NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. Northwest Arkansas Community College seeks an energetic, student-centered professional to serve as Head Athletic Trainer and Coordinator of Campus Recreation. This position is responsible for leading all aspects of sports medicine services for NWACC Athletics while overseeing the operation of the college fitness center and supporting campus recreation and wellness initiatives. As NWACC Athletics continues its rapid growth, this position will play a key role in establishing and expanding sports medicine operations, promoting student wellness, enhancing the student experience, and supporting the continued development of the college's athletic and recreational facilities. The successful candidate will be expected to build systems, policies, programs, and services that support the continued growth of NWACC Athletics, Campus Recreation, and student wellness initiatives. Athletic training and sports medicine responsibilities represent the primary function of this position. Campus recreation and wellness responsibilities shall be managed in a manner that does not interfere with the delivery of quality sports medicine services to NWACC student-athletes. This position reports to the Executive Director of Athletics. Essential Duties:
Serve as the primary athletic trainer for NWACC athletic programs by providing injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, return-to-play services, and athletic training coverage for practices, competitions, camps, and special events
Develop, implement, and maintain sports medicine policies, emergency action plans, medical procedures, documentation standards, participation requirements, and risk management practices in accordance with institutional, NJCAA, Region 2, state licensure, and applicable healthcare regulations
Coordinate student-athlete medical care by maintaining accurate records, managing medical clearances, collaborating with team physicians and healthcare providers, and educating student-athletes on injury prevention, recovery, nutrition, hydration, and overall wellness.
Manage athletic training operations, including training room hours, coverage schedules, supplies, equipment, budget needs, facility safety inspections, and related services based on student-athlete needs and departmental priorities
Oversee daily operations of the NWACC Fitness Center, including facility policies, procedures, operating standards, equipment maintenance, inventory, inspections, repairs, usage monitoring, and continuous improvement recommendations
Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student employees assigned to recreation facilities, programs, and related campus wellness activities
Develop, coordinate, and assess campus recreation, wellness, intramural, fitness, and recreational sports programming that supports student engagement, inclusion, well-being, retention, and institutional priorities
Collaborate with Student Affairs, Athletics, and other campus partners to support wellness initiatives, recreation facility planning, student engagement opportunities, athletic event operations, and future program growth
Assist with departmental planning, committee service, game operations, facility development efforts
Additional duties may be assigned as necessary to support the goals and objectives of the department and college
*Rate of Pay: $53,714 annualized Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position
Completed applications received by 7/28/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field
Certified Athletic Trainer through the Board of Certification (BOC)
Eligible for Arkansas Athletic Trainer Licensure
Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated knowledge of injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play protocols
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required
Experience working with collegiate student-athletes
Experience within NJCAA, NCAA, or NAIA athletics
Experience developing and implementing sports medicine policies and procedures
Experience supervising student employees
Experience managing fitness or recreation facilities
Experience developing campus recreation, wellness, or intramural programs
Experience building new programs, systems, and operational processes
Experience establishing or expanding sports medicine operations within a growing athletics program
Physical Demands:
Ability to lift, move, and transport athletic training and recreation equipment
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and perform physical tasks associated with athletic training services
Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations
Ability to travel and provide coverage for practices, competitions, and special events
Environmental Conditions:
The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required.
NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is a public community college serving the NWA region with campuses across Benton and Washington counties.