Executive Director

Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Employment Status: Full-Time

Benefits: Healthcare, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO

Salary: $85,000 - $92,000

Work Location: In-person

Resume & Cover Letter Submission: hiring@openfieldintl.org

Executive Director Job Description

Open Field is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter as the Founder transitions from his leadership role. Open Field’s mission is to improve the lives and futures of youth through sport by promoting physical and mental health, girls’ empowerment, leadership & life skills, mentoring relationships, and post-secondary success through the global game of soccer. Through intentional design and implementation of Sport-Based Youth Development (SBYD) programming, Open Field engages 400+ marginalized youth ages 6-26 in the Pittsburgh Region annually in soccer-centric activities that increase confidence, promote belonging, and support them to achieve their goals.

The Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for a mission-driven organization that harnesses the power of soccer to advance youth development. This leader will guide organizational strategy and growth; raise funds critical to mission delivery; strengthen partnerships across the Pittsburgh region; ensure effective program delivery; and oversee management of daily operations. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator and relationship-builder who thrives in collaborative environments and is committed to building equitable pathways for newcomer and historically marginalized youth.

Leadership and Strategic Growth

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define and pursue the organization's vision
• Inspire and motivate staff and volunteers towards the organization's mission and objectives
• Act as the primary spokesperson for the organization
• Lead the development and execution of short-term and long-term strategic plans
• Oversee design, delivery, and quality of Sport-based Youth Development (SBYD) programs to ensure effective program development and delivery in Pittsburgh
• Oversee international program partnerships in Cameroon and Guinea
• Lead and encourage innovative thinking to ensure the organization is adapting to changes and continuously improving
• Maintain a working knowledge of current best practices through collaboration with other professionals from related field
• Build and nurture relationships with community members, stakeholders, donors, and other partners

Fund Development and Communications:

• Identify, build, and maintain relationships with program officers and directors at local and national foundations, corporations, and collaboratives
• Monitor grant cycles and submit LOIs and grant proposals throughout the year, based on deadlines or rolling basis
• Oversee strategic communications plan, including advising on social media, blog, and newsletter to ensure alignment to organizational brand
• Design and implement End of Year Giving Campaign including story curation, solicitation letter mailing, newsletter, matching opportunities, and personal appeals
• Organize two fundraising events in Pittsburgh: PLAY4PURPOSE Charity Soccer Tournament (Summer) and Taste of Home and Away (Fall)
• Develop and implement a robust stewardship program utilizing a CRM to inform donors about activities, thank them for their support, and inspire them to continue supporting Open Field

People and Culture

• Promote a positive, inclusive and equitable workplace culture
• Ensure effective human resource management policies and procedures, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation
• Identify areas for staff training and coordinate professional development sessions to strengthen programming and performance
• Handle a variety of HR tasks, such as recruiting, payroll, benefits, employee inquiries, and file management
• Ensure salaries and benefits are competitive with nonprofit standards and sustainable for the budget

Operations and Compliance:

• Oversee day-to-day operations and administration of the organization
• Oversee financial management, ensuring maximum resource utilization and maintaining the organization in a positive financial position, including annual reporting to IRS
• Ensure the organization is compliant with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Address risks and potential threats to the organization
• Uphold the values, integrity, and mission of the organization always

About the Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this role is deeply committed to building a more welcoming and equitable Pittsburgh. They bring experience cultivating community across the region and understand the local landscape—its strengths, trends, organizations, and institutions. They are passionate about leveraging Pittsburgh’s rich assets to create spaces where newcomer and marginalized youth and their families feel seen, valued, and at home. They see the value in sport, particularly soccer, as a powerful instrument of positive change.

This person is a magnetic, resourceful connector who naturally identifies opportunities to advance Open Field’s mission. They are a collaborative leader and empathetic mentor who knows how to bring people together around a shared vision and inspire them to take action. They excel at building meaningful relationships, communicating with clarity and purpose, and motivating others to contribute their strengths toward collective impact.

They are energized by developing the potential in others, fostering agency, and cultivating accountability across teams and partners. Finally, this candidate is a strong planner who can translate vision into actionable steps. They bring experience in project and people management and have either demonstrated success or strong potential to grow in fund development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in youth development, education, social work, advocacy, social enterprise, or related fields
• Demonstrated success in leadership, management, fundraising, and partnership development
• Prior soccer experience, either as a player or coach (connection to the game is important)
• Experience working with diverse populations, particularly newcomer youth, and an understanding of the challenges they face
• Strong facilitation, training, and communication skills.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strategic and collaborative leadership experience
• Strong fundraising, grant writing, and partnership development skills
• Deep understanding of and commitment to equity-centered and community-based youth development practices
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and relationship-building abilities
• Experience supervising program staff
• Proven success in program design, evaluation, and innovation
• Proven ability to manage budgets and work collaboratively on financial oversight
• Commitment to trauma-informed, inclusive, and community-responsive leadership
• High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and integrity in shared decision-making

Compensation

The Open Field Executive Director position is a full-time exempt position with an ideal start date in June 2026 and reports to the Board of Directors. The salary range for this position is $85,000-$92,000, with a starting salary determined by experience. Benefits include employer-paid health/dental/vision insurance, 401k plan with employer match, 15 paid holidays, and paid vacation.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter that answers the questions “Why is this position right for you at this point in your career? Why are you interested in the Open Field mission? What about your experience makes you a great fit for this position at Open Field?” to hiring@openfieldintl.org.

Open Field encourages persons of any race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, and background to apply. Unfortunately, Open Field is not able to provide visa sponsorship. Open Field believes that diverse perspectives and lived experiences makes our team stronger and are actively strengthening our inclusive approach to community development.

See job description for benefits.

English language proficiency required. Other languages welcome and encouraged.