PORTLAND THORNS
Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record last year with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

WHO ARE THE PORTLAND THORNS?
We are the Portland Thorns.
We will be the #1 women’s football franchise in the world.
We fight to protect the integrity of our team and to inspire our city.
We are stewards of innovation…on and off the pitch.
We have a storied history of winning with a championship pedigree.
We believe in inclusiveness and demonstrating an authentic commitment to the community.
We are diverse, multi-cultural and we take action with purpose and intent.
We will relentlessly be a thorn in our opponent’s side and forever be the crown jewels of Portland.
We are the Portland Thorns.

THE ROLE

The Director of Medical Administration will lead and supervise the day-to-day sports medicine operations for the Portland Thorns per NWSL guidelines and team/leadership expectations. The primary responsibility of this role is to provide administrative and managerial leadership to the medical department and the Chief Medical Officer while also providing strong mentorship to direct reports.

WHAT YOU'LL BE UP TO

SCHEDULING - Run and manage all areas of medical scheduling, including but not limited to:

Medical exams before the start of the pre-season.
Medical exams before player departure for national team camps.
Medical exams on player return from national team camps.
All 3rd party testing and scans.
Make sure all staff and athletes have a clear schedule and understand what is required of them for any medical testing.
Communicate treatment schedule and rehabilitation/Return-to-play plans to appropriate parties in a timely manner
Electronically document accurate first report of injury, physician diagnosis, player assessments, player treatments, and return to play dates

OPERATIONS & EFFICIENCY - Oversee day-to-day administrative operations of the medical departments, including resource allocation and workflow optimization.

Ensure smooth coordination between medical staff and administrative teams for efficient athlete care.
Analyze processes and implement improvements to optimize operational efficiency and reduce costs without compromising quality.

BUDGETING: Plan accordingly so that a comprehensive departmental budget is delivered to the President of Soccer Operations and general Manager for approval.

Annual budget presented to the President of Soccer Operations and the General Manager.
Monthly tracking of spending versus the annual budget, with any issues raised immediately to the President of Soccer Operations and the General Manager. This includes, but is not limited to contractors, training Room Supplies/Staples, 3rd party diagnostics (based on historic/typical use) ,value in kind from suppliers/sponsors.

COMPLIANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Work with the Assistant General Manager and the Medical Staff to ensure daily compliance with all league or other regulatory body standards across the organization.

Educate all players and staff on best practices as well as regulatory and compliance issues.
Collaborate with the Assistant General Manager and other department members to develop and implement athletic training policies and procedures, including emergency action plans, rehabilitation plans, and administrative duty assignments.
Stay informed about changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and standards.
Guide the organization through audits and accreditations, ensuring that all medical operations comply with regulatory and safety standards.
Complete the necessary league and organizational paperwork when required. This includes liability-protecting waivers for all players, trialists, tryouts, etc.
Initiate Workman’s Compensation claims for players
Under the direction of the Team CMO/Team Physicians, assist with the organization and maintenance of pharmaceutical inventory and records.
Oversee and create end-of-year internal reporting, including injury data collection and organization and refining operational processes.

INVENTORY CONTROL - Implement real-time inventory management to monitor stock levels, orders, and usage trends.

Maintain optimal inventory levels to avoid overstocking and stockouts, ensuring medical supplies are available without excessive waste.
Forecast demand based on historical data, seasonal trends, and training/match activity volume.

RESEARCH & INNOVATION - Foster an innovative culture within medical administration by encouraging new ideas and continuous improvement.

Stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies in sports medicine/healthcare to drive research initiatives.
Optimize the allocation of resources (financial, human, and technological) for research projects.
Implement evidence-based practices in clinical administration, ensuring that research translates into tangible outcomes.
Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions to keep staff updated on medical advancements.
Ensure all research activities are in compliance with ethical standards, regulatory guidelines, and institutional policies.

Development and mentorship of direct reports

All staff in departmental leadership positions are expected to create development and succession plans for those in their reporting line. Maintain all personal legal and professional qualifications and the equivalent standards for all practitioners in the department.
Manage the athletic training room environment, ensuring a positive, safe, and affirming environment for all players and staff
Direct and manage other medical staff such as: Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, Massage Therapists, and coordinate care with Team Physicians
Provide clear expectations for all members of the medical team
Support and develop staff to become industry-leading practitioners through a consistent performance review process.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A THORN

Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related field, Healthcare certification or degree (Athletic Trainer or Physical Therapist)
Background and experience in a sports environment, preferably a professional team
5+ years of experience in a leadership administrative role in a high-level sporting association and/or professional sport.
5+ years of experience as a certified athletic trainer or physical therapist.
Athletic Trainer Certification through the Board of Certification (BOC); In good standing with BOC
Oregon state licensure for Athletic Training or Physical Therapist
LAT and/or NATABOC certification.
Current CPR/First Aid/Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Certification

BENEFITS

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's sports

Ready to Be a Thorn in the Best Possible Way? Apply Now!

If you’re ready to shape the future of the Portland Thorns, send us your application. Let’s make history together! 🌹

Portland Thorns FC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Portland Thorns FC - Sporting Operations