Lawrence Technological University (LTU) Athletics invites applications for a Head Athletic Trainer within the Department of Athletics and Student Wellness. This is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, daily operations, and quality of the university’s sports medicine program serving Blue Devil student-athletes across all 26 NAIA varsity programs.
The Head Athletic Trainer directly supervises a sports medicine team of four athletic trainers: one LTU Staff Athletic Trainer and three Athletic Trainers contracted through Henry Ford Health System (HFHS). A critical element of this role is the cultivation and maintenance of a strong collaborative relationship with the HFHS supervising manager, ensuring seamless coordination of contracted AT service delivery, physician coverage, and multi-team physical examination dates across the academic and athletic calendar.
The Head Athletic Trainer reports directly to the Director of Athletics and serves as the primary liaison between LTU Athletics and Henry Ford Health System on all matters related to sports medicine, athlete health care, and physician partnership.
OrganizationalStructure
The Head Athletic Trainer operates within the following structure:
Coordinates/Oversees: 3 Henry Ford Health System Contracted Athletic Trainers (HFHS employees serving LTU under contract)
Key External Partner: HFHS Sports Medicine Supervising Manager — responsible for maintaining an active, collaborative working relationship to ensure continuity of contracted AT services, compliance with HFHS protocols, and alignment of physician coverage schedules
JOB DUTIES:
The following represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this position and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. The Head Athletic Trainer may be asked to perform job-related duties beyond those explicitly described below.
Program Leadership & Administration
Provide strategic oversight and daily leadership of LTU’s sports medicine program, ensuring delivery of evidence-based, high-quality health care to all student-athletes.
Develop, implement, and annually review policies and procedures for the athletic training department, including emergency action plans (EAPs), concussion management protocols, heat illness policies, and return-to-play guidelines.
Manage athletic training room operations, including staffing schedules, budget oversight, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.
Prepare and submit required departmental reports to the Director of Athletics, including injury surveillance data, program assessments, and compliance documentation.
Ensure compliance with NAIA, WHAC, and applicable Michigan state athletic trainer licensure and practice act requirements across all AT staff.
Lead efforts to maintain accreditation-level documentation, recordkeeping, and confidentiality standards consistent with HIPAA and FERPA.
Supervision of Athletic Training Staff
Directly supervise and provide professional mentorship to the LTU Staff Athletic Trainer, including goal-setting, performance evaluations, and professional development support.
Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day clinical responsibilities of the three HFHS Contracted Athletic Trainers, ensuring sport coverage assignments are equitable and meet the needs of all LTU programs.
Facilitate regular sports medicine staff meetings to promote communication, consistency of care, and collaborative problem-solving across the full team of four athletic trainers.
Serve as the primary point of contact at LTU for matters involving the HFHS contracted AT staff, escalating personnel or operational concerns through the appropriate HFHS and LTU channels.
Henry Ford Health System Partnership & Liaison Responsibilities
Maintain a proactive, professional, and collaborative working relationship with the HFHS Sports Medicine Supervising Manager to ensure the contracted AT program operates effectively and in alignment with both LTU and HFHS standards.
Serve as the LTU liaison for all HFHS-related sports medicine matters, including contracted AT performance, service delivery expectations, and program evaluation.
Coordinate with the HFHS supervising manager on scheduling, staffing changes, coverage gaps, and any issues related to the contracted AT assignments at LTU.
Collaborate with HFHS leadership on annual contract review processes, program goals, and quality improvement initiatives.
Coordinate all team physician coverage for LTU athletic practices, home and away competitions, and special events in partnership with HFHS, ensuring appropriate medical coverage is in place across all 26 varsity programs.
Plan, organize, and execute multiple pre-participation physical examination (PPE) dates each academic year in coordination with HFHS team physicians, ensuring all studentathletes are medically cleared prior to participation.
Serve as the primary point of contact between LTU Athletics and HFHS team physicians, facilitating referrals, second opinions, and clearance communications in a timely and organized manner.
Maintain accurate physician coverage calendars and communicate schedules to athletic training staff, coaches, and the Director of Athletics.
