Head of Operations, Sports for Social Development Foundation
Directs the strategic execution and logistical scaling of international youth mentoring through athletic programs.
Overview
This career involves the high-level management of personnel and assets to deliver social impact through athletic engagement. Daily activities revolve around harmonizing regional program schedules, managing international supply chains for equipment, and ensuring that local coaches adhere to standardized safety and educational protocols. The rhythm is dictated by program cycles and funding milestones, requiring a constant balance between long-term strategic scaling and immediate operational problem-solving in varied geographic settings.
Individuals in this role navigate the complexities of international compliance, budgeting across multiple currencies, and the evaluation of social impact metrics. Success depends on the ability to translate abstract social goals into concrete operational workflows that function across different cultural and economic environments. The role is best suited for those who possess a process-oriented mindset and can maintain organizational stability while scaling programs to reach thousands of participants globally.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement standard operating procedures for international sports-based mentorship programs.
- Manage the global procurement and distribution of athletic equipment and educational materials.
- Oversee the annual operational budget to ensure fiscal accountability across multiple regional offices.
- Direct the recruitment and training of local program leads and volunteer coaching staff.
- Analyze program participation data to optimize resource allocation and impact delivery.
- Establish risk management and safeguarding protocols for all youth-oriented field activities.
- Coordinate with the executive leadership team to align operational capacity with fundraising goals.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in international development or non-profit operations management.
- Advanced degree in Sports Management, International Relations, or Business Administration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex logistics and supply chains across different countries.
- Proficiency in financial modeling and large-scale budget management for social initiatives.
- Strong understanding of child protection laws and international safeguarding standards.
Nice to have
- Fluency in multiple languages commonly spoken in the foundation's primary operating regions.
- Certification in professional project management methodologies such as PMP or Prince2.
- Previous experience working directly in youth athletic coaching or community sports education.
Work environment
- Work is typically performed in a central office or home-office setting with frequent international travel.
- The culture emphasizes cross-cultural communication and collaborative problem-solving across time zones.
- Standard business hours are common, though flexibility is required for field visits and emergency response.
- Commonly used tools include global ERP systems, project management software, and data visualization platforms.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation typically includes a base salary with comprehensive international health and travel insurance.
- Professional growth paths often lead to Chief Operating Officer or Executive Director roles within the sector.
- Opportunities for professional development include specialized training in social impact measurement and NGO governance.
- Growth is driven by the successful scaling of programs into new geographic territories and demographic groups.
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