United Soccer League
Job Title: Director, Medical Operations
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Tampa, FL (USL Headquarters)
Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is the heartbeat of American soccer. Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues: Gainbridge Super League (women), USL Championship (men), and USL League One (men); two pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women); and two youth platforms: USL Academy and USL Youth.
Authentic, vital, and exciting, the USL is dedicated to providing an inclusive and memorable soccer experience for players, fans, and communities across our growing "soccer nation."
Position Purpose
The Director, Medical Operations will lead and oversee the health and wellness programs for players across all USL divisions. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive medical protocols, collaborating with team physicians and athletic trainers, and ensuring the highest standards of medical care for players. This position will play a key role in advancing player health, safety, and performance, aligning medical programs to foster excellence in soccer.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
Player Health and Wellness Strategy:
- Develop and oversee health and safety protocols for all levels within the USL, including procedures for injury prevention, treatment, and recovery.
- Implement best practices for player health, including protocols for mental health support, nutrition, and conditioning in collaboration with other medical and performance staff.
Medical Policy Development and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with league policies and guidelines, including those from FIFA, U.S. Soccer, and other relevant governing bodies.
- Lead the development of league-wide medical policies, including injury management, concussion protocols, and anti-doping regulations.
- Maintain medical documentation standards, ensuring compliance with HIPAA and other applicable health privacy laws, including USL administration of player record entry and compliance in league Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
- Perform industry research and be well versed in formulation of medical policies.
Emergency Medical Response:
- Develop emergency action plans and ensure that each team has a standardized protocol for medical emergencies on and off the field.
- Provide regular training and simulation exercises for team medical staff to prepare for potential in-game or training-related incidents.
Collaboration and Leadership:
- Act as the primary point of contact for all team physicians, athletic trainers, and medical staff within the league.
- Provide guidance and training to club medical personnel on USL policies, medical protocols, and best practices.
- Lead the league’s Health and Safety Committee, driving forward initiatives to continuously improve player health standards.
Research and Data Analysis:
- Develop and implement programs to monitor player health metrics, injury patterns, and recovery rates, using data to inform league policies.
- Lead injury surveillance efforts, providing data-driven insights to reduce injury risk and improve player performance and longevity.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including USL leadership, player unions, and healthcare partners, to promote initiatives that benefit player health.
- Partner with academic and research institutions to explore advancements in sports medicine that can enhance player safety and performance.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related field, Master’s Degree preferred, or equivalent experience/combined education.
- 5+ years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer in an elite sports environment preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in an administrative role or equivalent.
- 2+ years of event management leadership in a sports setting.
- Previous experience working with professional athletes or sports leagues preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of sports injuries, rehabilitation techniques, and performance optimization.
- Experience in developing and implementing health and wellness programs, including injury prevention and emergency response.
- Experience with medical records and medical documentation standards is required.
- Knowledge of emergency action planning, and operational best practices related to the health and well-being of elite athletes.
- Understanding of best practices related to medical records and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Experience caring for elite-level athletes (collegiate, professional, Olympic).
- High level of dedication to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance.
- Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
- Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Diligent with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish highly preferred.
- Soccer knowledge is necessary.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
- Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic a must.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include non-traditional hours, long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel if / when necessary.
- Must have U.S. work authorization.
Work Environment
Based in Tampa, FL, USL Headquarters provides a vibrant and open working environment designed to promote collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and knowledge sharing. We believe in fostering a culture that encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork.
Currently, USL HQ operates on a hybrid work model. From Monday to Thursday, team members gather in person to harness the power of face-to-face collaboration. This not only strengthens the bonds within the team but also enhances communication and innovation. On Fridays, we transition to a remote work setup, providing our team with the flexibility to manage their tasks in an environment of their choosing.
Typical USL HQ hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm ET. Evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel may be necessary based on business demands.
We have great Perks - Comprehensive Benefits Package • Medical, Dental, Vision • Health HSA and FSA • 401k w/ up to 6% company match • Pet Insurance • Corporate Discounts • Paid Vacation, Holiday & Sick Days • Business Casual Dress • Optional Remote Work Fridays • And More!
We are 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.