Collaborate with team physicians to develop and update sports medicine protocols, injury management guidelines, and return-to-play standards consistent with current evidence-based practices.
Clinical Athletic Training Services
Provide direct athletic training services, including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for assigned sport(s).
Administer emergency and immediate medical care, including acute injury management and CPR/AED response.
Coordinate referrals to physicians, specialists, and allied health professionals as clinically indicated, maintaining organized and confidential medical records.
Collaborate with coaches, strength and conditioning staff, and campus wellness resources to support the comprehensive well-being of student-athletes.
Student-Athlete Wellness & Development
Contribute to LTU’s student-athlete development programming by educating studentathletes on injury prevention, mental health resources, nutrition, and holistic wellness.
Model and reinforce LTU’s Champions of Character values — integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership — in all interactions with studentathletes, staff, and external partners.
Serve as a resource and advocate for student-athlete mental health, coordinating referrals to campus counseling and wellness services as appropriate.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Required
Completion of a CAATE-accredited professional athletic training education program.
Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) certified as an Athletic Trainer (ATC).
Licensed as an Athletic Trainer (AT) through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), or eligibility to obtain licensure prior to date of hire.
Minimum of three (3) years of post-certification athletic training experience, including demonstrated experience in a supervisory, leadership, or coordination capacity.
Demonstrated experience coordinating physician coverage schedules, pre-participation physicals, or multi-provider sports medicine programming.
Current CPR/AED certification (professional rescuer level).
Preferred
Post-professional master’s degree in athletic training, athletic administration, or a related field.
Prior experience in a collegiate athletic training setting (NAIA, NCAA, or NJCAA) with supervisory responsibilities.
Experience working within or alongside a health system partnership or contracted sports medicine model. • Familiarity with NAIA rules and regulations and the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC).
Additional certifications in health care (e.g., CSCS, PES, FMS, CKTP, EMT) are highly valued.
Required Certifications & Licensures
BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) — required prior to or upon hire.
Michigan Athletic Trainer Licensure — required prior to or upon hire (or eligibility to obtain).
CPR/AED Certification (BLS or Professional Rescuer level) — required prior to or upon hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of athletic training principles, therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation techniques, and emergency care protocols consistent with NATA and BOC Practice Analysis standards.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to manage, mentor, and evaluate a diverse team of athletic training professionals including both university employees and contracted health system staff.
Strong organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage multiple physician coverage schedules, physical examination dates, and clinical calendars simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the proven ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with external partners, including health system supervisors, team physicians, and institutional administrators.
Working knowledge of NAIA, WHAC, and applicable conference policies governing athlete health and safety.
Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems and athletic training documentation software.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound clinical and administrative judgment, and prioritize competing demands across a multi-sport program.
Commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes and alignment with LTU’s Champions of Character values.
Physical Requirements
The Head Athletic Trainer must be able to stand, walk, kneel, and physically assist student-athletes throughout practices and competitions for extended periods. The position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, operate therapeutic modality equipment, and respond quickly in emergency situations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Work Schedule & Conditions
This is a full-time, 12-month position. The schedule will include evening hours, weekends, and travel in support of LTU athletic events and competitions across all 26 varsity programs. The Head Athletic Trainer serves as the senior clinical and administrative leader of the sports medicine department and is expected to maintain availability for emergency and urgent matters affecting athlete health and safety.
Lawrence Technological University (LTU) conducts pre-employment screening on initial candidates for all positions, which may include but is not limited to, a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, license, certifications, and/or verification of work history.
Lawrence Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Lawrence Technological University (LTU) conducts pre-employment screening on initial candidates for all positions, which may include but is not limited to, a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, license, certifications, and/or verification of work history. Lawrence Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
» How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials to Mary Ann Meltzer: mmeltzer@ltu.edu
Cover letter addressing qualifications, leadership philosophy, and specific interest in the Head Athletic Trainer role
Current curriculum vitae or résumé
Documentation of BOC certification and Michigan athletic trainer licensure (or eligibility)
Contact information for three (3) professional references
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to the Department of Athletics and Student Wellness.