Head Athletic Trainer

About the job

Join the newest addition to the WNBA family as we bring professional women’s basketball to Canada! The Toronto Tempo is the WNBA’s 14th franchise and first Canadian team set to tip off in May. Our team is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court. We are committed to empowering our players, engaging our fans, and making a positive impact in our community. We are seeking a talented and driven Head Athletic Trainer to join our Health & Performance team, reporting to the Director, Health & Performance.

Job Summary:

The Head Athletic Trainer will be responsible for leading the sports medicine operations for the Tempo team. They will focus on injury prevention, recovery, player screening/evaluation, rehabilitation, and will be responsible for medical coverage for all games, practices, and training sessions. This role will work alongside Heath & Performance colleagues to provide holistic care to all Tempo players. The Head Athletic Trainer will primarily work out of our office and facilities located in Toronto with regular travel throughout North America with the Tempo team.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Health & Performance Strategy

• Collaborate with Health & Performance, Basketball Operations, and coaching staff to create strategies for player health and performance during the competitive season and off-season.
• Advise the Tempo team on new technologies, techniques, treatments and modalities for proper care of players.
• Educate Health & Performance colleagues on incorporating new research into current practice patterns.
• Proactively participate in in-house research and innovation initiatives.
• Assist with recruitment of select medical staff and contractors.

Player Performance Management

• Lead athletic training coverage during games and practices, including rapid identification of and response to on-court injuries.
• Provide immediate and prudent decision-making following an on-court assessment including but not limited to determination of severity of injury, ability to continue to play, and/or activation of EMS response.
• Collaborate with team physicians and rehab staff to determine appropriate treatments and arrange medical appointments and treatment for injured players.
• As necessary, accompany players to medical appointments.
• Organize pre-participation entrance physicals for pre-season, newly drafted, and newly acquired players via trade or free agency.
• Oversight and execution of medical risk assessments for free agents, trades, waiver claims, and contract extensions candidates.
• Provide timely and succinct reports to coaches, management, and Health & Performance colleagues regarding player health, injury status, and plans of care.

Compliance & Documentation Management

• Ensure player care activities are within guidelines mandated by professional license(s) and the WNBA league.
• Document all communications and health services provided to athletes through team’s injury management system.
• Ensure confidential health, medical, and insurance records are compliant with WNBA and HIPAA requirements.
• Responsible for entering up-to-date notes in the league mandated Electronic Medical Records system.
• Work with Director of Health & Performance to report and manage all player workman's compensation claims.

Team Management

• Provide mentorship to athletic training and rehab staff.
• Manage ongoing medical budgets and processes.
• Lead a team environment that promotes trust, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Director, Health & Performance.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, sit, jump, run, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and communicate with others.
• Required to lift up to 45 kg (100 lbs) of equipment, along with bending, reaching, and throwing items.
• Required to lift and position patients for examination, including helping them on and off tables.
• Ability to review written and electronic materials in both digital and physical format.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or a related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in Athletic Training in elite sport required.
• Licenced/Certified in and in good standing with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) required.
• CPR/AED certification required.
• Must be trained and hold a current certification in at least one of the following: Basic Life Support, Basic Trauma Life Support, Advanced Life Support, or Advanced Trauma Life Support.
• Must be able to work evening, weekends, and after hours throughout the entire calendar year.
• Must be able to travel internationally for weeks at a time.

Required Key Competencies:

• Confidentiality – ability to keep confidentiality and to practice discretion.
• Adaptability – flexible in the face of change, maintains a positive demeanor, can handle conflicting priorities without loss of composure.
• Organization – can plan and schedule activities and workload optimally.
• Proactivity – can foresee multiple outcomes and acts to prevent problems.
• Communication– listening skills, oral and written verbal skills; telephone and email.
• Service Driven – interacts positively with executives, clients, customers, guests, and peers.
• Team Player - handles responsibilities well as part of a group and when solely responsible for a task or outcome.
• Judgement - able to make reasonable decisions as needed in the absence of direction, refers issues to another appropriate person in a timely manner, can be trusted to work without constant or direct supervision.

Why Join Us:

• Be a part of the historic launch of the first WNBA team in Canada.
• Work in a dynamic and supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth of women’s sports in Canada.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio materials via LinkedIn. We are accepting applications until December 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM EST.

Toronto Tempo is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable laws.