Organization: Confidential National Governing Body

Position Title: Independent Director

Reports to: Board Chair

Location: Remote

Search Contact: Prodigy Search

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BACKGROUND

A national governing body for a recognized Olympic and Paralympic sport is seeking to appoint an Independent Director to its Board of Directors. The organization oversees the development, governance, and promotion of its sport across the United States, serving athletes, coaches, officials, and fans at all levels of participation.

The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction, policies, and governance standards, and works in partnership with professional staff and volunteer committees to advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the organization.

The Board is composed of a combination of member-elected directors, athlete representatives, and independent directors appointed by the Board to provide outside perspective and expertise. Additional non-voting participants support governance and advisory functions.

The organization administers a broad portfolio of programming, membership services, competitions, and development initiatives, supporting both grassroots participation and elite international competition.

SUMMARY

The Board is seeking a candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to effective governance, thoughtful participation in strategic discussions, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to policy and oversight as an independent board member.

The ideal candidate will bring independent perspective, governance experience, and strategic insight and will be motivated to engage deeply in the mission and long-term growth of the organization.

Independent Directors are particularly valuable in providing objective viewpoints and professional expertise that strengthen the Board’s decision-making and oversight responsibilities.

Board Directors serve four-year volunteer terms (reasonable expenses reimbursed).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Oversight

• Actively participate in board discussions and governance processes, contributing to the development and oversight of the organization’s strategic priorities.

Governance & Fiduciary Responsibility

• Support strong governance practices, uphold fiduciary responsibilities, and contribute to policy development aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

Independence & Conflict Management

• Maintain independence from the organization and avoid conflicts of interest, including prior or current affiliations that could impair objective judgment.

Expertise & Advisory Contribution

Provide insight and connections in areas identified as strategic priorities for the organization, including but not limited to:

• Media and brand development
• Organizational culture and leadership
• Growth and participation strategies
• Technology and innovation
• Higher education or academic partnerships
• Financial services and financial oversight
• Risk management and governance

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated interest in sports governance, nonprofit leadership, or mission-driven organizations
• Ability to contribute independent perspective and strategic thinking to board deliberations
• Professional experience or networks in areas such as media, marketing, fundraising, technology, collegiate athletics, finance, or risk management
• Prior board or governance experience strongly preferred
• Willingness to invest time in understanding the organization’s structure, programs, and strategic priorities
• Commitment to active engagement in board discussions and decision-making

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search is a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in leadership placements across sports, media, and entertainment organizations. With deep industry expertise and decades of combined experience, the firm partners with leading organizations to identify exceptional executive and board leadership.