U.S. Center for SafeSport

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (SafeSport) is an independent nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all athletes can thrive in a culture of respect and safety, both on and off the field. SafeSport provides education, abuse prevention tools, and investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct—physical, emotional, and sexual—within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. SafeSport holds jurisdiction over approximately 11 million individuals from more than 50 sports, including athletes, coaches, administrators, and medical professionals. SafeSport’s origins trace back to 2010, when the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) formed the Working Group for Safe Training Environments to address misconduct in sports. This group—comprising external experts and USOPC community members—focused on:

● Addressing sexual and physical misconduct in sports;

● Reviewing existing abuse prevention programs;

● Assessing the needs of athletes, coaches, staff, and sports organizations;

● Recommending strategies to support long-term athlete well-being.

In 2012, the USOPC launched the first SafeSport online training program in collaboration with 47 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and 34 multi-sport organizations, allowing for tailored educational resources. SafeSport became an independent organization in 2017 and was formally authorized by Congress in 2018 through the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act. This legislation amended the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, designating SafeSport as the independent body responsible for protecting amateur athletes from abuse. NGB participation in SafeSport is a requirement for continued USOPC membership. A second piece of legislation, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020, strengthens safeguards for athletes by mandating an annual $20 million funding stream from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to bolster the Center’s long-term sustainability. The Center also receives a $2.2 million grant from the Department of Justice to support education and policies focused on safeguarding young athletes from abuse.

Headquartered in Denver, SafeSport has a dedicated team of 130 that brings deep expertise across education, outreach, compliance, and investigation. There is no overlap between SafeSport and USOPC staff, and strict guidelines govern transitions from NGB roles to SafeSport employment. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has annually reviewed and certified the Center’s compliance with statutory independence obligations since 2020. All staff are mandatory reporters of child abuse and comply with all relevant state and federal reporting laws. The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit 501(c) (3) committed to building a sport community where participants can play and compete free of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and misconduct.

As demand has escalated for their work—as underscored by more than 32,000 abuse and misconduct reports since 2017—they are charting the course toward culture change in sport. The Center currently lists more than 2,400 individuals who have been restricted or banned from sport on its public Centralized Disciplinary Database—a first-of-its-kind tool for parents, employers, and sport administrators. They have delivered more than 7.4 million online trainings to over 3.6 million individuals and have developed scores of abuse-prevention resources. They have increased their staff to better manage caseload, developed the first comprehensive set of national safety policies in sport, and audit and every National Governing Body, including the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, to ensure compliance with preventative safety policies. Last year they launched a strategic plan that holds them to a high standard of accountability for those they serve. To learn more about the impact the U.S. Center for SafeSport is making on behalf of athletes nationwide, please visit https://uscenterforsafesport.org

The Opportunity

At a pivotal time in our nation’s ongoing reckoning with inequities that impact the athletic community, the U.S. Center for SafeSport stands as a global leader in advancing safety, accountability, and inclusion. The next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SafeSport will serve as a visible and credible national voice—guiding a critical institution at the intersection of athlete well-being, public trust, and systemic change. 

This is a defining leadership opportunity for a proven, mission-driven executive to bring strategic vision, operational rigor, and principled courage to one of the most important roles in U.S. sport today. The CEO will lead with empathy, clarity of purpose, and humility, while cultivating a culture of trust, inclusion, and collective accountability across the organization and its stakeholders.

Strategic Leadership at a Defining Moment

SafeSport is poised for a bold new chapter. Following a period of rapid growth and transition, the incoming CEO will be entrusted with stabilizing the organization, strengthening core operations, and charting a path toward long-term sustainability and greater impact. They will work in deep partnership with the Board Chair, Board of Directors, staff, athletes, survivors, and a broad network of allies to protect SafeSport’s independence and reinforce its national leadership role.

This is not merely an operational role—it is a high-profile, public-facing position requiring exceptional judgment, diplomatic skill, and political acumen. The CEO will engage internally with executive leadership team and staff and externally with Congress, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and other key stakeholders, forging and nurturing the partnerships necessary to expand SafeSport’s reach, credibility, and authority. This leader must inspire trust across diverse constituencies, while holding true to the values and mission.

