Organization: USA Luge

Position Title: CEO/Executive Director

Reports to: Executive Board

Location: Lake Placid, New York

Search Contact: Prodigy Search

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BACKGROUND

USA Luge is an Olympic class member organization of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). It is the National Governing Body for the sport of Luge in the United States. A registered 501(c)3, USA Luge is based in Lake Placid, NY with a western office in Park City, UT.

Chartered in 1979, as a direct result of the Congressional Amateur Sports Act of 1978, it is the responsibility of USA Luge to recruit, prepare, train, and equip the United States National Luge Team(s) for international and Olympic competition as well as promote the growth of the sport nationwide.

The mission of USA Luge shall be to promote and grow the sport of luge in the United States, and to do whatever possible so that our athletes achieve sustained competitive excellence in the sport of luge in Olympic, World Championship, and other international competitions in a manner consistent with highest standards of sportsmanship. It is our responsibility to cultivate and steward a culture of dignity and respect in sport by fostering a safe and supported environment on and off the field of play.

SUMMARY

The CEO/Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the organization, working under the general authority of the Board and directly with the staff to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies. This individual is the day-to-day leader of the organization, executing the organization’s strategy and overseeing operations of staff at all levels. This person is accountable to the Board for providing leadership and direction to USA Luge in a manner that enables the achievement of its vision and goals. The CEO/Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the organization within the policies established by the Board and for the achievement of the organization’s strategic and operational goals and objectives. The role includes a significant emphasis on revenue generation, which is a critical challenge for the organization. The ideal candidate is someone who is energized by the prospect of developing new revenue streams and financial strategies to support and enhance the organization’s capabilities and reach. Moreover, the individual plays a crucial role in steering the sport towards sustained growth and success, with a focus on achieving top-tier performance in international competitions. This leadership involves a persistent pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement in all aspects of the sport. The individual looks out for and promotes the interests of the grassroots and high-performance athletes through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, safety and accountability, and transparency. This person must be an effective leader who leads the sport through continual improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sports Programs:

• Ensure the organization has a long-range strategy for mission achievement.
• Develop and retain world-class coaching and technical staff.
• Proactively engage with educational initiatives around the sport’s technical aspects and culture, staying updated with the latest trends and advancements.
• Recruit and develop world-class athletes for successful representation in international competitions.
• Provide leadership in creating programs and organizational and financial plans with the Executive Board.
• Promote active and broad participation by volunteers.
• Be fully conversant with relevant governing documents.

Administration:

• Maintain official records and ensure compliance with regulations, inclusive of the US Center for SafeSport
• Keep a working knowledge of the Ted Steven Olympic and Amateur Sports Act
• Keep a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the sport of Luge.
• Serve as USA Luge's representative to the International Luge Federation (FIL) and the United States Olympic Committee.

Communications:

• Keep the Board fully informed of the organization's condition and influencing factors.
• Publicize the organization's activities, programs, and goals, ensuring a consistent positive image.
• Establish working relationships with community groups, partners, and sponsors.
• Develop collegial, fiscal, and partnership relationships with sister sports, clubs, the United States Olympic Committee, ORDA, Utah Olympic Park, State Organizations, and FIL. 
• Represent the programs and point of view of USA Luge to agencies, organizations, and the public, ensuring compliance with communication protocols.

Relations with Staff:

• Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of staff.
• Establish clear job descriptions, conduct regular performance reviews, and implement effective human resource policies.
• Establish an effective management team with provision for succession.
• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education.
• Establish job descriptions and compensation scales.
• Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff. 

Budget and Finance:

• Develop and maintain sound financial practices, including compliance with Federal and New York State laws.
• Work with staff and the Board in budget preparation.
• Ensure the organization operates within budget guidelines.
• Proactively drive and manage fundraising efforts and revenue generation strategies, including sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events.
• Take an active role in creating and implementing innovative revenue plans to boost financial resources.
• Submit proposed contracts to legal counsel for review and approval before entering any contractual obligations on behalf of USA Luge while also jointly conducting official correspondence and completing legal documents with designated officers.  
• Collaborate with the Board to oversee resource and revenue generation, as well as the allocation of resources per Board-approved budgets.

Leadership:

• In close coordination with the President, serve as the Association's spokesperson and assume responsibility for all press releases, ensuring compliance with the USOC's policies.
• Be the leader of management with the authority to make decisions.
• Attending all meetings of the USA Luge Board.
• Responsible for all staff functions, including hiring, supervising, and firing.
• Manage staff functions, determine staff size and compensation, and develop a strategy for achieving USA Luge's mission.
• Coordinate international activities and act as the spokesperson.
• Prepare and submit budgets to the Board.
• Serve as Secretary General, representing USA Luge in relations with the International Luge Federation (FIL) and at international luge functions and events.
• Develop a strategy, prepare financial reports, determine staff needs, oversee hiring and termination, coordinate activities with the FIL, submit proposed contracts to legal counsel, oversee meeting preparation, act as the spokesperson, and be responsible for day-to-day operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrating proven success in leading, building, mentoring, managing, motivating, encouraging professional growth, and delegating to staff.
• Credible, truthful, and honest; a person of high integrity. Able to express themselves frankly but with respect. Conflict resolution and sound decision-making skills are critical.
• Experience planning and executing fundraising activities in non-profit and amateur sports organizations. Track record of growing revenue and creating progressive, stable, and sustainable funding sources.
• Prior experience in managing a global sports organization is preferred.
• A self-starter can independently assess or enhance existing programs and initiate new programs as needed.
• The ideal candidate must possess exceptional written and oral communication skills, enabling them to interact effectively with the Board of Directors, the USOPC, and other relevant organizations within and beyond the sport.
• Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain relationships with athletes, volunteers, parents, officials, sponsors, members, and other related organizations, such as the FIL and USOPC.
• A thorough understanding of financial principles and analyzing and forecasting expenses are essential for effective budget management.
• Ability to successfully negotiate contracts.
• Organizational competence and multitasking proficiency are vital in managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, ensuring efficient workflow and successful outcomes.
• Strong and genuine willingness to be immersed in the world of Luge, an eagerness to understand the nuances of the sport, including technical, tactical, and strategic aspects.
• Tested business savvy coupled with solid people skills.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• An advanced degree or substantial career experience in business or sports management is required.
• Minimum 3-5 years prior experience as a CEO/Executive Director in an Olympic-affiliated National Governing Body, an amateur sports organization, or a sports-related non-profit. 
• Applicants with experience within the USOPC structure are preferred.
• A genuine passion for the sport of Luge and exposure to or involvement in the sport a plus.
• Applicants must demonstrate a willingness to relocate to Lake Placid, NY.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search, located in the New York City suburb of Freehold, NJ, boasts over 80 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business. As a renowned nationwide leader in senior-level executive search, Prodigy Search has honed its business principles and expertise, establishing itself as the largest boutique recruiting agency in North America. Simply, Prodigy Search is Where the Best Brands Come for the Best Talent.

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