“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. Since its origins in New Orleans, in 2014, the Sport for Good Cities concept has spread around the USA – to New York, Chicago and Atlanta.

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. Laureus USA has had incredible success improving the lives of youth across the country through sport but are now looking to elevate this further. Our team’s commitment to creating meaningful impact is reflected in the work we do and the lives we touch. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader with vision and determination to work with an exceptionally talented team and devoted board to take Laureus USA to the next level of scale and impact. The next Executive Director must bring compelling, collaborative leadership experience in growing organizations, a passion for sportsbased 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. This role is crucial for sustaining and advancing the Laureus USA mission.\

• Developing and proposing a comprehensive organizational strategy, including a new three-year strategic plan and fundraising strategy to achieve expansion, advocacy, and outreach goals.

• Developing and expanding fundraising, including developing a plan, expanding revenue streams, ensuring a mixed diverse source of funding.

• Overseeing the management and growth of Laureus USA, including its people, programs, and partnerships, to drive the organization’s development and impact.

• Ensuring the sustainability of the Sport for Good Cities initiative, which today operates in New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and New Orleans.

• Maintaining Laureus USA’s leadership position within the Sport for Development sector and ensuring alignment with the overarching mission of Laureus Sport for Good.

• Reporting to and working under the direction of the Board of Directors to implement strategic goals and advance the organization’s objectives.

• Engaging and building close relationship with Laureus Global (UK) to leverage the full potential of the Laureus World Sports Academy and to align and share best practices.

• Lead collaboration among key stakeholders, including Laureus USA Board of Directors and Laureus Global, to develop and oversee the delivery of the Laureus USA market strategy and operational plan, in alignment with Laureus Global strategy and priorities and as approved by the Directors.

• Drive accountability across the organization to maintain the highest standards of excellence and ensure the consistent delivery of impactful programs that ignite change.

• Identify and ensure the delivery of key performance indicators that align with and continually amplify the Laureus mission.

• Serve as the primary representative and public spokesperson for Laureus USA, embodying the organization’s values, increasing visibility, and fostering positive, productive relationships with local communities, grantees, donors, athletes, media, and other stakeholders.

• Represent Laureus USA in a global context, collaborating with other Laureus market leaders and contributing to Laureus Global strategy development and organizational growth and transformation initiatives.

• Develop and ensure the delivery of a robust national fundraising strategy that drives the achievement, growth, and development of organizational goals and priorities.

• Develop a large pipeline of diversified funding streams, which include government, corporate, charitable foundations, individuals, etc.

• Identify and set fundraising targets for the organization, including the leadership team.

• Establish and grow a best-in-class fundraising/development team to support the achievement of short and long-term objectives.

• Cultivate and maintain effective donor relations and stewardship plans to secure long-term investment support, including ongoing engagement strategies, donor recognition programs, communication plans, etc.

• Lead collaboration among key stakeholders including Development, Marketing, and Finance functions to plan and execute innovative and impactful fundraising campaigns and events, in alignment with the national fundraising strategy.

• Ensure all Laureus USA fundraising activities maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure that the current Sport Cities become financially sustainable with local fundraising revenue streams.

• Build and continually evolve an inclusive, diverse, safe, and respectful workplace environment that reflects Laureus’ values and the communities we serve.

• Oversee and manage the long-term planning, resource allocation, and day to day activities of all direct reports, including the Laureus USA Directors of Finance, Operations and Sport for Good Atlanta, Marketing and Partnerships, Programs, and Sport for Good Chicago.

• Provide inspiring, motivational leadership to all Laureus USA team members to drive peak performance in the execution of organizational strategies, initiatives, and activities.

• Ensure ongoing learning and development opportunities are available to all team members to support continuous professional growth.

• Lead the organization’s relationship building efforts with all Laureus USA stakeholders to grow the Laureus network and drive community engagement, including National and Global Laureus teams, Board of Directors, government entities, industry peers, grantees, ambassadors, etc.

• Ensure consistent messaging and communications for the organization and what it stands for and develop a toolkit and package of materials which assist in the communication, sales and marketing of the organization.

• Attend and actively participate in industry events and conferences to share Laureus’ insights and impact and to expand the organization’s influence and reach.

 Prepare and deliver speeches, presentations, and interviews to promote Laureus’ mission and drive awareness and engagement.

• Foster strong relationships with Laureus Global (UK), maximize the potential of the Laureus World Sports Academy and share best practices.

• Oversee and manage Laureus’ resource sharing agreement with Richemont North America, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Building and Office Services, and Travel.

• Establish and maintain effective and ethical policies and governance practices, ensuring the organization’s compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including those related to the organization’s 501(c)(3) designation, License Agreement and General Rules and Laureus overall mission.

• Ensure relevant policies and procedures are in place and monitor the ongoing compliance of these policies and procedures.

• Partner with the Laureus USA Board of Directors, Finance team, and other relevant stakeholders to establish and manage financial plans and annual budgets.

• Ensure Laureus USA’s grant application processes are subject to appropriate due diligence protocols, AML risk assessments, and other applicable standards to safeguard the organization’s operations.

• Monitor and evaluate the use of all Laureus USA funding to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission.

• Maintain awareness and understanding of current and emerging political and legislative issues that may affect Laureus USA’s social impact activities or operations.

• Genuine passion for creating lasting change for young people in underserved communities. Deep commitment to the principles of sport for development and the mission of Laureus Sport for Good. An understanding of how sport can drive social change and community impact.

• Demonstrated experience in senior leadership and management roles, ideally within the nonprofit or sport for development sectors.

• Demonstrated experience and proven track record in designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships. Ability to leverage existing networks and skills to build new donor relationships.

• A global vantage point ideally with experience working and collaborating internationally.

• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive organizational growth and sustainability.

• Experience in setting and achieving ambitious goals.

• Exceptional skills in relationship management, including building and maintaining partnerships with donors, stakeholders, and community leaders.

• Experience in representing organizations in public and media settings, with the ability to effectively communicate the mission and impact of Laureus USA.

• Dynamic, engaging, professional public presence. Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with diverse stakeholders, including strong listening skills and high EQ + SQ.

• Proven business acumen. Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, with a focus on ensuring organizational sustainability.

• Ability to navigate the complex dynamics of senior leadership teams and to successfully influence decision making at this level.

• Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team.

• Commitment to the highest levels of professional integrity and ethical standards.

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 with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, development, or philanthropic organization, or equivalent.

• Significant experience as a top-performing fundraiser with a record of consistently meeting or exceeding targets and objectives.

• Extensive experience in the development and successful execution of long-term grant making and fundraising strategies.

• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors or other volunteer leadership groups.

• 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. Our core benefits include medical, dental, and vision programs. Health savings and flexible spending accounts are also available. The company offers income protection solutions including life insurance, disability benefits, and 401(k) with employer match.

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. Employees are encouraged to make a difference in their local communities with volunteer days off, supporting initiatives that drive change.

COMPENSATION

Estimated salary: $200,000 plus bonus.