Key Leadership Imperatives

The CEO will be charged with advancing the SafeSport legacy and impact through strategic foresight, inclusive engagement, and innovative change. Critical priorities include:

• Building and sustaining trusted relationships with Congress and federal agencies to strengthen oversight, secure sustainable funding, and elevate the SafeSport national profile.

• Deepening collaboration with NGBs and sport organizations to drive cultural change, compliance, and systemic accountability across all levels of sport.

• Driving action through inclusive, consensus-based decision-making, while centering the voices of athletes and survivors.

• Expanding institutional transparency and public trust through proactive communication, robust data-sharing, and measurable outcomes.

• Enhancing external advocacy efforts to shape policy, elevate the national conversation, and catalyze lasting reform in sport safety and equity.

• Elevating philanthropic and strategic funding initiatives to diversify revenue and fuel long-term sustainability.

• Strengthening the SafeSport brand and public narrative, serving as a highly visible spokesperson in media, governmental, and athletic arenas.

Profile of an Exceptional Leader

The ideal candidate is an experienced, values-driven executive with a demonstrated track record of leading complex, high-stakes organizations. They will bring:

• Proven success in navigating complex political and stakeholder environments—including direct engagement with legislative bodies and federal partners.

• Sophisticated understanding of nonprofit governance, public accountability, and the cultural dynamics of sport.

• Experience advancing equity, safety, and inclusion within high-visibility institutions.

• The presence, credibility, and media fluency to represent SafeSport nationally and globally.

• A deep commitment to the independence of the SafeSport investigative function, free from undue influence by the USOPC or sport bodies.

This is more than a leadership role—it is a call to service at a moment of national importance. The next CEO will be instrumental in transforming the culture of sport across the U.S., ensuring that every athlete, at every level, competes in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and just.

Responsibilities & Priorities

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for implementing the strategic plan, expanding funding streams, strengthening internal operations, and championing SafeSport’s mission: to place athlete well-being at the heart of American sports culture through prevention, education, and accountability. Internally, the CEO will lead a growing, multi-location team in a fast-paced, large-scale environment. The role demands both strategic vision and hands-on leadership to build and refine the organization’s systems, services, and infrastructure. 

A key priority will be the ability to assess current organizational needs and implement best-in-class change management practices. As a leader, the CEO must be a listener first—someone who leads by example, practices transparent and empowering management, and is equally comfortable working alongside staff as they are shaping high-level strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategic Vision

● Deeply understand the U.S. Center for SafeSport—its mission, policies, culture, values, history, key partners and stakeholders, programs, finances, and strategic priorities.

● Anticipate and articulate a clear vision for the strategic challenges and opportunities facing SafeSport as it evolves and grows.

● Lead with inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration, fostering trust among staff, survivors, athletes, and stakeholders.

● Support organizational development initiatives by applying a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, change management, and team effectiveness to foster a high-performing, inclusive, and adaptive workplace culture.

● Listen actively and respond thoughtfully to institutional feedback and public scrutiny.

● Build and sustain strong relationships with athlete communities, survivor advocates, and professionals in the fields of abuse prevention and response.

● Promote meaningful engagement with the broader ecosystem of sport, safety, and child protection.

● In collaboration with the CFO, Policy Committee, and staff, review and refine organizational policies with a focus on equity, dignity, and trauma-informed practices.

● Model a commitment to ongoing learning, including cultural competency and leadership development.

● Lead the design and implementation of a strategic plan that centers the mission, prioritizes fiscal effectiveness, and ensures long-term sustainability.

● Bring a decisive, mission-driven leadership style that reflects the urgency and gravity of the issues that SafeSport addresses.

● Cultivate partnerships with aligned organizations in sport, education, and advocacy to enhance SafeSport’s impact.

● Foster a staff culture rooted in integrity, accountability, high performance, and mutual respect.

Operations & Financial Management

● Ensure that SafeSport operates efficiently and effectively through clear communication and strong team dynamics.

● Establish and maintain transparent processes that promote accountability and operational excellence.

