ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA UNION FOUNDATION

The Philadelphia Union Foundation has been and, will always be, an agent of change for the underserved and underprivileged. The Foundation builds safe spaces to play soccer for families throughout Philadelphia, provides innovative educational initiatives and a professional soccer infrastructure for high school students in Chester; and is developing a pioneering mental fitness program to support young players, parents, and coaches across the Delaware Valley.

In 2019, the Foundation brought soccer back to the high school students of Chester for the first time in thirty years. In 2020, during the worst of the pandemic, it created its Fight For Philly initiative providing support for frontline workers and the most vulnerable in society. In 2021, the Foundation opened the first of fifteen mini-pitches and two full-sized signature fields to be built in inner-city Philadelphia. Later that same year, it launched its iAM Project – an academic enrichment, mentorship and career-readiness program for the young men and women of Chester. These projects mark a realization of the Foundation’s commitment to leveraging the power of soccer to create opportunities and to transform lives.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Philadelphia Union Foundation’s programming is centered on our three core initiatives:

iAM Project – The Inspiration, Aspiration, Mentorship (iAM) Program supports aspirational high school students in the Chester community through a network of inspirational speakers, academic and professional mentors, immersive university experiences, and professional internships
Chester Soccer – The Chester Soccer Program includes the development, operation, and funding of the Chester Union club, a free-to-play soccer club for boys and girls of all ages in the Chester community, and the Chester High School boys and girls’ teams
HeadFirst Initiative – A groundbreaking program aimed at promoting mental health awareness and providing support within the soccer community through digital toolkits, in person education seminars, and an annual Mental Fitness Forum

Our team of experienced professionals believe in the power of soccer to unite communities and strengthen our youth. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for leading the strategic planning, administration, and program development for the organization. This role will spearhead efforts to expand the Foundation’s reach through fundraising, valued partnerships, and program initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as the day-to-day liaison between Union Sports and Entertainment and the Philadelphia Union Foundation (a separate 501(c) organization with its own board and chairman).
Lead the day-to-day Foundation projects by brainstorming, organizing, planning, and executing foundation fundraising and programming:
- Fundraising activities can include organizing an annual gala, 50/50 game day promotions, applications for grants/donations and more.
- Programming activities can range from leading the project management of community mini pitch builds, growing youth soccer in Chester between community partners and the school district and working with the city of Philadelphia on the Unity Cup program.
Responsible for the day-to-day management and professional development of the two (2) Philadelphia Union Foundation employees
Manage the overall Foundation board including member composition and recruitment, running quarterly meetings, establishing sub-committees and action items.
Host community leaders, government/political leaders and select youth soccer communities on Game Days.
Co-manage and supervise all PUF events (Legends of Soccer, Doop Cup, et al.).
Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the organization, which includes preparing an annual budget proposal, oversight of financial statement reporting, and review of the annual audit.
Expand existing and generate new funding sources and fundraising activities to support the organization’s programs and operations.
Partners with the Board of Directors to fulfill the Foundation’s mission and vision.
Serves as the organization’s primary spokesperson to the media, elected officials, and general public.

QUALIFICATIONS

6-10 years of senior management experience required.
Advanced degree preferred
Existing experience with a non-profit foundation and corporate fundraising.
Past success working with a Board of Directors, with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships.
Proven experience developing and implementing charitable programs and special events.
Experience in obtaining major grants and major gifts and recruiting corporate sponsors and partners.
Strong marketing background with proven ability to drive earned brand awareness, media coverage, and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.
Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff; manage and develop high performance teams; set and achieve strategic objectives and effectively manage all financial aspects of the organization.
Demonstrated competence in planning, budgeting, forecasting, and volunteer motivation.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and managerial skills.
Experience in managing teams of direct reports and volunteers.
Computer and database proficiency required.

OUR PERKS

Comprehensive benefits package including three medical options, vision and dental coverage, including flexible spending & health savings accounts.
Pre-tax and Roth 401k (up to 4% is matched, after 90 days of service).
Company-paid life insurance and disability.
9 paid holidays and 20 PTO days annually.
Wellness reimbursements including Headspace meditation app.
Summer Friday hours.
Hybrid office schedule to allow remote work on Mondays and Fridays.
50% merchandise discount.
Other league and partner discounts.
Complimentary or discounted tickets.
24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center and locker rooms.
On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill!

This position requires valid criminal background clearances in the state of PA:

PA Child Abuse History Clearance
PA State Police Criminal Record Check
FBI Criminal Background Check (via fingerprinting)
Annual Safe Sport Certification

Executive Director, Philadelphia Union Foundation