COMPANY BACKGROUND
The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.
The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Head Athletic Trainer will manage the day-to-day sports medicine operations for the Houston Dash. In this capacity, the Head Athletic Trainer will provide injury prevention strategies, and evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate Players’ medical problems. The performance of duties will be under the direction and supervision of the Team’s Chief Medical Officer/Team Physician(s) and Medical Director. T he Head Athletic Trainer will work closely with the Medical Director, Head Coach, Performance department, and/or Director of Soccer Operations and communicate daily as needed. A year-round employee, the Head Athletic Trainer will attend all training, scrimmages, and Home and Away Games.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Player Health Management
- Manage the healthcare of all Houston Dash players, including first aid/emergency care, on-site injury evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention programming, and coordinating medical referrals.
- Monitor changes in players’ physical, mental, and psychological health through daily interactions and refer to the appropriate Team Medical Staff as needed.
- Arrange and coordinate timely medical testing or specialist appointments to ensure efficient and accurate care.
- Travel with the team for all-away training sessions, scrimmages, and matches.
Communication & Collaboration
- Communicate daily with Team Physicians, Coaching Staff, and Head of Medical regarding player status, injury updates, and next-day planning.
- Coordinate with opposing medical staff to ensure proper matchday medical coverage.
- Provide required injury reports to the communications team for league reporting compliance.
- Demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with players, coaches, team personnel, and league staff.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation of treatments, assessments, diagnoses, return-to-play status, and participation records in the NWSL EMR system per league standards.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA blood-borne pathogen standards.
- Initiate and manage Workers’ Compensation claims and collaborate with the Head of Medical on insurance processes.
- Compile and submit required league medical reports.
- Abide by federal, state, and local laws, professional governing body standards, and all league and club medical policies.
Athletic Training Room Operations
- Maintain, inventory, and order medical supplies and equipment to ensure proper care environment.
- Oversee the cleanliness, safety, and organization of the athletic training room and any related clinical spaces.
- Monitor injury trends and collaborate with the Head of Medical and Performance Staff on prevention strategies and program evaluation.
Leadership & Supervision
- Lead and model a professional, solutions-oriented athletic training room culture.
- Supervise Assistant Athletic Trainers, Athletic Training Students, and volunteers, including participation in annual performance reviews.
- Review and update athletic training policies and procedures annually with the Head of Medical.
Professional Standards
- Maintain required certifications and professional liability insurance; notify the Head of Medical of any changes.
- Possess familiarity with WADA/FIFA banned substances, dietary supplement risks, and GlobalDRO.com, referring to physicians or dietitians when appropriate.
- Attend all league-required activities, meetings, and programs.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and to travel internationally.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Club or required by the League.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience i n the field of Athletic Training.
- Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC) Certified Athletic Trainer
- In good standing with the BOC
- State License or Registration with TDLR in Texas
- CPR certification in Basic Life Support
- Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree or higher in related health care field
- Minimum three (3) years’ experience caring for elite-level athletes (i.e., collegiate, professional, Olympic)
- Experience working in a fast-paced, high-demand environment with competitive athletes
- Soccer experience preferred
- Additional recommended certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES) and/or Corrective Exercise Specializations (NASM-CES)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
- Excellent team member, who always places the Club first.
- Maintains a positive attitude to help the players succeed in their goals.
- Able to be a leader in clinical excellence in NWSL.
- Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.
- High standards of accountability, prompt communication, and organizational skills.
- Respectful in their communication, empathy, and inclusiveness.
- Ability to work in a high stress and competitive environment.
- High level of confidence.
- Maintains Organizational Core Competencies.
ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES
- Accountable – Holds themselves (and when appropriate others) accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
- Collaborative – Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
- Progressive – Open minded, accepting, creative, and innovative in approach.
- Values Driven – Being ethical in decision making and operating with professional integrity.
- Agile – Achieves personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic and complex environment. Ability to handle ambiguity.
OTHER INFORMATION
Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization's growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile and ethical/values driven.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants 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.
