About the Obama Foundation

At the Obama Foundation, we are guided by a core belief: that ordinary people working together can change history. Our mission is to inspire those people to take action, empower them to change their world for the better, and connect them so they can achieve more together than they can alone.

We were founded by community organizers, so when we seek change, we do it by bringing people together. 

That approach begins at home, on the South Side of Chicago, where we are building the Obama Presidential Center. The Center represents a historic opportunity for Chicago: a chance to build a world-class museum and public gathering space that celebrates our nation’s first African American President and First Lady, steps away from where he began his career, where she was raised, and where—together—they made their home. 

But that approach extends to all our work, whether it’s holding leadership training sessions in communities throughout the U.S., bringing local leaders together in countries around the world, working to support the global education of girls, or ensuring young men of color have pathways to opportunity.

As President Obama has said, “we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together.” So join us. 

For more information, please visit www.obama.org.

Location

Chicago, IL | Hybrid 2-3 days per week in office; On-site post opening (fall 2025)

Purpose of the Role

The Director of Athletic Center and Sports Leadership Programs, Obama Presidential Center (OPC), is responsible for advancing sports and wellbeing program concepts for the Center’s new Athletic Center (opening fall 2025). The Director of the Athletic Center and Sports Leadership Programs will report to the Director of Programming (Strategy) and work closely with the Public Engagement and OPC Operations Teams to develop a programming strategy for the OPC Athletic Center and Sports Leadership Programs. The Director will hire and develop a team of program managers experienced in overseeing youth and adult sport partnerships and sports leadership programs. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the local community by fostering social connection through sport and wellbeing, providing career development opportunities in the field of sports, and spearheading the development of an exceptional Athletic Center program team.

Core Job Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive Athletic Center and Sports Leadership Program strategic plan in context of the overarching Foundation program strategy. Contribute to annual strategic programming plans, budgeting, and data-driven goal-setting.
  • Lead research landscape analysis with an external agency, and guide annual strategic planning process for the areas of sports and wellbeing, and sports leadership programs.
  • Gradually hire and train members of the Programs and Athletic Center OPC programming team, and oversee select activities leading up to opening and beyond.
  • Manage a team of Program Managers and Associates, ensuring the successful execution of youth and adult sports programs. 
  • In partnership with the Public Engagement team, manage and cultivate key ongoing program partnerships, and build relationships with local schools, community organizations, and stakeholders to communicate the Athletic Center's programs offerings and initiatives.
  • Together with the Public Engagement and Partnerships teams, cultivate relationships with high-profile sports organizations, professional athletes, and industry experts to provide unique learning and career development opportunities.
  • Contribute to OPC programming development and fundraising activities, including potential donor meetings, executive preparation, reporting program impact, and materials creation.
  • Coordinate with the OPC Operations, People, and Program Operations team to ensure all program designs, safeguarding practices, and implementation plans align with Foundation policies and processes. 
  • Support the Director of Programming (Strategy) as needed.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

  • Lead planning and oversee implementation of select sports-based youth development programs and career development pilot programs in advance of the opening of the Athletic Center (in late 2025) and ongoing programs that will operate in the Athletic Center. In alignment with the Foundation’s overarching strategy and leadership framework, program planning will include landscape analysis research, impact measurement, marketing & storytelling, and managing program budgets, staff, and community partnerships.
  • Collaborate with a variety of internal teams, including OPC Operations, Visitor Experience, Public Engagement, External Affairs (Communications, Creative, Digital, & Marketing), Partnerships, Events, Global Programs, Program Operations, and more to ensure that key stakeholders and colleagues are fully engaged in program planning and execution and that the programs align with the Foundation’s overall programming strategy and vision.
  • Recruit, train, and develop an exceptional Athletics Center and Sports Leadership programming team. 
  • In partnership with the Strategy team, develop a comprehensive measurement and evaluation strategy for Athletic Center programs aligned with programming outcomes and Foundation impact goals. Provide regular reports to leadership.
  • Nurture and maintain effective, equitable, and collaborative relationships with sports and wellbeing programmatic partners in Chicago,  across the country and internationally. Manage an annual Athletic Center partner selection process in collaboration with the Curator of Public Programs. 
  • Execute programming agreements on a timetable necessary to support the on-time opening of the Athletic Center and on an annual basis, in partnership with Program Operations and other teams. 

Required Qualifications

  • Proven track record in developing and running successful youth and adult sports and wellbeing programs, as well as innovative, research-backed leadership programs that provide insight into career offerings in the sports field. Experience implementing programming in an athletic facility, academic setting, cultural institution, or agency is highly desirable.
  • Strong background in engaging a variety of audiences in dynamic and impactful place-based programs that advance democratic and civic culture through building participation, trust, and pathways for engagement in our societies. 
  • Significant experience in managing complex, high profile programs/events and partnerships, working with thought leaders, and emerging and established organizations and talent. 
  • Strong network and connections within the sports industry, including high-profile sports organizations, athletes, and talent agencies.
  • Experience engaging external research agencies to provide insight and data to inform strategic programming plans.
  • Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection policies, and the ability to ensure the safety and well-being of youth participants.
  • Deep understanding of the program operations of a community athletic facility. [The position does not require facilities management experience – solely programs.]
  • Experience in fundraising and donor cultivation, with the ability to identify opportunities, create strategies, and secure financial support for the organization.
  • Experience managing budgets and supervising direct reports.
  • Ability to  work occasional evenings and weekends on select program and event days.

The salary range for this role is between $129,700 and $162,070.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

In the interest of employee health and safety during the pendency of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Obama Foundation is requiring that all prospective employees present proof that they are fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, or seek a reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons, prior to their first day of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.

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