Department: Athletics Administration

Work Schedule: Full time. Monday-Friday. Irregular hours, some weekends, evenings and holidays are required. Working in inclement weather and travel is required.

General Description: The Head Athletic Trainer will support and uphold a philosophy of athletics consistent with NCAA Division III and conduct the program according to all NCAA Division III, Northwest Conference and University rules and regulations. Responsible for all aspects of the athletics trainer program including leadership, organization and supervision of student-athletes. Reports to the Director of Athletics & Recreation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: - Coordinating and administering a comprehensive preventive and rehabilitative health care program for 19 intercollegiate teams. - Supervision of assistant athletic training staff and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach. - Determine when physicians’ analysis and/or treatment are required. - Coordinate medical appointments for student-athletes and ensure appropriate insurance forms are completed accurately and in a timely manner. - Responsible for the care of Varsity PLU student-athletes, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries. - Responsible for communicating to student-athletes and coaches the department’s health insurance policies. - Prepare and maintain appropriate athletics injury care records and reports as required following all NATA, NCAA, HIPPA and FERPA guidelines. - Develop and maintain proper medical documentation: Physicals, insurance information, injury reports, doctors’ notes, treatment logs, etc. - Provide educational training for coaches and student-athletes in areas of hydration, overtraining, heat and cold illness, MRSA, nutrition, drug screening, and supplemental usage. - Serve as a Title IX mandatory reporter. - Attend all staff/coaches meetings, events and functions assigned by the Director of Athletics and Recreation. - Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Excellent interpersonal written and verbal skills, including tact, diplomacy, flexibility and ability to communicate ideas effectively (both written and verbal) with students, parents, campus community and athletic personnel. - Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. - Demonstrated skill in prioritizing and maintaining diverse workload establishing and meeting goals and deadlines and independently following tasks through to completion. - Ability to motivate athletes for maximum performance by utilizing motivational philosophies that meet the needs of the student and are consistent with PLU Athletics program philosophy. - Display good sportsmanship in relation to students, staff, officials and opponents.

Required Qualifications:

• Three years of job related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• In good standing with WA State licensure with NATA National Certification.
• First aid/CPR/AED certification required and provided upon employment.
• Valid driver’s license. (Must have had a valid license for at least 2 years.)
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks, including a driving record check, and pass PLU’s internal Driver’s Certification Training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working in higher education, understanding of and commitment to the NCAA Division III philosophy and the role of athletics within a private, liberal arts university.

Work Conditions:

• Working in inclement weather and some travel is required.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Submit your application materials online to apply at: https://employment.plu.edu/postings/7434

Other Information: 

PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. 

PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, generous retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas/New Year’s break and extra time off during the summer), and many other great university benefits. PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed benefits information.

For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.

About Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a comprehensive institution with an enrollment of approximately 3200, including international students from two dozen countries. Located on the Pacific Rim in a uniquely scenic region, the university's campus is 40 miles south of Seattle in suburban Tacoma, Washington. As a "New American College," PLU accents integration between its liberal arts program and professional degrees in the arts, business, education, nursing, and physical education, and embraces its primary mission of educating students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care. PLU enjoys a healthy and progressive relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The University is committed to diversity, endorses the goals of equal opportunity and affirmative action, and actively seeks applications from women and persons of color.

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