Executive Director

About The Golden Heart Fund 

Professional football players often leave the NFL without many of the tools necessary to transition away from the game, not to mention the lingering or developing health issues sustained during their career. A significant number of NFL retirees are under extreme financial stress because of joblessness or divorce within a few short years of their career ending, and still others suffer from physical injury or are at risk of developing long-term cognitive problems. This issue motivated a few former San Francisco 49ers players to establish The Golden Heart Fund with the help of their founding donors, 49ers CEO Jed York and former team owner Eddie DeBartlo, Jr. Established in 2016, The Golden Heart Fund works to assist 49ers alumni in the transitional process to overcome physical, medical, emotional, and financial obstacles by providing the education, employment resources and the financial support they need.

What started as an identified need has now evolved into a nonprofit organization with compassionate and dedicated 49ers Legends at the heart of the organization--as donors, decision-makers, program leaders, board members and outreach specialists. 

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to professionalize and grow an organization from the ground up, and to create a programmatic model for the NFL and beyond, leveraging the unwavering support of the 49ers family. 

The Executive Director (ED) will set the direction and strategy for The Golden Heart Fund in partnership with the Board, providing overall organizational leadership and ensuring both the sustainability and growth of this ambitious endeavor. He/She will report to the Golden Heart Fund Board of Directors to develop an initial strategic plan, success metrics, and budget that will lead to the organization’s long-term success and growth. 

With the benefit of a ready-made network, the ED will drive the organization’s programs and fundraising by setting and implementing strategy, refining operations, and managing both player and donor relationships. This role is both extremely hands-on and externally facing, and this leader will be expected to build The Golden Heart Fund’s team, reach and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Operationalizing Vision and Driving Execution:

• Work closely with the Board to assess and refine their Vision and Mission and to develop the organization’s strategic plan
• Oversee the implementation of the strategic plan and communicate progress
• Ensure provision of effective financial and other assistance (both short-term response and long-term prevention) to 49ers alumni through a case management approach
• Develop and implement programs that complement existing work to advance its mission and create impact in the 49ers alumni community

Relationship Management, Communications, and Fundraising: 

• Manage networks of relationships with Board, 49ers alumni, program participants, service providers, donors, influencers, and other key external stakeholders
• Expand awareness and understanding of The Golden Heart Fund with current/former 49ers, Bay Area business and community leaders, 49er fans, and the media 
• Serve as the Chief Storyteller and evangelist, represent The Golden Heart Fund across a variety of media and speaking platforms 
• Increase capacity to award grants through individual and corporate contributions, special events, partnerships, and community awareness; refine strategies for donor support and stewardship, leveraging Board resources in fundraising efforts
• Develop strategy for donor communications and impact-based reporting as primary organizational point of contact

Organizational Administration and Development:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, including budgeting, finances, grants disbursement, reporting, contracting, and technology support needs
• Establish a transparent flow of communication with the Board of Directors
• As required, develop organizational infrastructure by building staff or contracting support based on needs identified in the strategic plan

Qualifications and Desired Attributes 

• 5+ years in an Executive Director or executive management position; experience collaborating with a working Board and support Board development 
• Demonstrated success in an entrepreneurial, organization-building environment; able to quickly shift between strategizing at a high altitude and executing on the ground level with limited resources
• Experience developing organizational strategy, setting performance indicators, implementing strategic plans, and measuring organizational success
• Proven fundraising success, from solicitation to closing to stewardship; basic understanding of grantmaking processes
• Has strong public speaking skills, experience representing an organization externally and within high level relationships
• Strong networker with aptitude for developing valuable trusting relationships
• Passion for The Golden Heart Fund’s mission; sufficient fluency in sports-related content to be able to establish connections, build trust, and engage in natural dialogue with donors, partners, and players

To Apply 

This role’s location is flexible, but with a strong preference for the San Francisco Bay Area. 

The Golden Heart Fund has retained Schaffer&Combs, a certified B Corporation, to support this search. To apply, please submit a current résumé and thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest and outlines your relevant skills and experience to this link. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

The Golden Heart Fund is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. Please refrain from contacting them directly; all inquiries should be directed to Schaffer&Combs at tghf@schaffercombs.com