The NATA Research and Education Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). The NATA Foundation champions research, supports education, and enhances knowledge to optimize the clinical experience and outcomes within the diverse patient populations served by the athletic training profession.

The NATA Foundation seeks an experienced non-profit professional to serve as its chief staff executive, working with the organization’s Board of Directors toward achieving its strategic goals. The Executive Director serves as the chief staff leader for the NATA Foundation, responsible for strategic leadership, operational oversight, program administration, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. This role partners closely with the Board of Directors and oversees all aspects of the NATA Foundation’s operations, including committee support, donor relations, strategic initiatives, and financial stewardship. The Executive Director ensures the NATA Foundation remains mission-driven, donor-centered, and operationally excellent.

This position provides a unique opportunity for a development professional who is interested in assuming a larger role with a 501(c)3 organization.

Duties:

1. Develops and executes long range strategies that align with the NATA Foundation’s mission, vision, and priorities.
2. Collaborates with the Board of Directors to set organizational goals, establish policies, and maintain overall governance excellence; ensures compliance with all appropriate regulations governing a 501(c)3 organization.
3. Acts as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors, providing data driven recommendations and environmental insights that inform decision?
4. Represents the organization at industry meetings and other events at the request and discretion of the Board of Directors. Attends formal meetings and calls of the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance.
5. Supervises and annually reviews performance of the NATA Foundation staff.
6. Provides oversight of all day-to-day marketing, public relations and management activities.
7. Provides operational support to the NATA Foundation’s committees.
8. Serves as the Board of Director’s Secretary and is a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
9. Oversees budget, forecasting, and financial reporting in partnership with NATA finance.
   Ensures compliance with nonprofit regulations at the federal and individual state levels, ethical fundraising standards, and financial controls. Manages grants, scholarship disbursements, and reporting requirements. Provides documentation and answers for the annual audit.
10. Leads fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and annual giving initiatives to strengthen financial capacity. Cultivates relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic entities. Works closely with the Development Committee to identify opportunities, steward donors, and build a sustainable pipeline of support.

For more information on the NATA Foundation, including its leadership, programs and activities, please visit www.natafoundation.org.

EOE

Required

1. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MS, MBA, MPA, or related field) preferred.
2. Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, association management, fundraising, research administration, or related sectors.
3. Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, fundraising campaigns, and relationship management.
4. Experience working with volunteer leadership, committees, or boards of directors.
5. Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, budgeting, and compliance.
6. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred

1. Experience in health professions, research-focused organizations, or philanthropic foundations.
2. Familiarity with the athletic training profession or healthcare-related associations.
3. Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and drive organizational growth.