Vice President of Athletics
Lead Youth Sports. Build Community. Change Lives.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to serve as our Vice President of Athletics. This leadership position is responsible for leading one of the largest youth athletics programs in the region, serving thousands of young people each year through competitive leagues, recreational programming, youth developmental leagues, and special events. Our athletic department operates approximately 300 youth sports teams annually for youth ages 4-18.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse believes every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through athletics, we teach teamwork, leadership, perseverance, healthy lifestyles, and character while creating safe, supportive environments where youth can thrive.
What You’ll Do
As Vice President of Athletics, you will provide strategic leadership for every aspect of our athletics department, including:
Department Leadership
· Develop and execute the department’s long-term strategic vision
· Lead a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and excellence
· Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to advance organizational goals
· Ensure compliance with nonprofit, safety, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America standards
Athletics Operations
· Oversee all athletic activities
· Maintain consistent program quality across all sports
· Ensure exceptional experiences for participants, families, coaches, officials, and volunteers
· Drive innovation, growth, and operational excellence
People Leadership
· Recruit, develop, coach, and supervise department staff
· Build strong volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition systems
· Foster positive relationships with families, schools, officials, and community partners
Financial & Business Leadership
· Develop and manage department budgets in partnership with the CFO
· Monitor financial performance and ensure long-term sustainability
· Lead fundraising efforts, sponsorship development, grant opportunities, and donor engagement
Community Impact
· Serve as the public face of the athletics department
· Build partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations
· Promote youth sports and healthy lifestyles throughout the region
Facilities & Risk Management
· Oversee athletic facilities, equipment, scheduling, and maintenance planning
· Ensure compliance with child safety standards, coach certifications, emergency preparedness, and risk management practices
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, Recreation, Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
· Five or more years of progressive leadership experience
· Five or more years of experience leading youth athletic programming
· Three or more years of facility management experience
· Experience supervising staff and volunteers
· Budget management and financial oversight experience
· Demonstrated fundraising and partnership development success
· Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills
· Ability to work evenings and weekends throughout the year
Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for a leader who is:
· Passionate about youth development through sports
· A strategic thinker who enjoys building organizations for long-term success
· An experienced relationship builder with strong community connections
· Comfortable balancing operations, finance, fundraising, and people leadership
· Skilled at creating positive cultures where staff and volunteers thrive
· A collaborative executive who enjoys working across departments
Benefits
We value our team members and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
· Competitive salary ($90,000-$110,000 depending on experience)
· Health, dental, and vision insurance
· Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
· 401(k) with employer match
· Paid time off
· Professional development opportunities
· Free gym membership
· Free participation in Boys & Girls Club programming for immediate family members
Why Join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse?
This is more than a leadership position—it’s an opportunity to shape the lives of thousands of young people while leading one of the area’s premier youth athletics organizations.
You’ll join a mission-driven executive team committed to strengthening our community, investing in young people, and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.
If you’re ready to combine your leadership, business expertise, and passion for youth athletics into a career with purpose, we encourage you to apply today.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the youth and families we serve.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person