U SPORTS is the national brand for university sport in Canada. Every year, over 20,000 student-athletes and 900 coaches from 56 universities vie for 21 national championships in 12 different sports within this member driven organization. U SPORTS also provides high-performance international opportunities for Canadian student-athletes at Winter and Summer Universiades, as well as numerous World University Championships. The breadth and scope of its program is unmatched by any other multi-sport organization in the country. From Victoria to St. John’s, U SPORTS empowers Canada’s best student-athletes to compete for top national honours. U SPORTS student-athletes will become Canada’s next ambassadors, leaders and entrepreneurs while learning, educating and advocating within their communities. U SPORTS is an exciting and vibrant experience, attracting great minds and talented athletes, coaches and staff across the country.
It is in this context that U SPORTS welcomes nominations and applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer. This position will be a hybrid work from home model, with travel to U SPORTS office in Richmond Hill, Ontario as required.
Reporting to U SPORTS Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will have accountability and responsibility for the vision, strategic direction, leadership and overall management of the organization. The CEO will also be a key spokesperson of U SPORTS. Responsible for attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining the people that will help the organization achieve best-in-class objectives, the CEO will provide inspiration and support to all employees. The CEO will also ensure that U SPORTS provides real value-added service to the members, conferences and partners to which we are accountable. The CEO will also leverage his/her/their status as a thought-leader to continually advance our position and be a positive contributor to the future of university sport in Canada.
As the ideal candidate, you are comfortable operating in a smaller, not-for-profit organization where you are responsible for the future success of the business. You understand the dynamics of a membership-based organization and are good listener in addition to being an effective communicator. You are a member of a senior management team and a top performer in your current role with a proven track record of leadership, developing/implementing a strategic plan, marketing, sales and client service. You are recognized for elevating brands to advance business objectives. Your energy and enthusiasm are infectious. People enjoy being around you because you are friendly, trustworthy, confident, empathetic and approachable. You possess a unique blend of strong leadership skills, business and media savvy, creativity, superior relationship building skills, a commitment to EDIA and a genuine passion for sport in Canada. Candidates must hold a Bachelor level degree. Verbal proficiency, or a plan to obtain verbal fluency, in both of Canada’s official languages is required.
The appointment of the Executive Director will commence in May 2022, or shortly after. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately.
To apply or explore this key leadership position at U SPORTS further, please contact Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca).
U SPORTS is committed to being a professional and energetic work environment that is proud of its identity. Inspired by the drive and determination of its student-athletes, coaches, conferences and members. U SPORTS is dedicated to EDI in all its activities including recruitment and hiring within the organization. In support that goal, U SPORTS welcomes applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual and gender identities and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by U SPORTS and the Griffith Group throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities.