Director, Athletics Performance/Athletic Healthcare Administrator

The Director of Athletics Performance/Athletic Health Care Administrator serves as the senior athletic health care professional for the Department of Athletics and is responsible for the leadership, administration, and delivery of comprehensive athletic health care services. Consistent with NCAA principles of independent medical care, this position maintains authoritative responsibility for student athlete health and safety, including injury prevention, clinical care, rehabilitation, return to play decision making, and emergency preparedness.
As the designated Athletics Health Care Administrator, the Director oversees athletic health care policies, procedures, staffing, and risk management practices and ensures alignment with NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook guidelines. The position promotes a holistic, student centered model of care that integrates physical performance, injury prevention, and mental health support through collaboration with campus partners.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Athletics Health Care Administrator and Independent Medical Authority:

Serve as the institution’s Athletic Health Care Administrator (AHCA), providing leadership and oversight of all athletic health care services in accordance with NCAA best practices.

Exercise independent medical authority for all health care decisions related to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and return‑to‑play of student‑athletes, free from influence by coaching staff or competitive pressures.

Develop, implement, and regularly review athletic health care policies, procedures, and emergency action plans to ensure compliance with NCAA, institutional, and professional standards.

Oversee sports medicine facilities, equipment, staffing models, and clinical operations across all varsity sports.

Sport Medicine Program Administration:

Direct and administer the Athletics Sports Medicine Program, including coordination of athletic training coverage for all home intercollegiate competitions and appropriate medical coverage for away contests.

Collaborate with the Director of Athletics & Recreation to coordinate pre‑participation medical examinations, clearance processes, and documentation in compliance with NCAA requirements.

Ensure proper maintenance, confidentiality, and compliance of athletic medical records in accordance with HIPAA, FERPA, NCAA guidelines, and institutional policy.

Hire, coordinate, and oversee the Team Orthopedic Physician, including scheduling clinic hours and arranging physician coverage for varsity ice hockey competitions.

Serve as the primary liaison between team physicians, allied health professionals, and the Department of Athletics to ensure continuity and quality of care. Coordinate referrals and follow‑up care with external medical providers as necessary.

Injury Prevention, Care and Risk Management:

Coordinate comprehensive medical care for varsity student‑athletes, including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return‑to‑sport progression.

Implement evidence‑based injury prevention strategies and risk‑reduction initiatives.

Support institutional risk management efforts related to athletic participation, including emergency preparedness, concussion management, and catastrophic injury response.

Collaborate with Health Services to support injury care for club sport participants and provide orthopedic consultation support to Health Center staff as appropriate.

Collaborate with coaching staffs to support training load management, recovery strategies, and performance optimization consistent with NCAA athlete safety principles.

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the department‑wide strength and conditioning program to ensure safe, effective, and developmentally appropriate training environments.

Student-Athlete Well-Being:

Collaborate with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to support student‑athlete mental health in alignment with NCAA Mental Health Best Practices.

Establish and maintain clear referral pathways and coordinated care processes for student‑athletes experiencing mental health concerns.

Provide education to coaches and athletics staff regarding the integration of physical health, mental well‑being, and performance.

Promote nutrition education and fueling strategies in partnership with coaches and campus resources to enhance health, performance