About the WNBA

The WNBA is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women. Featuring 12 teams, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and social responsibility. Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it.

Position Summary

This new position will join a team with impacts across multiple departments throughout the WNBA, working on all matters related to WNBA player health. The physician in this role will be responsible for overseeing WNBA player health policies and initiatives that guide the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of injuries, illnesses, and other health issues among WNBA players.

The work streams for this role include oversight of player health policies, administration and process management related to health protocols, injury prevention efforts, electronic medical records & health data, research programs, and sports science/medicine and training practices. This is a part-time consulting role, and the WNBA Director of Sports Medicine is expected to maintain a significant portion of their clinical practice. The WNBA Director of Sports Medicine will regularly interact with WNBA team health and performance personnel and help administer policies related to medical practices across teams.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the maintenance of WNBA player health guidelines, policies, and protocols;
• Work with individuals who have public health, legal, and basketball operations backgrounds to build on existing player health processes
• Help evaluate, modify, and apply NBA player health policies to the WNBA (e.g., EMR, cardiac, concussion, injury reporting, analytics and reduction programs);
• Plan, lead, coordinate, and participate on medical subcommittees that establish research initiatives, guidelines, and best practices on various WNBA player health matters;
• Consult within the WNBA and its executive leadership on health-related issues that may arise in the context of collaborative joint initiatives or collective bargaining with the WNBPA;
• Communicate with WNBA team physicians, athletic trainers, and other personnel regarding injuries and other player health matters;
• Coordinate with the leadership of MindHealth on mental health and wellness;
• Work with WNBA legal and other project leads to identify, evaluate and maintain service contracts with medical consultants, as needed;
• Serve on NBA-led committees and projects where relevant to ensure consideration of women’s health in broader basketball initiatives.

The NBA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. To safeguard our employees and their families, our visitors and the broader community from COVID-19, and in consideration of recommendations from health authorities and the NBA’s own advisors, any individual working onsite in our New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including having received a booster when eligible. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

The NBA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or any other third parties. Any unsolicited resume sent to the NBA will be considered NBA property, and the NBA will not pay a fee should it hire the subject of any unsolicited resume.

The NBA considers applicants for all positions on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs, and without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, marital status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To Apply: Please email a cover letter and resume or CV to Kat Fugaro (kfugaro@nba.com)

Required Training and Experience:

•    M.D. or D.O. with current US licensure required
•    Current Board Certification in area of specialty training
•    Current CAQ in Sports Medicine
•    At least 5 years of experience beyond completion of fellowship training
•    Established clinical experience as a team physician treating professional athletes (preferred) and/or collegiate or elite level (e.g., U.S. national teams) team sports (required)

General Skills:

o    Communication – Excellent ability to clearly and succinctly synthesize and communicate ideas orally, in writing, and through visual presentations;
o    Commitment – Drive high standards for individual, team, and organizational accomplishment; tenaciously work to meet or exceed challenging goals; derive satisfaction from goal achievement and continuous improvement;
o    Teamwork – Commitment to working flexibly within a team and supporting the group’s goals across a multifaceted player health program in the WNBA and more broadly within the NBA and its affiliate leagues;
o    Project Management – Strong project management / organizational skills and high-level attention to detail; the ability to translate project briefs into operational reality;
o    Analytical Mindset – Strong quantitative skills; the ability to be creative and possess effective problem-solving abilities;
o    Women’s Sports / Experience – Strong interest in and knowledge of women’s sports, athlete health, and the game of basketball;
o    Confidentiality – Recognize the necessity of and enact appropriate confidentiality regarding sensitive information;
o    Adaptability – Maintain effectiveness when experiencing changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures; and
o    Character – Maintain a strong commitment to organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance.

Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in drafting and editing documents and creating dynamic presentations using Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) required; extensive familiarity with electronic medical records and other technical software platforms preferred.

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