Head Football Athletic Trainer

Duke PA; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University Athletics is hiring a Head Football Athletic Trainer to oversee the health care of student‑athletes in NCAA Division I football. This 12‑month position reports to the Executive Director of Athletic Medicine and requires advanced credentials and a history of leadership in sports medicine.

The role demands a master’s degree, NATABOC certification, NC licensure readiness, strong knowledge of NCAA rules, and at least five years of football‑specific athletic training experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree are required.
• NATABOC certification is required.
• NC Board of Athletic Trainer Examiners licensure requirements must be fulfilled.
• Familiarity with NCAA rules is required.
• Minimum five years of athletic training experience with football.

Responsibilities

• Prevent and care for athletic injuries and illnesses.
• Evaluate athletic injuries.
• Communicate information between the athletic medicine team, physicians, coaches, student‑athletes and parents.
• Educate and counsel student‑athletes about injuries/illnesses.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and record keeping.
• Perform additional duties as directed by the Executive Director of Athletic Medicine.

Skills

Athletic training

Communication

First aid

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

NATABOC Certification

Job description

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Date: Sep 10, 2026

Duke Athletics is firmly committed to our values of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery, and excellence, and to continuing our work to be an equitable and inclusive environment for all. Our collective success within and beyond the competitive arena depends on each community member being and feeling welcomed, respected, and valued. Through continuous education, reflection, humility, and accountability, we strive to develop leaders who embody these ideals.

Be You.

Title: Head Football Athletic Trainer

Occupational Summary:

The athletic trainer will manage the health care of the student-athletes of Duke University participating in NCAA Division I sports and report to the Executive Director of Athletic Medicine. This is a 12 month position.

Be Bold.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and master’s degree
• Certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (NATABOC).
• Fulfill requirements to apply for State Licensure with the NC Board of Athletic Trainer Examiners.
• Familiarity with NCAA governing rules.
• Minimum of five years of athletic training experience with football.

Essential Functions

• Preventing and caring for athletic injuries and illnesses
• Evaluating athletic injuries
• Communicating information between the athletic medicine team, physicians, coaches, student-athletes and parents
• Educating and counseling student-athletes about injuries/illnesses
• Maintaining appropriate documentation and record-keeping
• Additional duties as determined by the Executive Director of Athletic Medicine.

Work requires knowledge of the general principles of preventive physical care for athletes, first aid treatment and referral, and post injury rehabilitation normally acquired through a bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine or other related Athletic Trainer program. National Athletic Trainers Association certification is required.

Experience

Work requires one year experience participating in various administrative, educational or medical support services such as coordinating arrangements for appointments and activities, participating in physical training tasks and instructions, providing first aid treatment or other related functions in order to acquire skills necessary to participate in a comprehensive sports medical program for intercollegiate athletes. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Work requires one year experience participating in various administrative, educational or medical support services such as coordinating arrangements for appointments and activities, participating in physical training tasks and instructions, providing first aid treatment or other related functions in order to acquire skills necessary to participate in a comprehensive sports medical program for intercollegiate athletes. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Job Code: 00001056 ATHLETICS TRAINER

Job Level: 10

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $115,000 to USD $130,000. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.