FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USATF Renews CEO Search
INDIANAPOLIS – USA Track & Field on Monday announced it has resumed its
search for a new CEO with a timeline geared toward selecting the
federation's top executive prior to the 2012 Olympic Trials.
The search will be directed by t¹he board of directors' CEO Search
Committee, composed of Stephanie Hightower (chair), Steve Miller, Deena
Kastor, Aretha Thurmond and Mickey Carter. The search includes a new job
description focusing on the core competencies and experience sought for the
position.
USATF has in place nearly 100 candidate resumes and profiles from its 2011
CEO search. The committee is reviewing those candidates while also seeking
additional executives who fulfill the qualities and experience listed in
the job description below.
Candidate interviews will begin next month. A new CEO is expected to be
announced well in advance of the 2012 Olympic Trials, held June 22-July 1
in Eugene, Oregon.
"Our board of directors is committed to engaging a strong, visionary leader
who combines success in the sports business marketplace with the political
acumen, knowledge of our sport and people skills that are so essential to
being successful in this position," Hightower said. "We have everything we
need to conduct this search thoroughly and expediently. Our athletes have
shown they are ready for the Olympic Trials and Olympic Games. We want to
ensure that as an organization we are ready as well."
Position Summary
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Reports to: USATF Board of Directors
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive/business leader with
proven ability and success in growing revenue, managing a diverse staff of
professionals and working productively with a strong, diverse board of
directors. He/she will work effectively with the board of directors and
across a complex, diverse and at times politically charged volunteer
organization to accelerate the realization of the USATF vision and
strategic plan.
It is vital they are someone who is either in or has a long history with
the sport of track and field, who possesses true passion for the sport and
has an intimate knowledge how the sport is organized and operates from the
grassroots level to the World Championships and Olympic games. It is a
given that this person has deep experience in marketing, broadcasting and
media/sponsorship sales; what sets them apart is their strengths in both
disciplines and ability to deliver unprecedented results and elevate the
USATF brand.
Candidate Specifications
Role and Responsibilities:
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and staff of USATF work to carry out the
policies set forth by the organization's volunteer constituency and Board
of Directors and administer the day-to-day duties of the organization. The
CEO is the spokesperson and will lead all aspects of USATF with integrity
and in accordance with the USATF 2009 Strategic Plan and Board policies.
Core Competencies:
Innovative Marketing and Sales Professional. Savvy in marketing and
building a business while being passionate about selling the sport to the
fan base, sponsors and television. Knows how to leverage their own
connections and the connections of others to open doors and drive revenue.
Continuously developing new ways of "creating events and buzz" that will
allow USATF to exceed sponsors' activation expectations and contribute to
harnessing the growth of running, building the fan base and everyone's
engagement in the sport at both the grassroots and professional level.
Supporter of Athletes and Volunteers. Knows that USATF exists because of
and for the athletes. Recognizes that the athletes and volunteers will
embrace a leader who embraces them and understands their value and deals
constructively with their idiosyncrasies with compassion.
Specific Responsibilities
Strategy. In conjunction with the Board and other senior management is
responsible and accountable for growth and development of USATF and track
and field as a major sport. Develop USATF's short and long-term operating
plans consistent with the overall strategic plan and designed to grow
revenues and move the USATF on an accelerated growth path.
Communication. Solicits input and perspective on key issues and projects
and is an active listener who builds consensus and finds the common ground
in resolving issues. Keeps the board, volunteer constituencies and staff
informed and up to date on important issues and developments in a
productive, give-and-take manner and follows through on commitments. Deals
effectively with the media.
Results. Responsible for leading the sales effort and the team in the
acquisition, maintenance, and retention of sponsors. Sell at high levels,
coordinate the advertising, promotion, and public relations activities to
assure growth of the USATF brand and the sport of track and field. Develop
marketing strategies that consider USATF as a whole as well as the
promotion of specific events and athletes. Directs and coordinates business
activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine progress
toward stated goals and objectives. Sets and meets budgets that reflect
tough choices and financial constraints. Knows how to creatively use all
the talent available to leverage the staff and volunteers.
Experience Requirements
Previous CEO/President or comparable experience preferred.
Minimum 10 years executive level corporate executive experience and a track
record of growth and success where best practices are utilized with
significant business management and strategy development experience.
Minimum 5 years sports marketing, joint venture, licensing, sponsor
relationship experience whereby the person understands the way the sports
industry operates today as well as in the rapidly changing new media world.
For biographies of CEO Search Committee members, visit
www.usatf.org/About/Committees/Board-of-Directors.aspx
About USA Track & Field
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track & field,
long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF
encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, the World's #1 Track &
Field Team, the most-watched events at the Olympics, the #1 high school and
junior high school participatory sport, and more than 30 million adult
runners in the United States: www.usatf.org.
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