Head Athletic Trainer, MLS Next Pro

Chicago Fire - Manager

Chicago · IL

Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapy/Doctor

$70,000 - $80,000 / year

days ago

The Chicago Fire Football Club (Chicago Fire FC) is an American professional soccer club that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top U.S. domestic league. Founded on October 8, 1997, on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Club began play in 1998 as one of the League’s first expansion franchises. The Fire have won six major domestic titles, including the 1998 MLS Cup; the 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups; as well as the 2003 MLS Supporters’ Shield.

The Club recently announced plans to build a $750M+ privately financed downtown stadium in Chicago in 2028. The stadium will anchor Chicago’s newest neighborhood, the 78, a 62-acre development and entertainment district located along the Chicago River just south of Roosevelt Road. For more information on our bold plans, visit DearChicago.com.

Additionally, the Club recently opened the state-of-the-art $100M Endeavor Health Performance Center in March 2025 that has set the standard for North American training facilities. With tremendous growth and expansion, the Club is laying the foundation for an audacious and ambitious vision that will transform the brand and the company in the coming years.

At Chicago Fire FC, we’re on a mission to entertain, serve, and unite Chicago by delivering excellence on and off the pitch to ensure a world-class experience. As a club we let our values guide everything we do: we uphold uncompromising integrity, show respect for all at all times, never settle for less, constantly innovate, and hold ourselves relentlessly accountable.

Job Overview:

Chicago Fire Football Club is seeking a dedicated Head Athletic Trainer to join our team! This individual will be committed to the safety of CFFC’s Next Pro players and will work with the performance teams of Next Pro and Academy as well as designated medical professionals to manage all training needs. The ideal candidate should be motivated to assist the players and members of the MLS Next Pro (MLSNP) and possess a strong understanding of sports-related injuries and treatments.

Job Responsibilities:

Working in collaboration with the Head of Medical and under the supervision of the CMO, manages the healthcare of MLSNP players including, but is not limited to: first aid/emergency care, on-site injury evaluation, application of appropriate modalities, developing rehabilitation and prevention programs, as well as conducting rehabilitation and making medical referrals.
Order, maintain, and inventory supplies and clinical equipment.
Supervise MLS NP Assistant Athletic Trainer and Academy Athletic Trainers as applicable and/as outlined in MLSNP Medical Manual.
Maintain a complete and up to date roster of player health and participation records in the Club electronic medical record (EMR) system.
Remain in compliance with all MLSNP standards, including compiling reports as required, recording and documenting injured players and player treatments, participating in activities and programs as required by MLSNP, organizing physical examinations and abiding by all MLSNP medical policies, protocol, Game Operations Manual, MLSNP Medical Manual.
Under the direction of the Club physicians, provide updates on players’ health, seek medical advice and assistance when necessary, and assist with the organization and maintenance of pharmaceutical inventory and records.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills required to work effectively with players, coaches, and other Club personnel and MLSNP staff.
Consult with players regarding dietary needs, nutritional supplements and League/FIFA banned substances
Participate in community service/educational programs related to sports medicine.
Keep training room and clinic area safe, clean, and organized.
Collaborate with Strength & Conditioning/Performance on data collected for athlete health and safety measure.
Initiate insurance/worker’s compensation claims for players.
Comply with OSHA standards regarding blood borne pathogens.
Perform other duties as assigned or required by MLSNP.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, or related health care field
Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a certified Athletic Trainer
Active and valid CPR Certification for Health Care Provider
NATABOC (or CATA) Certified Athletic Trainer
In good standing with NATABOC
Maintained professional liability insurance

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Athletic Training, Physical Therapy or related health care field from a CAATE recognized school and valid state license
Minimum of 3 years of certified Head Athletic Trainer experience in sports environment or specifically in professional soccer
Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing Athletic Trainers and Athletic Training teams
CSCS or LMT Certification
HIPAA compliant Course and Health Information Certification

Compensation:

This role offers a salary range of $70,000-$80,000 Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience
This role is classified as Full-time, exempt
This role is bonus eligible
Additional benefits & perks: https://www.chicagofirefc.com/careers

Please note:

Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club.
CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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Job Questions:

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?
What is your desired salary range for this position?
Are you a NATABOC (or CATA) Certified Athletic Trainer?

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