The next Executive Director of Sports Backers will have the chance to expand the impact of this award-winning nonprofit organization, inspiring even more people in our community to live actively. The ideal candidate will share a passion for active living, embodying the same joy as those who participate in our programs and events. This role offers the opportunity to lead not only a dedicated board, staff, and thousands of volunteers, but also to spearhead a community-wide active living movement.
If you are a results-driven leader ready to embrace the challenge of growing Sports Backers' impact, read on.
Sports Backers Overview
For the past 33 years, Sports Backers, a 501 c(3) organization, has been at the forefront of promoting active living in Greater Richmond, becoming a recognized leader in fostering a healthy and active lifestyle. Sports Backers $8 million budget allows us to leverage our impact in the community beyond the 250,000 people that attended our events and programs last year. For example, Sports Backers' collaboration and leadership has resulted in $280 million in public transportation funding being committed to the Fall Line trail. Our staff trains and manages 8,000 volunteers annually to execute our programs and events and our staff has trained 1,800 of them to help lead other volunteers. We deliver impact in three primary ways:
Events
Sports Backers engages the community through 13 signature events that Sports Backers owns and organizes with more than 250,000 attendees every year, including the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k, the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon, and Dominion Energy Riverrock.
Community Infrastructure
Our Bike Walk RVA program advocates for safe and accessible bike and pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, paved trails, and bike lanes across the entire metro area with $30 million in improvements currently in local government budgets compared to less than $2 million in 2011. Notably, Sports Backers has led the development of the transformational 43-mile Fall Line Trail that will be our active transportation spine for decades to come.
Active Living Programs
Through the Fitness Warriors program, we recruit and train community leaders-predominantly women of color-to become fitness instructors who offer 55 free weekly fitness classes that had 14,800 attendees last year primarily from low-income communities. Our Kids on the Move program trains volunteer coaches to provide running and fitness clubs at 60 area schools reaching 2,700 youth last year, the majority of which serve low-income families. Additionally, our Active Living Leadership Stars (ALL Stars) program offers a year-long leadership training program for high school seniors, cultivating the next generation of active living champions in the Richmond region.
Sports Backers Staff Culture
Sports Backers staff of 25 people have fun embracing our impact, inspiring active living in the lives of family, friends, neighbors, and the broader community. We work hard and all contribute as we build trust and teamwork through challenges like adverse weather, the pandemic, or opposition to new trails. The organization invests in staff development, fosters collaboration with volunteers and partners, and celebrates contributions to our shared success.
Job Priorities and Expectations
The Search Committee recognizes that qualified candidates will bring a unique combination of skills and experiences. Along with a passion for active living, the following qualifications are considered essential for positively leading the organization and expanding its impact on the community.
Leadership
Commit to a long-term investment of personal time and energy to lead the transformative work undertaken by the entire organization.
Inspire staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to actively engage in Sports Backers' events and programs.
Strengthen volunteer roles within the organization, ensuring long-term involvement and motivation to provide outstanding service.
Regional Vision
Understand the regional active living environment and identify leadership opportunities.
Build and navigate relationships with local government leaders in Richmond and surrounding counties.
Garner support for new programs, infrastructure projects, and events.
Fundraising
Inspire donors to invest in our mission and nurture these relationships for continued support.
Enjoy engaging with donors and learning about their personal active living journeys.
Be a good steward of investments made in Sports Backers.
Community Engagement
Connect with a variety of organizations within the region.
Serve as the spokesperson for Sports Backers.
Educate the public and government officials about the organization's active living initiatives.
Influence public policy to support active living efforts.
Foster strong relationships with individuals and groups involved in active living.
Organization Management
Lead the creation of significant events and programs.
Guide forward-thinking financial planning with a deep understanding of the organization's finances.
Assess and mitigate risks to ensure the organization's financial stability.
Board Relations
Develop strong relationships with individual board members.
Collaborate with board and staff to create a shared vision and strategy that advances Sports Backers' mission.
Communicate clearly and openly with the Board of Directors.
Specific Qualifications
Strategic Vision: Ability to articulate and execute a long-term strategic vision for the organization, including identifying opportunities for growth and innovation.
Nonprofit Leadership Experience: Experience in a senior leadership role within a nonprofit organization, with a proven track record of strategic planning, organizational growth, and mission-driven leadership.
Financial Acumen: An understanding of nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation. Experience in ensuring the financial sustainability and integrity of an organization.
Fundraising Expertise: Proven success in developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including securing major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and other revenue streams in support of multi-million-dollar campaigns.
Board Relations: Experience working with an engaged, high functioning Board of Directors to advance an organization's mission, including developing strong relationships, facilitating board development, and ensuring effective governance.
Community Engagement: Strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, community leaders, and government officials.
Operational Management: Expertise in overseeing day-to-day operations, including human resources, program management, and organizational infrastructure. Experience in leading teams, cultivating talent, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture.
Advocacy and Public Relations: Experience in advocating for public policy initiatives and serving as the public face of an organization. Skilled in media relations, public speaking, and community outreach.
Cultural Competence: A deep understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to lead an organization that reflects the diversity of the community.
Demonstrated Personal Commitment: A strong personal commitment to an active lifestyle.
Compensation is based on experience with a minimum starting salary of $200K
To Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter expressing their passion for the position and a resume. For best consideration, please apply by February 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact Katherine Whitney at (804) 282-9566.
Sports Backers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We aim to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Confidentiality
Throughout the search process, we will make every effort to maintain a high degree of confidentiality for all candidates. Both the consultant and Sports Backers recognize that many candidates may be deeply committed to their current organizations but are intrigued by this opportunity. Expressions of interest will remain confidential until the final stages of the search.
About the Richmond Region
From urban hustle to small-town charm, from river life to nightlife, the Richmond region offers pockets of discovery around every corner. The James River runs through it all, offering opportunities to paddle on Class III rapids or run along 20 miles of single track right from downtown. The region boasts an ever-expanding network of bike lanes and trails, including the 52-mile paved Virginia Capital Trail and 120 miles of gravel and dirt trails in Pocahontas State Park. Murals adorn the walls of local restaurants and shops, while major art museums attract national attention. Here, food is also considered an art form. The Richmond region isn't just a place to live; it's a place to move, explore, and push your limits.
For the past 33 years, Sports Backers, a 501 c(3) organization, has been at the forefront of promoting active living in Greater Richmond, becoming a recognized leader in fostering a healthy and active lifestyle. Sports Backers $8 million budget allows us to leverage our impact in the community beyond the 250,000 people that attended our events and programs last year. For example, Sports Backers' collaboration and leadership has resulted in $280 million in public transportation funding being committed to the Fall Line trail. Our staff trains and manages 8,000 volunteers annually to execute our programs and events and our staff has trained 1,800 of them to help lead other volunteers.
