Vice President, Global Engagement & Government Affairs

Position description

Base pay range

$166,288.00/yr - $269,531.00/yr

The Vice President of Global Engagement & Government Affairs will lead a dynamic team responsible for enhancing the USOPC’s influence both within the United States government and on the international sports stage. This role entails developing and implementing comprehensive strategies that align with the organization's mission and strategic goals, particularly in preparation for the upcoming LA 2028 and SLC 2034 Games. The Vice President will primarily liaise with government officials and international sports bodies, overseeing all policy, advocacy, and international relations efforts. 

The Vice President is uniquely situated to establish the USOPC as a strong host of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) to domestic and international leadership, fostering collaborative, mission-based relationships.

Here's how you'll have an impact:

• Strategic Planning & Direction
  • Develop and implement strategies for global engagement and domestic government affairs that align with the USOPC’s mission and strategic plan and LA 2028 and SLC 2034 objectives. Lead the team in focusing on developing efficient visa processes, engaging in sport diplomacy, and creating an environment that supports successful international competitions.
  • Establish key performance metrics that align with business objectives. Measure and analyze the effectiveness of global engagement and government affairs strategies. Utilize data, insights, and key learnings to drive decision-making and optimize the performance of the team’s initiatives.
  • In partnership with Chief of External Affairs, develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan that resonates domestically and internationally. Develop clear and consistent messaging to build trust and facilitate effective dialogue with government officials, aligning with the USOPC’s strategic goals.
  • Lead the team to create a proactive engagement strategy, collaborating closely with government agencies and international partners to advocate for policies benefiting athletes and enhancing the global presence of the Olympic and Paralympic movement.
• High-Level Government Engagement
  • Serve as the primary USOPC representative in interactions with key government officials, including top leaders at the White House and State Department. 
  • Advocate for policies that support Olympic and Paralympic sports, ensuring the organization’s needs are communicated and understood while building proactive relationships with new administration officials. 
  • Monitor upcoming legislative and regulatory development, providing strategic guidance to USOPC leadership on emerging issues. As appropriate, provide expert counsel to the CEO and Board of Directors on geopolitical, regulatory, and political trends.
  • Lead regular engagement with broader stakeholders, including local government entities and community organizations, to amplify support for Team USA and Olympic and Paralympic initiatives.
• Policy Development & Analysis
  • Oversee the development and analysis of global and government policies impacting the USOPC and its stakeholders. 
  • Ensure that advocacy efforts are proactive, strategically targeting key government forums and stakeholders. 
  • Build and strengthen relationships with key policymakers. Educate officials on the needs and benefits of Olympic and Paralympic sports, creating advocates committed to supporting the USOPC’s mission.
  • Oversee visa-related policy and strategy, ensuring efficient processes that support international athlete participation and event hosting. 
• International Relations Management
  • Lead engagement efforts with international sports bodies, including the IOC, IPC, IFs, and NOCs, to promote U.S. interests on the global stage. 
  • Oversee Host NOC responsibilities for LA 2028 and SLC 2034, ensuring alignment with international standards and expectations. 
  • Build and strengthen proactive relationships with new administration officials across domestic and international entities. Develop metrics for relationship-building activities and maintain accountability for the team’s relationships with global stakeholders.
• Team Operations & Leadership
  • Represent the USOPC as an externally facing ambassador at government meetings, hearings, and international events, articulating the organization’s goals and initiatives. Present to external stakeholder groups such as prospective and current sponsors, donors, and other affiliated organizations. Present as needed to the USOPC Board of Directors and affiliated committees to provide updates and progress of strategic objectives, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including National Governing Bodies (NGBs), to ensure collaboration and support for the USOPC’s mission.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to LA 2028, SLC 2034, and any future state-side organizing committees in all global engagement and government relations matters.
  • Support the USOPC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, increase spending with certified diverse suppliers (minority, women, disabled veterans, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ), and commit to learning about and championing inclusivity and access for all.
  • Develop and manage team annual budgets. Review and reconcile financial transactions regularly and prepare forecasts—partner with the USOPC Finance team to facilitate financial activities as needed.
  • Serve as a Strategy & Growth senior leadership team member, sharing diverse ideas to guide strategic actions, make critical business decisions, drive priorities, and lead change for the organization's success. Manage critical business issues and develop short- and long-term strategic plans aligned with the USOPC’s priorities. Provide thought leadership and innovative problem-solving around key operating and business challenges.
  • Serve a key role in creating, reinforcing, and supporting the USOPC’s culture across the Strategy & Growth division. Embody the USOPC’s core values and promote and acknowledge them across the division and organization.
  • Hire, mentor, support, coach, motivate, and develop the Global Engagement & Government Relations team to maximize collective performance. Foster a cohesive team that shares and delivers on key global and domestic strategies and initiatives. Create an atmosphere for outstanding teamwork through clear expectations, frequent communication, and fair and consistent feedback. Effectively manage team members' performance.

Here are the skills and experience you'll need to be effective:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 12+ years’ experience in government relations, international affairs, or related fields, preferably within the sports or non-profit sectors
• Experience in managing complex international relationships and navigating the dynamics of government and sports organizations
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex, multi-faceted, geographically diverse teams
• Strong understanding of the Olympic and Paralympic movements and their impact on athletes and communities
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence high-level domestic and international officials and stakeholders
• Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective policies and advocacy strategies
• Ability to navigate ambiguous or complex situations with a variety of partners
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to guide and direct the activities of teams in dynamic, complex environments and assure high levels of team performance
• Proven ability to oversee large operational budgets and ensure that funds are used efficiently and effectively
• Strong executive presence
• Proven ability to partner with international stakeholders and demonstrate cultural sensitivity

Here are some things that will make you super competitive for this role:

• Advanced degree preferred

Here are the tools, equipment, & conditions:

• Standard office equipment
• Significant domestic and international travel
• Non-traditional work hours as needed, including nights, weekends, and/or holidays
• Regular attendance at work is an essential job function

Here's where you'll work:

• This is a home-based position that can work anywhere from:
  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • Washington, D.C.
  • New York City

Here's some more information you need to know:

• Hiring Pay Range: 
  • Colorado Springs/National: $166,288 to $211,185 per year
  • Washington, D.C.: $202,123 to $256,696 per year
  • New York City: $212,230 to $269,531 per year
• This full-time, exempt position is intended to work 40 hours per week.
• Bonus: This position will be eligible for the Annual Incentive Award Program, which has a 25% target. The USOPC may change or eliminate this program at any time at its sole discretion.

Application instructions

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