About the Role

The U.S. Fencing Foundation is seeking a dynamic and transformational leader to serve as its Executive Director. This pivotal role is responsible for converting existing fundraising efforts into a world-class, gold-medal philanthropic program. As Executive Director, you will manage overall operations and drive the growth of the Foundation's major gifts, annual fund initiatives, donor events, communications, marketing, grant programs, and community engagement. You will also be instrumental in raising funds for USA Fencing.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, innovative, and practical leader with strong business acumen and proven experience in leading and growing a similar foundation, ideally with an annual raise of $2 million or more. The successful candidate will significantly grow revenue for the Foundation, directly supporting USA Fencing and its strategic plan. A clear understanding of the Olympic and Paralympic movement and/or the sport of fencing is highly valued. This role requires a driven, creative thinker, an exemplary fundraiser, and a collaborative team builder who can inspire and engage the Foundation's Board of Trustees in all aspects of fundraising, particularly major gifts. You will work closely with the USFF Trustees and USA Fencing to deliver on the Foundation's Strategic and Operating Plans.

USA Fencing and the Foundation are equal opportunity employers committed to increasing the diversity of their community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, gender identity or expression, disability, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from diverse individuals with relevant experience.

Reports To

U.S. Fencing Foundation Board of Trustees and USA Fencing CEO.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising:
- Generate significant year-over-year growth for the Foundation, primarily through major gifts.
- Achieve annual giving and event fundraising goals within each calendar year.
- Develop and implement, in collaboration with the Trustees and CEO, short- and long-term plans to establish the Foundation as a best-in-class annual and capital fundraising organization.
- Create and execute fundraising campaigns to identify, cultivate, and steward major gifts, major capital gifts, and planned giving opportunities.
- Enhance and implement consistent donor benefits, perks, and stewardship programs.
- Develop and implement a plan to optimize existing and potential future programmatic events to generate incremental fundraising and incentivize major gift donors.
- Coach and oversee any future employees and contractors in delivering all Foundation events, experiences, and other fundraising/engagement activities.
Business Operations:
- Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and USA Fencing, led by its CEO, to develop the Foundation's strategic plan and long-term roadmap.
- Develop an annual fundraising plan aligned with the strategic priorities and long-term roadmap of the Foundation.
- Cultivate outstanding relationships with all Trustees, committees, the USA Fencing Senior Management Team, and colleagues across USA Fencing.
- Oversee all Foundation business operations, including CRM management and optimization, reporting, budgeting, and managerial duties.
- Coordinate with athletes, coaches, and U.S. Olympians/Paralympians for speaking engagements, fantasy experiences, personal appearances, signed memorabilia, and other engagement opportunities with the Foundation.
- In conjunction with the USA Fencing finance team and CEO, oversee the fundraising budget and conduct monthly reviews of financial statements.
- Lead grant funding and expense reconciliations, including working with the finance team on available funding.
- Perform other duties and functions as needed, and as assigned by the Trustees and the CEO.

Required Experience & Competencies

Minimum seven years of progressive experience in fundraising within collegiate athletics, Olympic & Paralympic sports, or similar, with a proven track record of individual success, or in another challenging fundraising role accompanied by significant experience.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject or equivalent direct experience.
A commitment to a positive, mutually supportive, creative work environment and strong, open collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
A passion for Olympic and Paralympic sport.
Significant proven development experience focused on major gifts.
Extremely personable with excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills.
Experience growing, stewarding, and maintaining relationships with parents, alumni, athletes, and coaches across a spectrum of demographics.
Experience with Annual Giving, Planned Giving, and VIP hospitality events, with a focus on Major Gifts.
A creative and thoughtful mindset and a willingness to work collaboratively with donors and internal stakeholders to foster positive relationships.
Experience securing significant impact from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources.
Software proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint or other presentation platforms, as well as with AI platforms.
Experience with fundraising CRM systems.
Highly organized with ability to work independently and manage multiple projects at once from inception through execution; detail-oriented and deadline focused.
Knowledge of Fencing is encouraged but not required; a willingness to engage and learn the sport of Fencing, however, is required.
Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment as part of a team atmosphere.

Location and Travel

This is a remote-based role with preference given to candidates residing in or willing to relocate to New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., or other major East Coast hub areas. Location remains flexible for the right applicant. The role requires flexibility, significant travel, and periodic evening/weekend responsibilities associated with donor engagement, national events, foundation events, and other USA Fencing activities.

About the United States Fencing Foundation

The United States Fencing Foundation is the philanthropic arm of USA Fencing, dedicated to fueling the pursuit of excellence for fencers at every stage — from those picking up a weapon for the first time to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, to veteran athletes who carry a lifetime of passion for the sport. By investing in athletes, teams, and programs, the Foundation helps build champions and ensures fencing’s legacy for generations to come. Founded in 1986 from the success of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the Foundation has always existed to strengthen fencing’s future. In 2022, we became the official philanthropic partner of USA Fencing, streamlining efforts to maximize impact. Today, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our sole mission is to support USA Fencing in growing the sport and giving every athlete the resources and opportunities to thrive. Every gift of every size makes an impact.

About USA Fencing

USA Fencing is the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of fencing in the United States. Its mission is to grow and promote the sport of fencing in the United States, honor its rich traditions, and achieve sustained international success.

Starting Salary Range

Expected salary range: $125,000 - $160,000 base compensation annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, the role offers meaningful performance-based incentive opportunities tied to fundraising growth and strategic organizational objectives.

Benefits Include

Unrestricted PTO and paid sick time
12 paid holidays per year
Extra week off during August and between Christmas and New Years
401(k) (+matching up to 4%)
Health insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Employer paid life insurance
Professional Development Opportunities

Application Process

Applications received by July 6, 2026, will be given priority; the position will remain open until filled.
Applicants can anticipate at least two rounds of interviews, including Foundation Trustees and the USA Fencing CEO.
To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to the Human Resource office at [email protected]. Individuals who desire an informal discussion may reach out the same way.

This document is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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U.S. Fencing Foundation Executive Director