Head of Medical

San Diego Football Club ( San Diego FC ) is the newest member of the MLS family. As part of the unique Right to Dream model and the Sycuan Tribe’s deep roots, we are proud to be building a San Diego-centric soccer organization that honors our history and celebrates emerging excellence.

We value community, diversity, and acting with purpose. We are looking for leaders at all levels to co-create the culture of a new organization that is built on the premise that you can discover, understand, and re-define excellence by nurturing talent and creating opportunity anywhere – and specifically though soccer.

Globally, Right to Dream partners with talented young people to give them a nurturing environment to flourish and thrive. They do this through a holistic model of athletic development, where young people grow as human beings and great footballers. RTD’s promise is set out in their Manifesto : a set of 8 commitments which will be central to the San Diego FC ethos from the front office to the field, when games start at Snapdragon Stadium in 2025.

HEAD OF MEDICAL

Reporting to the Director of Human Performance and CMO, the Head of Medical will manage and oversee all athletic trainers, physical therapists and other medical services that provide support for San Diego FC 1st team. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting all areas of medical evaluation, care and treatment while optimizing injury prevention strategies and rehab protocols for all players. The Head of Medical will work closely and build a collaborative relationship with the Head of Physical Development to ensure holistic athlete development, athlete health and wellbeing optimization across San Diego FC 1st team and Academy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee, manage and lead the day to day medical needs of the SDFC 1st team.
• Support the recruitment, development and evaluation of all full-time, part-time and contractor SDFC athletic trainers, physical therapists and other medical services.
• Oversee the care, support and wellbeing of all players within the club during training and/or competition. Including their immediate care in case of trauma and/or acute pathologies.
• Develop the standards, processes and recording of collective and individual injury prevention, medical screening, medical care and rehabilitation.
• Lead relationships and collaborations with all third party medical providers.
• Deliver all entrance physicals, in season testing and exit physical testing requirements in line with SDFC and RTD global standards.
• Working closely with the data science and insights staff provide guidance on the automation and data visualization of all medical data.
• In collaboration with the CMO/Head of Physical Development develop and deliver support to all players during prehab, activation and rehab.
• Develop and manage a network of external expertise and medical services within the U.S and globally to ensure the club has the resources to support the players with the best external care when required.
• Ensure all MLS health and medical rules are applied and followed by all staff and players within SDFC 1st team.
• Ensure all injury data and medical records are collected, stored and managed in conjunction with MLS rules and HIPPA compliant.
• In collaboration with other key department staff ensure that post training and game recovery strategies are implemented, delivered and optimized.
• When required to attend and travel to home games, away games and other competitions.
• Provide regular feedback and communication with the SDFC 1st team players on their medical status and support them in any needs requested.
• Collaboration and support of the wider Right to Dream Medical program provisions.
• Other duties as assigned by the SDFC Director of Human Performance, CMO and the global Director of Human Performance.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates can meet the qualifications for this role with a combination of education, experience and skills.

• Master’s degree or higher in medical/healthcare or similarly related field.
• 3+ years experience managing a department in elite soccer
• 5+ years working within the medical sector delivering directly to athletes in elite sport.
• NATABOC (or CATA) certified athletic trainer/therapist
• CPR certification for health care provider
• Professional certification from a recognized body; CSCS, PES, LMT, and/or NREMT, Certified Performance Sport Specialist (CPSS)
• HIPAA compliant Course and Health Information Certification
• Experience building and formalizing department process and procedures.
• Experience with managing different travel schedules (time zones) and climate conditions (heat, cold, altitude)

We have a strong commitment to student athlete safety and well-being. All candidates must pass a fingerprint background check and complete SafeSport training. We encourage all individuals who share our commitment to community and soccer to apply. SDFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We offer competitive compensation $130k+ plus bonus. We offer excellent benefits including multiple health plans, lifestyle & wellness plans, over 30 days of paid time off, and a 4% company match on your 401(k).

San Diego FC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We strongly value student athlete safeguarding and do background screening and training for certifications.