Director, Public Engagement & Head of Protocol

Position description

Are you mission-driven and passionate about helping others succeed?

Do you strive to lead, follow, and act with integrity?

Are you the one who honors your commitments?

Is building trusting relationships an integral part of why you do what you do?

Do you push limits and challenge the status quo?

If you answered YES, keep reading to discover how you can significantly contribute to Team USA’s success!

Here’s a Summary Of Responsibilities

The Director of Public Engagement & Protocol at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) will play a pivotal role in propelling the organization’s mission forward by developing, fostering, and expanding meaningful engagement opportunities among executive leaders and key stakeholders at both domestic and international events. This essential position has direct responsibility for cultivating impactful relationships with key stakeholders, including members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), USOPC Board Chair and Members, the USOPC CEO, and executive leaders, among others.

The ideal candidate will possess proven, exceptional relationship-building skills at the highest level and excel at managing and implementing complex engagements for executive stakeholders and partners. Experience overseeing intricate schedules, including travel logistics, seamless collaboration with event leads, and creation of compelling communications that enhance connections within and outside the organization is pivotal. A senior leader with strong executive presence is imperative. The Director must have extensive experience navigating complex situations with strategic insight and tactical precision, with personal confidence to tap into the uniqueness of each of the team members, bringing out their best to support the mission, core values, and organizational ideals of the USOPC.

With extensive travel commitments, the Director will act as the primary liaison for executive leadership briefings, scheduling, overseeing detailed preparatory and follow-up communications for major events, and convening engagements, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This role also encompasses the planning and hosting of all government delegation visits during and surrounding the Games, along with the execution of international hosting responsibilities both during and beyond the Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Additionally, the Director will lead the coordination of all White House presidential delegations to the Games, both domestic and hosted abroad, as well as international delegations visiting domestically for Games-related events in the United States, further strengthening relationships within the global sports community through effective communication and strategic scheduling.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic strategic thinker with a deep passion for sports and a steadfast commitment to supporting athletes and the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Through a diplomatic, comprehensive, and inclusive approach, the Director will enhance the USOPC’s mission during a transformative decade leading up to the LA 2028 and SLC 2034 Games. This role will also engage at both national and global levels to ensure diverse perspectives and new voices shape the organization’s efforts, fostering a vibrant two-way dialogue with stakeholders and communities worldwide.

Here’s How You ‘ll Have An Impact

Executive Management
 

• Act as the primary executive liaison for USOPC leadership during convening engagements, including major domestic and international events, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives and mission.
• Prepare comprehensive oral and written briefing materials, pre-event information guidance, itineraries, and post-event debriefs to ensure executive leadership is well-equipped for their active engagement and meaningful participation at external and internal events.
• Organize the strategic and logistical planning and implementation of high-profile meetings and engagements, ensuring they effectively support the USOPC’s mission and initiatives.
   

Strategic Planning
 

• In consultation with senior administrators, provide strategic, high-level guidance and engagement to executive stakeholders in the scheduling and planning of both domestic and international events, ensuring thoughtful consideration of the USOPC’s strategic priorities.
• Collaborate closely with event leads to foster high-level opportunities for USOPC leadership participation by aligning engagements with their interests, strengths, and the organization’s mission.
   

Travel & Logistics Management
 

• Manage all aspects of travel arrangements and event logistics for IOC and IPC members, as well as USOPC executive leadership, with a particular focus on the USOPC CEO and Board Chair.
• Proactivelyidentify, monitor, and address all travel- and event-related needs to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for all involved, minimizing disruptions, enhancing overall effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with relevant organizational standards.
   

Communications & Relationship Building
 

• Build, maintain, and nurture positive relationships with diverse audiences through the development, drafting, and dissemination of key communications that clearly articulate the USOPC’s mission, vision, and strategic goals to diverse audiences with clarity and impact.
• Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders tomaintain cohesive messaging and strategic alignment across all External Affairs initiatives, enhancing the organization’s reputation and outreach.
• Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with domestic stakeholders, including government officials, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and other key partners, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
• Build and enhance relationships with key international organizations such as PANAM, ANOC, IOC, IPC, and Continental Associations, creating engagement opportunities that strengthen ties between international leadership and USOPC.
   

Leadership & Team Development
 

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to team members, including hiring, mentoring, coaching, and motivating team members to maximize collective performance and engagement within an ever-vigilant budgetary environment.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the team, setting clear expectations,facilitating open communication, and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure team members are equipped with the necessary resources and support to excel in their roles, promoting professional development and growth.
   

Other Engagement Opportunities
 

• Serve as the primary liaison and organizer for all presidential delegations to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and other key events, ensuring that all logistical, scheduling, and communication needs are met to facilitate successful engagements.
• Develop and implement an executive protocol gift program that honors the impact of the USOPC mission, athletic traditions, and the relationship between the USOPC and high-level visitors and interlocutors.
• Engage at both national and global levels to promote diverse perspectives and new voices within the organization, ensuring that stakeholder feedback is integrated into USOPC initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the overall success of the USOPC and its mission.
   

Here are the skills and experience you’ll need to be effective:
 

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Government Relations, Sports Management, or a related field or equivalent work experience
• Advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years’ experience in event planning, logistics management, and strategic communications within a sports or non-profit context
• Experience managing complex relationships within domestic and international context, with a focus on fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency working directly with a board of directors, chief executive officer, or equivalent in a professional, governmental, or executive setting
• Demonstrated experience leading a team
• Skilled in dealing with foreign executives and leadership in government, NGOs, corporate, and other high-level organizational structures
• Strong understanding of government relations and international affairs as they pertain to the sports and major convening events landscape
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and nurture relationships across a wide variety of stakeholders, including high-level executive briefing experience
• Outstanding organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Strong executive presence, with the capability to represent the USOPC professionally and with poise and positivity in high-stakes environments
• Ability to navigate ambiguous or complex situations with a variety of partners
   

Here Are The Tools, Equipment, & Conditions
 

• Standard office equipment
• Significant domestic and international travel
• Non-traditional work hours as needed, including nights, weekends, and/or holidays
• Regular, engaged attendance at work is an essential job function
   

Here’s Where You’ll Work

Remote

Here’s Some More Information You Need To Know
 

• Hiring pay range:
   

Remote (U.S.) – hiring range between $102,086 and $129,649

Washington D.C. – hiring range between $124,086 and $157,589

Application instructions

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