Executive Director - Laureus USA

Organization Overview

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” – Nelson Mandela, Laureus World Sports Awards, 2000.

Laureus Sport for Good USA (“Laureus USA”) is a nonprofit, grant-making organization with a mission to improve the lives of youth and unite communities through the power of sport. Since 2012, Laureus USA has impacted the lives of over one million youth through investing $30 million in sports-based youth development organizations around the country. The grants set out to unleash the power of sport to enhance physical and mental health, improve educational and employment outcomes, and address critical social justice issues.

Laureus USA undertakes the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in the US, alongside 7 other National Foundations, as well as other Laureus initiatives including Laureus World Sports Academy, Laureus Ambassadors, and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Globally, the organization has invested more than $250m into the Sport for Development sector, which has helped change the lives of more than 7 million children and young people.

Laureus Sport for Good Foundation was conceived and founded by Richemont. Laureus USA, while an independent organization, maintains a resource sharing agreement with Richemont North America (RNA). RNA provides basic operational services to Laureus USA, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Building and Office Services, and Travel.

We use the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and inequality for children and young people. We prove that sport can change the world.

We fund, support, develop and implement programmes and initiatives that use sport to create equality, access and opportunity.

We work across six Social Focus Areas aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Health & Wellbeing; Gender Equity; Education; Employability; Inclusion; and Peacebuilding.

• Support: We support Sport for Development programs which enhance the social and emotional development of children and young people in disadvantaged communities.
• Leadership: We strengthen the Sport for Development sector through impact measurement, research and knowledge-sharing.
• Advocacy: We highlight serious social issues faced by children and young people and we unlock greater resources for the sector through effective advocacy and communication.
• Sport For Good Cities: Sport For Good Cities work with local communities to identify the social issues that need addressing, and puts into practice the solutions which fit the place, the people and the time.

To achieve the mission, Laureus USA (1) supports youth sport programs through grant making and capacity building to grow their impact; (2) strengthens communities by empowering local leaders and working alongside them to drive positive change through sport; and (3) organizes the youth sport sector through convening, research & evaluation, and strategic advisement.

Laureus USA seeks a new Executive Director to drive the mission forward, realize our potential position as a leader in sports-based youth development, and magnify our impact in more ways than ever before. The next Executive Director must bring compelling, collaborative leadership experience in growing organizations, a passion for sports-based youth development and collective action, and a track record of fundraising.

The Executive Director is tasked with leading Laureus USA, overseeing its overall success with a focus on strategic fundraising, organizational leadership, relationship management, public relations, and program delivery.

• Developing and proposing a comprehensive organizational strategy, including a new three-year strategic plan and fundraising strategy.
• Developing and expanding fundraising.
• Overseeing the management and growth of Laureus USA.
• Ensuring the sustainability of the Sport for Good Cities initiative.
• Maintaining Laureus USA’s leadership position within the Sport for Development sector.
• Reporting to and working under the direction of the Board of Directors.
• Engaging and building close relationships with Laureus Global (UK).

• Lead collaboration among key stakeholders.
• Drive accountability across the organization.
• Identify and ensure the delivery of key performance indicators.
• Serve as the primary representative and public spokesperson for Laureus USA.
• Represent Laureus USA in a global context.

• Develop and ensure the delivery of a robust national fundraising strategy.
• Develop a large pipeline of diversified funding streams.
• Identify and set fundraising targets for the organization.
• Establish and grow a best-in-class fundraising/development team.
• Cultivate and maintain effective donor relations.
• Lead collaboration among key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that the current Sport Cities become financially sustainable.

• Build and continually evolve an inclusive, diverse, safe, and respectful workplace environment.
• Oversee and manage the long-term planning and activities of all direct reports.
• Provide inspiring, motivational leadership to all Laureus USA team members.
• Ensure ongoing learning and development opportunities are available.

• Lead the organization’s relationship building efforts.
• Ensure consistent messaging and communications for the organization.
• Attend and actively participate in industry events and conferences.
• Prepare and deliver speeches, presentations, and interviews.

• Oversee and manage Laureus’ resource sharing agreement with Richemont North America.
• Establish and maintain effective and ethical policies and governance practices.
• Ensure relevant policies and procedures are in place.
• Partner with the Laureus USA Board of Directors.
• Ensure Laureus USA’s grant application processes are subject to appropriate due diligence protocols.
• Monitor and evaluate the use of all Laureus USA funding.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of current and emerging political and legislative issues.

• Genuine passion for creating lasting change for young people in underserved communities.
• Demonstrated experience in senior leadership and management roles.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• A global vantage point ideally with experience working internationally.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive organizational growth.
• Exceptional skills in relationship management.
• Dynamic, engaging, professional public presence.
• Proven business acumen.
• Ability to navigate the complex dynamics of senior leadership teams.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team.
• Commitment to the highest levels of professional integrity.

Role based in New York, 30-40% travel required, primarily within the United States.

Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, through Richemont North America, Inc., offers a generous compensation and benefits package for eligible employees. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree, or other pertinent experience will be considered.

• 10+ years of senior management and governance experience.
• Significant experience as a top-performing fundraiser.
• Extensive experience in the development and successful execution of long-term grant making and fundraising strategies.
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors.
• Experience with a sport and/or youth-focused organization is beneficial.

Employee wellbeing is a top priority at Laureus. Through Richemont North America, Inc., we offer a comprehensive benefits program to support employees and their loved ones.

Understanding the importance of work-life balance, our total rewards include paid time off, a wellness reimbursement benefit, and access to the employee assistance program.

Estimated salary: $200,000 plus bonus.

Laureus USA aspires to reflect the ever-changing world around us...