Salary: $88,000 - $93,000/annual, depending on experience
Reports to:Board of Directors
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, IRA with match, PTO
Hours: In-person. Full-time, exempt.
Location:Tigard, OR
About Northwest Fencing Center
Established in 1972, the Northwest Fencing Center (NWFC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing fencing education that encourages growth in perseverance and sportsmanship for all. Today, we continue to grow and are known as an international training and competition hub specializing in foil and epee.
Our vision is to be an inclusive community and serve as a model of excellence for the fencing world, and beyond.
We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and community-driven Executive Director (ED) who can balance nonprofit leadership and sports facility operations while ensuring financial sustainability, staff cohesion, and program excellence to our current membership of over 220 fencers, staff of 8 individuals, and operational budget of $1.2M.
To learn more, visit https://www.nwfencing.org/
Position Summary
The Executive Director will oversee all aspects of NWFC’s operations, finances, membership, programming, and facility management. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong financial acumen, fundraising expertise, and the ability to manage a diverse team. The ED must also foster relationships with the Board of Directors, staff, members, donors, and the broader fencing and sports community. This position has three direct reports: an Administrative Assistant, a Social Media and Communications Manager, and a Head Coach.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit leadership, sports facility management, and the ability to navigate both administrative responsibilities and member engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Administration
Provide strategic leadership, policies, and high standards of professionalism to guide NWFC’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Supervise and support coaches, administrative staff, and volunteers to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Oversee membership retention, outreach, and engagement to maintain a strong and growing fencing community.
Act as the liaison between the Board, staff, coaches, families, and community partners, ensuring open and transparent communication.
Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for athletes of all levels, balancing recreational and competitive programming.
Maintain a visible presence at the facility, engaging with members, staff, and community stakeholders.
Oversee HR functions to ensure legal compliance in hiring and terminations, promote a positive work environment, and provide thorough staff supervision and evaluations.
Ensure compliance with USA Fencing requirements.
Financial Management & Oversight
Develop and manage budgets, pricing structures, and financial policies to ensure operational stability.
Prepare and oversee annual budgets, provide monthly financial reports, and communicate financial status to the Board.
Establish pricing structures
for programs, scholarship systems, rental fees, and membership models to balance affordability and sustainability.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit, financial regulations,
insurance policies, and facility management standards.
Oversee facility operations including, but not limited to, sporting events, retail, lease management, equipment maintenance, and capital improvements.
Develop strategies for long-term financial sustainability and management of cash reserves, including securing funding for facility ownership and other investment opportunities.
Business Development & Membership Growth
Expand and strengthen NWFC’s membership base with retention and growth.
Use existing software systems to monitor membership trends and retention data to identify growth opportunities and address challenges; evaluate and consolidate systems as needed.
Develop and implement outreach programs to recruit and retain members of all ages and experience levels.
Oversee member communications, program development, and customer service strategies to improve engagement and ensure accessibility for all athletes
Fundraising & Community Engagement
Lead fundraising efforts, sponsorships, and donor engagement to expand financial resources.
Develop and execute fundraising strategies, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving campaigns with support from the board of directors.
Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners to increase financial support with support from the board of directors.
Oversee event planning, including tournaments, community fundraisers, and outreach initiatives to drive revenue and visibility.
Work closely with the communication manager to develop marketing and promotional strategies for fundraising campaigns.
Ensure proper stewardship, recognition, and reporting of all contributions and grants.
Board Collaboration & Governance
Work closely with the Board of Directors to drive strategic decision-making and organizational oversight.
Report regularly on financials, membership, programming, and operational updates to the Board of Directors
Implement board-approved policies and initiatives to ensure alignment with NWFC’s mission and vision.
Support board development and training, helping to build a strong and engaged leadership team.
Maintain an open, transparent, and collaborative relationship with board members.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
5+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, sports facility operations, and/or related fields.
Strong financial management expertise, including budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with nonprofit compliance, HR best practices, and community development strategies.
Track record of driving membership or organizational growth
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with experience managing staff and volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to navigate board relations, strategic planning, and governance best practices.
Fundraising and development experience, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and sponsorships.
High emotional intelligence with an ability to balance the needs of staff, coaches, and members.
Ability to mediate conflicts and maintain a collaborative team dynamic.
Preferred:
Knowledge or experience in fencing, sports-related communities, or school environment..
Experience managing tournament logistics, athletic programs, or youth development initiatives.
Experience with various management and sports-related software such as Humanitru, QuickBooks, MailChimp, fencing scheduler, Square, etc.
How to Apply
Nonprofit Professionals Now is proud to support NW Fencing Center in filling this key leadership position. Applications must include a resume and a statement of interest highlighting your experience.
Application deadline: April 13, 2025