Running – Executive Director, Running

Running USA is the leading trade organization for the running industry. The organization’s mission is to strengthen and grow the endurance industry worldwide by providing education, advocacy, and development resources. Throughout each year, Running USA releases research reports, offers educational webinars and white papers, and puts on the largest running industry conference in the world.

The organization’s primary focus is to position itself as the industry thought leader by providing content that informs and enables its members to grow, individually and collectively.

The Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for Running USA’s staff, membership growth, programs, and successful fulfillment of its mission. The ED will be thoroughly committed to Running USA’s mission and must have proven leadership, coaching, and relationship management experience. The ED will report to the Board of Directors in a collaborative effort to achieve short- and long-term strategic initiatives.

ROLE EXPECTATIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership Core Competencies:

• Decision-Making & Accountability:
  Makes high-level decisions confidently, using data and insights while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Organizational Stewardship:
  Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to mission and values.
• Event & Program Leadership:
  Plays a key role in strategically selecting conference locations to strengthen member participation, enhance industry presence, and align organizational growth objectives.
• Financial Acumen:
  Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation principles, with an understanding of the annual budgeting process.

Membership Engagement & Growth:

• Ability to lead and grow membership communities while fostering engagement across global endurance industry initiatives.
• Exerience developing and executing strategic initiatives to increase member value, retention, and satisfaction through programs, events, and communications.
• Understanding of membership lifecycle, including recruitment, retention, engagement, and renewal strategies.

Leadership & Communication:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of Running USA’s content initiative, driving its growth and visibility to maintain the organization’s position as the premier provider of professional development resources in the endurance industry.
• Maintain regular communication with members, stakeholders, and industry partners, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, and engaging to strengthen relationships and support Running USA’s mission.
• Champion a culture of belonging by integrating inclusive values and practices across the organization’s internal operations and external partnerships, ensuring equitable representation and access at all levels.
• Serve as Running USA’s champion in media and at events, promoting the organization’s mission and enhancing its visibility.
• Establish and develop digital infrastructure and communication platforms to enhance outreach, streamline membership services, launch virtual programs and events—laying the foundation for scalable, tech-enabled engagement.
• Proactively identify and evaluate emerging digital trends and technologies, developing forward-looking strategies that drive innovation, increase member engagement, and strengthen organizational capabilities.

Operations & Revenue:

• Lead the development and execution of a strategic growth plan focused on scaling existing programs, membership, and unlocking new opportunities.
• Oversee and align the annual budget with strategic goals
• Proactively identify and engage potential members, sponsors, and partners, establishing relationships that strengthen the organization’s network and garner new opportunities.
• Oversee internal operations to ensure timely achievement of goals, maintaining strict adherence to operational budgets while optimizing efficiency and resource allocation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5–7 years of senior management experience, with a strong record of leading, scaling, and transforming high-performing teams and organizations.
• Deep knowledge of the endurance sports industry, with expertise in membership recruitment, retention, and…