Executive Director

Executive Director

Leveling the Playing Field

Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access and equity by redistributing athletic equipment to under-resourced communities. LPF’s mission is simple and powerful: to ensure that cost and lack of resources are never the reason a young person is sidelined from sports and physical activity.

Founded in 2013, LPF operates at the intersection of sports, youth development, health and wellness, and education to address persistent inequities embedded in youth sports. Through large-scale equipment redistribution, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and earned revenue strategies, LPF supports schools, community-based organizations, and recreation programs serving young people who would otherwise lack access to safe, appropriate sports gear. With a team of approximately 20 staff, a $3 million operating budget, and an additional $5 million in in-kind goods, LPF has built a strong national platform with deep local partnerships. Learn more at levelingtheplayingfield.org.

LPF is at an exciting inflection point, moving from founder-led growth to a more institutionalized national organization. The Executive Director will lead this next chapter, refining strategy, strengthening systems, and elevating LPF’s platform for sports-based youth development. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the E.D. will balance big-picture vision with hands-on leadership to ensure that growth is sustainable, equitable, and measurable.

The Executive Director will oversee a senior leadership team and guide the organization through continued expansion across multiple sites. As LPF deepens its impact, the E.D. will be a compelling ambassador for the organization, building authentic relationships with funders, corporate partners, community organizations, and leaders across the youth sports ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board and senior team to refine and implement LPF’s strategic direction, translating mission and values into clear priorities, goals, and metrics.
• Lead the evolution of a sustainable national business model that integrates contributed revenue, earned revenue, and volunteer engagement.
• Balance strategic ambition with operational discipline to ensure growth is scalable and financially sound.

Organizational Development and Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including finance, human resources, technology, facilities and warehousing, compliance, and risk management.
• Build, support, and retain a high-performing team, fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration.
• Guide the organization through a founder-to-successor transition, strengthening internal systems, processes, and leadership capacity.

Fundraising and Partnerships

• Provide executive leadership for LPF’s fundraising and earned revenue strategy, working closely with staff and the Board to diversify and grow revenue.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, institutional funders, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible and credible spokesperson, clearly articulating LPF’s mission, impact, and operating model.

Experience, Skills, and Qualities

• At least seven years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit or social impact setting.
• A deep commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for young people; experience with sports-based youth development is a plus.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and managing complexity in multi-site environments.
• Fundraising and revenue development experience across diverse sources, including major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and/or earned revenue.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, with experience overseeing budgets, systems, and infrastructure.
• Proven ability to build and lead diverse teams with a coaching-oriented leadership style.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and comfort serving as an external spokesperson.
• Experience working closely with a Board of Directors and a solid understanding of nonprofit governance.

Compensation

The Board is targeting a salary range of $175,000 – $185,000, commensurate with experience, with a competitive benefits package.

Location

LPF is headquartered in Washington, DC, with sites in Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Buffalo, and Columbus. Preference will be given to applicants based in one of these cities. Candidates in the Washington, DC/Baltimore metro area should anticipate spending approximately 20% of their time traveling. Candidates based outside of the area should expect travel to comprise approximately 40% of their time.

Application Process

Leveling the Playing Field has retained the services of Good Insight, a national executive search firm that exclusively serves the nonprofit sector. Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes their interest in and qualifications for this role. Direct confidential inquiries to Ana Chapa at LPF@good-insight.org. View the full job description and upload application materials at good-insight.org/careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Leveling the Playing Field is an equal opportunity employer.

The Board is targeting a salary range of $175,000 – $185,000, commensurate with experience, with a competitive benefits package.