Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023, Athletes Unlimited is a new model of pro sports, where athletes are decision-makers and individual players are champions of team sports. Athletes Unlimited owns and operates professional women’s softball, lacrosse, volleyball and basketball leagues featuring world-class competition and fan experience and stands out as an organization driven by the athletes that play in the leagues. Athletes Unlimited is the first professional sports league to be organized as a Public Benefit Corporation.

In June 2025, AU will significantly transform and expand its softball business by launching the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). AUSL will be a premier professional women’s softball league and will model traditional “city-based” leagues (e.g. WNBA and NWSL) with commensurate operations and commercial activities. The five-year goal is to grow AUSL aggressively by adding additional teams in 2026 and beyond, converting to a fully city-based model, bringing in team owners, and building out ancillary business, fan, and partner engagement opportunities.

We are hiring a Head Athletic Trainer to oversee the medical operations of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and ensure all players receive individualized care to optimize performance. This role will also support the health and wellness needs of the other sports at Athletes Unlimited (AU) during the AUSL off-season. This position reports directly to the Director, Medical Services at AU.

Responsibilities

Own all daily medical service aspects (prevention, first aid, emergency and standard care, rehabilitation) of AUSL & AU athlete injuries and illnesses and determine appropriate medical referrals as warranted
Maintain accurate and confidential injury record management for all applicable injuries and illnesses
Organize and direct pre-participation Physical Exams annually
Purchase and maintain the equipment and supply budget for medical services
Serve as the primary athletic trainer with direct coverage for a designated team, including travel
Work directly with the Head Sports Performance Coach and fellow coaches to design and execute scientific-based, sports-specific strength and conditioning programs for each team as needed
Collaborate with the Asst. AT and Sports Performance Coach to ensure a safe and effective return to sport in the case of injury through proper conditioning modifications
Supervise and support AUSL Lead & Asst. athletic trainers, and other staff as determined, to ensure smoothly functioning medical operations across all the League sites
Develop and maintain relationships with team physicians and other local medical professionals to ensure optimal player health and performance throughout the season
Listen to athlete’s needs/concerns to determine appropriate referral to mental health resources when applicable
Adhere to all Athletes Unlimited Pro Sports and AUSL policies and procedures including Health and Safety Protocols, medical documentation systems, and sports betting and anti-discrimination policies.
Assist with sourcing and hiring of other medical and performance staff members as assigned
Cover other AU sports out of AUSL season as needed
Other administrative, sport, and athlete related duties as determined by League staff

Minimum of 5-7 years in a professional sports setting as a Head and/or Assistant Athletic Trainer, or equivalent high level collegiate experience
Minimum 3 years’ experience managing staff in an athletic training work environment
Master’s degree in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or similar field is required
Current and active NATABOC certification and eligible for state licensure is required
Current CPR, AED certification is required
Other preferred credentials and certifications include: Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Dry Needling, IASTM or similar, CPR Instructor certification
Experience working directly with female athletes including but not limited to sport coverage of softball (baseball and or other AU Pro Sports preferred)

Extensive knowledge of sports and health related medical issues and appropriate treatment options
Proficient in managing and executing emergency medical care
Ability to think critically and make logical decisions under times of stress, pressure, and time constraints; must be able to prioritize and effectively multitask as needed
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
Preference for candidates based in Chicago
Ability to travel and work weekends/non-traditional work hours (approximately 25-30%)
Authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.