for the organization. This role is responsible for delivering best-in-class medical care, integrating evidence-based practices, and fostering a proactive health and wellness culture that empowers the Los Angeles Sparks athletes to perform at their highest level. This position will report to the General Manager.
The ideal candidate brings both medical expertise and leadership experience within elite women’s sports environments, demonstrates strong communication skills, and thrives in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting that values trust, confidentiality, and excellence.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical Leadership & Player Care
- Serve as the internal lead for all Sparks players, including injury evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation oversight, and return-to-play decisions
- Coordinate and oversee the work of team physicians, orthopedic consultants, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and mental health professionals
- Ensure continuity of care throughout the season and off-season — including training camp, games, and travel
- Oversee emergency action plans and medical readiness for all Sparks home and away events
- Provide medical guidance for player acquisitions, trades, and waivers in coordination with the GM and front office
Performance & Collaboration
- Lead and partner closely with the Team Physicians, Head Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Trainer, and Strength & Conditioning staff to align medical and performance philosophies
- Support the team’s holistic player wellness strategy, integrating physical, mental, nutritional, and emotional health initiatives
- Participate in player load management and recovery program design
- Maintain transparent communication with the general manager and coaching staff while protecting player confidentiality
Health Strategy & Compliance
- Develop and execute the Sparks’ annual health and wellness plan, including preseason medical screenings, injury prevention programs, and health education
- Ensure compliance with all WNBA and WNBAPA medical protocols, including concussion, cardiac, reproductive health, and mental health standards
- Oversee medical recordkeeping in compliance with HIPAA and league policy
- Implement best practices in injury prevention, biomechanics, and evidence-based recovery modalities
Education, Innovation & Advocacy
- Lead ongoing medical and wellness education for players and staff
- Stay current on advances in sports medicine, women’s health, and athlete longevity research
- Represent the Sparks within the WNBA medical community, contributing to league-level initiatives and innovation in player care
- Advocate for women’s sports medicine research and gender-specific injury prevention strategies
Collaboration
- Function as part of an effective multidisciplinary team member to provide high-performance services to athletes and coaches
- Maintain daily communication with the medical team, GM, head coach, and athletes
- Collaborate with leadership for future-facing initiatives and departmental planning
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Board-certified sports physical therapist
- Athletic training and/or strength & conditioning certified
- Minimum 6 years or seasons of experience providing medical care to professional athletes
- Prior medical leadership in the WNBA, NBA, NCAA, or professional or Olympic sports setting
- Familiarity with league and collective bargaining medical compliance frameworks
- Proven experience in acute injury management, rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary team coordination
- Experience managing complex return-to-play cases and working collaboratively with performance staff
- Strong understanding of female athlete physiology and high-performance medical care models
- Experience utilizing several sport science platforms and athlete performance testing equipment and appropriate protocols, including but not limited to isometric strength testing, VBT, and force plates
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and decision-making skills
- Demonstrates leadership capabilities, a team player, and a proven ability to work effectively as part of the organization
- Consistent track record of outstanding communication skills with coaches, athletes, other staff, and administrators, with the ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records and manage multiple responsibilities
- Strong critical thinking skills and knowledge to develop and adapt training programs for elite basketball athletes
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying up to date with advancements in strength and conditioning
CORE COMPENTENCIES:
- Medical Leadership & Integrity
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Player-Centered Care Philosophy
- Strategic Program Design & Execution
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Health Care
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits
- Continuing Medical Education (CME) support and professional development opportunities
Working Conditions
- Required to travel with the team during the WNBA season and will be required to be available for practice, on the road, training, games, and off-day training sessions
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary at $150,000 for the WNBA season duration.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
