• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 13, 2025

Careers in Nonprofit Sports Organizations

By: Greg Santore, Witt/Kieffer


Many people who want to work in the sports industry begin their careers by targeting high-profile employers — leagues like the NBA, NHL, MLB or NFL, or the dozens of teams that are part of them, or the marketing, PR, and apparel firms that support them. Only later in their careers do these individuals come to learn that the sports industry is incredibly varied and that careers go well beyond the obvious. This includes the not-for-profit side of the business.

For every league, team, or corporation, there are just as many related foundations, associations, and charities. NBA Cares, The First Tee, NASCAR Foundation, and the Philadelphia Eagles Youth Partnership are just a few examples. Professional athletes from LeBron James to Jordan Spieth have their own foundations which need passionate, sports-oriented leadership and expertise. Governing bodies and federations like the U.S. Olympic Committee or U.S. Tennis Association are great career options. Special Olympics has dozens of chapters in the U.S. alone, and hundreds internationally. In addition, most colleges and universities have alumni association foundations and sports-related charities that need good talent.

Sports-related nonprofits provide professionals with opportunities to work in a field they feel passionate about and still be close to athletics and sports leaders. For new graduates or young professionals, the way to get a foot in the door is often through volunteering or part-time involvement. The key is to remember what these opportunities can do to launch or advance one’s career.

What I see today in the sports executive recruiting work that I do is a demand for professionals who have broad resumes and have worked for diverse organizations, for-profit and nonprofit. Many skills and specializations such as marketing, technology, and finance are transferable across the board. Those who get to see the industry from different perspectives ultimately create more value for themselves and build stronger, lasting careers. This is particularly true as for-profit companies and nonprofits increasingly collaborate on long-term partnerships and community initiatives.

Career Skills

The expectations of today’s sports foundations and other nonprofits are much more rigorous than in the past. Some of the key qualifications that they look for in candidates include:

· Mission orientation. As always, nonprofits want employees who are aligned with their missions. They want individuals who are bent on making a difference in the world and doing it through sports.

· Fundraising skills. Competition for donations and corporate support and partnerships is as fierce as ever, and so nonprofit executives must have a knack for contacting donors, generating funds, and building collaborations. These individuals tend to be exceptional communicators and relationship-builders who enjoy engaging with potential contributors and partners and getting them on board with the mission and importance of the organization.

· Creativity. Related to the above, nonprofit sports leaders need the ability to think creatively and outside the box about growing their organizations and expanding their impact. Well-known campaigns such as the Ice Bucket Challenge for the ALS Association and head-shaving events for St. Baldrick’s Foundation show the imagination that executives in the nonprofit sector have cultivated.

· Vision for sustainability. The challenge for foundation leaders is to build a successful organization that can sustain itself over many years, through changing economic cycles and ebbs and flows of a given sport, team, or spokesperson. Nonprofits are looking for leaders who see the big picture and know how to strategize and plan for long-term growth and stability.

Nonprofits offer those who want to work in sports or sports-related professions a chance to make a difference and build careers all the way up to the executive and CEO level. These organizations may not be professional leagues or teams but they require highly talented individuals just the same.

About the Author

Greg Santore, principal and managing director of the Sports Leadership practice for the executive search firm Witt/Kieffer, has worked extensively with colleges, universities, governing bodies and nonprofit organizations to identify and place exceptional sports leaders.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Bipartisan Effort Mounts to Repeal Gambling Tax Hike in Trump Bill

The president signed the bill into law last week.
Bill Ackman
exclusive

Billionaire Bill Ackman Prepares for ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Tennis Match in..

Ackman says he’s “peaking next week” at the Hall of Fame Open.
Mike Crapo

Trump Bill’s Tax Hike on Gamblers Was Authored by Sen. Mike Crapo

Crapo’s office did not respond to several messages seeking comment.
Seattle Rough & Tumble

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
Gabby Thomas
exclusive
June 12, 2025

Grand Slam Track Cancels Los Angeles Meet As $30 Million Track Start-Up..

Sources close to Grand Slam insist money is not an issue.
June 13, 2025

What Rolapp’s NFL Exit Means—and the Top Candidates to Replace Him

NFL media boss Brian Rolapp leaves; the league hunts for his replacement.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
May 23, 2025

New LPGA Commissioner: Women’s Golf ‘Really Hard’ to Find on TV

Former PGA of America COO Craig Kessler will lead the tour.
Donald Trump, Nick Saban
May 22, 2025

Proposed Trump College Sports Commission May Never Happen

The White House is not sure of its plans.
May 15, 2025

PGA Championship Tees Off With Free Food, Record Hospitality Sales

General admission includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Jun 12, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Blues center Ivan Barbashev (49) and right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Boston Bruins in game seven of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden
May 15, 2025

The 10 Biggest Stanley Cup Upsets of All Time

Since the 1984–1985 NHL season, 10 squads have defied the odds.