● Demonstrate strong governance skills to work productively with diverse communities, including athletes, staff, board members, and external stakeholders.

● Recruit, develop, and inspire a diverse and skilled team to advance the SafeSport mission and strategic goals.

● In partnership with the CFO, ensure sound financial stewardship and transparency in managing SafeSport resources.

● Optimize resource allocation to maximize organizational impact and sustainability.

● Oversee planning and budgeting processes to support both immediate needs and long-term objectives.

● Promote professional development and performance excellence across all levels of the organization.

● Establish a culture of accountability with clear performance metrics, defined departmental weekly report process, formal one-on-one meeting schedule with managers, and regular evaluation.

● Support and mentor senior leadership while identifying and nurturing emerging talent.

● Ensure robust internal financial controls and provide regular reporting to the Board.

Board Engagement

● Build strong, collaborative relationships with the Board of Directors.

● Work closely with the Board to align on strategic direction and organizational priorities.

● Ensure the Board has a comprehensive understanding of the SafeSport mission, performance, challenges, and opportunities.

● Partner with the Board Chair to review and update governance practices and bylaws in response to evolving needs.

● Maintain transparency and open communication with the Board on all key issues, including financial oversight.

● Provide timely, relevant information and context to support informed Board decision-making.

● Keep the Board regularly updated on organizational progress, challenges, and financial health.

External Relations

● Position SafeSport as a national leader in abuse prevention and response within the sports community, legislators, and the public. 

● Provide executive leadership for all communications, branding, and public engagement efforts.

● Lead the SafeSport government relations strategy, including lobbying efforts and representing the organization in state and federal hearings to advocate for policy solutions that strengthen athlete safety and organizational accountability.

● Serve as the primary spokesperson for SafeSport, representing its mission and values to the public, media, government, and partner organizations.

● Ensure that the SafeSport voice is clear, credible, and impactful across all platforms and audiences.

● Strengthen SafeSport visibility and influence through strategic partnerships and public advocacy, including cultivating relationships with chambers of commerce in key markets, civic leaders in major sports cities, and influential business and community organizations nationwide.

Professional Experience and Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. They will possess a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding abuse prevention in sport and demonstrate a strong track record of executive leadership in organizations of comparable size and scope. This leader will be a strategic thinker, exceptional communicator, and culture builder—capable of inspiring trust, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful change. They will articulate a compelling, inclusive vision that galvanizes staff, stakeholders, and the broader community. 

Key Qualifications and Attributes

● A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including executive-level roles in mission-driven or regulatory organizations.

● Deep understanding of the sports ecosystem and/or experience working in fields related to abuse prevention, compliance, or athlete advocacy.

● Strong change management skills and a history of cultivating collaborative, high-trust, and high-performing organizational cultures.

● Expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership, human capital development, and resource coordination.

● A visible and vocal advocate for equity, safety, and accountability in sport and beyond.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across a wide range of audiences.

● Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with partners, funders, and underrepresented communities.

● Demonstrated ability to grow revenue streams through professional and personal networks, including fee-for-service models, and to expand philanthropic support from diverse funding sources.

● Skilled spokesperson and advocate, capable of engaging effectively with the sports industry, media, law enforcement, and government agencies.

● Results-oriented, with sound business judgment, financial acumen, and a track record of measurable impact.

● A consensus-driven leadership style that fosters shared ownership of vision and goals.

● A collegial, respectful approach that motivates teams and builds trust across all levels of the organization.

● Executive presence, integrity, and the ability to inspire confidence among staff, stakeholders, and the public.

● Unquestionable ethics, transparency, and accountability in all actions and decisions.

● High emotional intelligence, self-awareness, humility, and a commitment to continuous personal and organizational growth.

Education

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. A master’s or advanced degree is strongly preferred, with exposure to labor and funding legalities experience.

Application Process

While the requisition will remain open until the role is filled, preference will be given to interested and qualified candidates who submit a resume and cover letter by September 12th.

Pursuant to the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 no applicant shall be considered within two (2) years of employment and/or board service of the USOPC or National Governing Body.

U.S. Center for SafeSport is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.