Team USA Athletes’ Commission Executive Director

Summary

Description

Here's a summary of responsibilities: 

The Team USA Athletes’ Commission (Team USA AC) is a volunteer group of approximately 120 athletes (including leadership, representatives, and alternates) and is required by the Ted Stevens Act to operate within the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

Reporting to the Chair of the Team USA AC, the Team USA AC Executive Director (ED) is responsible for executing the strategic vision set by Team USA AC Leadership, managing day-day operations, and planning and facilitating Commission’s activities.

Here’s how you‘ll have an impact:  

Strategic Implementation

1. Execute strategic plans and initiatives developed by Team USA AC Leadership on key issues impacting the Team USA Athlete community. Serve as a key point of contact for collaboration with the USOPC Leadership Team and appropriate Team USA AC members needing support.
2. Track and monitor progress on strategic priorities.
3. Research and compile data to inform the Commission’s strategic planning processes.
4. Translate the Commission’s strategic plan into operational workplans.
5. Provides regular updates on the implementation status of strategic initiatives including key metrics, go-forward action plans, etc.

Operations Management

1. Serve as the primary business conduit between Team USA AC and the USOPC, coordinating as needed with USOPC business functions such as Finance, Legal, Human Resources, Information Technology, Ombuds, and Ethics & Compliance.
2. Lead the Team USA AC Manager and Coordinator including hiring, mentoring, coaching, and motivating to maximize collective performance. Contribute to an atmosphere for outstanding teamwork through clear expectations, frequent communication, and providing fair and consistent feedback. Manage performance of team members effectively.
3. Manage the Team USA AC budget based on strategic initiatives. Ensure associated projects are within budget and that accurate financial reporting is completed, in partnership with USOPC Finance team as needed.
4. Lead the planning and organization of all Team USA AC meetings and facilitate meetings. Prepare an annual calendar, meeting agendas, and briefing materials to support meetings. Ensure follow-through on meeting action items.
5. Direct and oversee all events on behalf of the Team USA AC. Establish the vision, develop communications plan, create collateral, and facilitate on-site event execution for each event, partnering with USOPC Events & Logistics team as needed for support.
6. Facilitate elections of Team USA AC leadership and representatives.
7. Under the direction of Team USA AC Leadership, lead the development, maintenance, and execution of Team USA AC policies, such as bylaws, election guidelines, and assorted athlete policies. As necessary, revise existing or draft new policies to better reflect and support the needs of the Team USA AC.
8. Support and engage with the Team USA athlete community by attending and presenting at domestic training camps, team trials, NGB meetings, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Assembly, and other international events determined with an approved by Team USA AC leadership.
9. Represent the Team USA AC on internal and external working groups (e.g., Anti-doping Advisory Group, Commercial Working Group, International Relations Taskforce Working Group, Governance Reform Working Group etc.).
10. Maintain awareness of key issues that may impact Team USA athletes (e.g., Rule 40, anti-doping, TV contracts, commercial opportunities, NIL, and sponsors). Conduct research and/or further investigations of key issues to determine the best solutions for Team USA athletes.

Program Implementation & Constituent Support

1. Lead the implementation of Team USA AC programs and monitor effectiveness.
2. Provide high-level consultation and support to NGBs’ internal AACs, including but not limited to, developing strategic and operating goals, creating communications plans, and establishing policies, protocols, and procedures. Oversee Manager in providing administrative support, such as attending meetings and events, assisting in meeting agendas, drafting communications, and preparing for NGB board meetings.
3. Support Team USA athlete reps on international committees (e.g., IOC Athletes’ Commission, World Antidoping Athletes’ Commission, Pan Am Athletes’ Commission, etc.) and strategize mechanisms to increase Team USA athlete representation on boards and commissions at the international level.
4. Direct and oversee ongoing communication strategies between Team USA athletes, Team USA AC, USOPC, and other relevant stakeholder groups. Communications will include news, events, trainings, conferences, career development opportunities, feedback, and surveys.
5. Serve as primary liaison to the individuals the Team USA AC has elected or nominated to key Commission positions, providing them with the education, resources, and skills necessary to be successful in such positions. Troubleshoot issues, offer executive-level support, and provide feedback and coaching to individuals as needed.
6. Establish a formal evaluation model to gather feedback from Team USA AC members, Team USA athletes, and other key stakeholders. Utilize model to make recommendations and enhance overall program strategy based on feedback.
7. Establish and maintain priority criteria to ascertain which issues brought forth to the Team USA AC are of highest priority. Develop and lead plans to address issues in the most effective way for Team USA athletes. Advocate on behalf of the Team USA AC on priority issues (e.g., Rule 40, Rule 50, etc.) to determine the best solutions.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Here are the skills and experience you'll need to be effective: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Master’s or law degree preferred
• 10+ years of professional experience, preferably in an advocacy setting
• Proven experience in managing projects and operations
• Prior experience supporting boards, committees, or volunteer organizations
• Former athlete experience preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (i.e., day-to-day discussions, team meetings, presentations, written status updates, etc.), including an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications
• Exemplary organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Strong strategic mindset and approach to solving problems and identifying creative solutions
• Strong governance knowledge
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills with ability to quickly build relationships and gain trust in virtual environments

Here are the competencies you’ll need to be effective:

• Event & Meeting Oversight
• Advocacy & Representation
• Communication & Evaluation
• Collaborative Leadership & Relationship Building
• Interpersonal Influence & Team Dynamics
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Relationship Management
• Operational Leadership
• Athlete Engagement & Support

Here are the tools, equipment, & conditions: 

• Standard office equipment
• Office environment on multi-story building on a multi-building site
• Regular domestic and international travel to meet with athletes, attend Olympic and Paralympic Games, and meet with key stakeholders (estimated 15-25% of time)
• Regular attendance at work is an essential job function

Here's where you'll work: 

Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center / Hybrid

 Here's some more information you need to know: 

• Hiring Pay Range: $124,086 – $157,589 per year. 

• Work Week: This Full-Time, Exempt position is intended to work 40 hours per week. 

• Benefits: This position will be eligible for USOPC benefits. You can view a summary here.