Disclaimer: This job opportunity is associated with the adidas Foundation gGmbH and subject to their terms & conditions. adidas AG is not connected with this position and the career site of adidas AG is used solely as a platform for external publication and submission of applications. adidas Foundation gGmbH independently manages the hiring process.

ABOUT US
Welcome to the adidas Foundation! We are an independent nonprofit organization with the mission to harness the transformative power of sport to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges worldwide. As an initiative launched by adidas AG in Herzogenaurach, we believe in the unparalleled ability of sport to unite communities and drive positive change in the face of global issues such as conflict, inequality, discrimination, and climate change. Envisioning a world where everyone has access to the life-changing benefits of sport and physical activity, the adidas Foundation strives to create a brighter future for both people and the planet. Through direct action, capacity building, and advocacy, we collaborate with like-minded partners across the globe to bring our vision to life. Learn more about us here!

FUNDING & IMPACT

While maintaining a strong connection with adidas AG, our primary funding source, we operate with full autonomy to strategically allocate resources toward fulfilling our charitable mission. We drive impactful initiatives, including grants for nonprofit organizations worldwide, support local projects aligned with our mission and empower social entrepreneurs through grants and seed funding. Our collaborations with essential service providers guarantee the successful execution of initiatives, ranging from refurbishing community football pitches to conducting impact assessments. Our local initiatives in the greater Nuremberg area serve as a launching pad for global expansion, empowering communities around the world. Additionally, we actively contribute to research and advocacy efforts, furthering our overarching goals. By offering expertise and support to stakeholders within the sport-for-good sector, we foster collaboration and collective progress towards achieving our mission.

JOIN OUR TEAM

As the adidas Foundation is celebrating its first year of operations, we are building our team to drive great impact. If you are passionate about leveraging sport for positive change and want to be part of a dynamic organization committed to making a difference, consider joining the adidas Foundation. Together, we can create a world where the transformative power of sport is accessible to all, changing lives and shaping a better future for generations to come.

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HEAD OF OPERATIONS - ADIDAS FOUNDATION (M/F/D)

The Head of Operations at the adidas Foundation plays a critical role in shaping and executing the organization's global operations strategy, ensuring optimal financial performance, and aligning with overarching goals. Together with the Managing Director, they lead the development and execution of the Foundation's long-term strategy, being a core contributor to the foundation’s goals, and are responsible for the operational portfolio across various domains, encompassing financial management, accounting, tax, legal affairs, governance, human resources, and IT, both internally and in collaboration with external vendors. Beyond addressing operational gaps and inefficiencies, the Head of Operations is dedicated to fostering a culture of seamless workflows, legal compliance and financial health, thus contributing positively to the organization's overall effectiveness and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and own the adidas Foundation's global operations strategy in alignment with organizational goals, ensuring successful and efficient operations for optimal financial performance, cost efficiency, and compliance
• Lead the development and execution of the Foundation’s operational goals, collaborate with the Managing Director to create business plans, and actively contribute to long-term strategic planning and tactical decision-making with the adidas Stiftung's Board of Directors
• Oversee the implementation of the approved operations strategy, developing and managing all operational functions of the adidas Foundation, including legal, finance, accounting, tax, human resources, and IT
• Manage service providers in the area of legal, finance, accounting, tax, human resources, and IT
• Organically build, lead and manage the Operations team, making everyday decisions related to team leadership, talent retention, and ensuring smooth operations processes
• Responsible for the oversight of the financial activities including, but not limited to, the billing function, revenue cycle, grants and finances, financial and accounting reporting and procedures, and for risk mitigation associated with poor financial planning and compliance breaches
• Direct the implementation of efficient workflow approaches and develop, monitor and prepare budgets, modifying operations based on financial forecasts and results, and implementing appropriate and consistent systems, protocols and procedures
• Work closely with the Programs and MEAL teams to ensure an aligned approach to budgeting, planning and reporting across the organization and with the Stakeholder Engagement team to develop realistic income projections and advise on further funding requirements
• Develop and review policies and procedures to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operations for a globally active and audit-ready non-profit organization
• Responsible for developing the recruitment, selection, orientation, performance management, and talent development approach within the Foundation
• Reevaluate the organizational infrastructure and operating model as needed to assure the proper support of all aspects of the adidas Foundation
• Direct the financial management processes in preparation of the adidas Foundation’s financial statements, reconciliation, cash management, payroll, and reporting to various supervisory authorities
• Determine the need for and allocation of human resources, financial, space, and material resources

Key Relationships:

• adidas Foundation’s Managing Director, Operations team, department heads and broader team
• adidas Stiftung's Board of Directors
• External vendors and consultants
• Public & state authorities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A results driven and self-motivated team player with compassion, integrity, trust, and perseverance
• Demonstrates strategic leadership with change management proficiency, substantial senior management experience, and a detailed understanding of organizational dynamics
• Adept communicator with strong persuasive skills, proficient in diplomacy, negotiation, building rapport and crafting clear, succinct messages
• Accomplished in business operations, strategic planning, HR, finance, and program management, with a proven record of fiscal management success and effective utilization of resources
• Extensive business and financial acumen, including accounting, audit, tax, reporting and risk management, coupled with strong project management skills
• Exhibits sound judgment, tact, humility, and discretion in working with stakeholders and partners. Culturally savvy with extensive interpersonal skills, connecting effectively with diverse communities, stakeholders, and cultures, prioritizing trust-based relationship building
• A strong desire to work with diverse teams in dynamic startup environment, applying a hands-on working and adaptive management style and showcasing empathetic and empowering leadership skills, fostering talent retention and development
• Strong organizational, time management and prioritization skills, a good strategist with the ability to remain operationally and financially grounded
• Effective English and German presentation and communication skills (verbal and in written) and composure in conveying information. Additional language skills a value-add benefit

Requisite Education and Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Economics, Business Administration, Financial Management, Law, or equivalent)
• 10+ years of progressive experience in managing the operations within a sizeable, complex and globally active organization, preferably in a grantmaking and/or non-profit context
• Minimum 5 years management experience
• Evidence of specialization in sports-for-good, sustainability and/or international development related topics is beneficial

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YOUR FUTURE WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Experience and thrive in a dynamic, true startup environment and be part of building a non-profit organization from day one
• Competitive compensation in line with industry standards for the non-profit sector
• Flexible work arrangements (based on 35 hours) with up to 80% remote work
• Annual leave in line with common practices & opportunity of up to 30 days' working from elsewhere across the EU and country of citizenship (based on individual work permit)
• Perks include commuter support, health & wellness benefits and individual professional development opportunities
• Continual enhancement of benefits during and beyond 2024

Please note that relocation, visa sponsorship and permanent cross-border employment are currently not possible.

APPLY TODAY
Believe you are a great fit for our team? We're excited to hear from you! Please submit your CV along with a cover letter explaining why you'd love to join us and the adidas Foundation and how you can contribute to our mission. We can't wait to review your application and create a better world through the power of sport together!

Disclaimer: This job opportunity is associated with the adidas Foundation gGmbH and subject to their terms & conditions. adidas AG is not connected with this position and the career site of adidas AG is used solely as a platform for external publication and submission of applications. adidas Foundation gGmbH independently manages the hiring process.