Chief Sports Officer
Infos sur l'emploi
- Date de publication :05 mai 2025
- Taux d'activité :80 – 100%
- Type de contrat :Durée indéterminée
- Télétravail :Possible
- Lieu de travail :Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, 1015 Lausanne
WHO WE ARE
We are an international sports organisation based in Lausanne and governed under Swiss law. Since 1949, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has been the key driver of university sport around the world. FISU offers opportunities and inspiration to all university students to play sport, in perfect synchronisation with their education.
At the heart of the university sports movement lie FISU’s flagship sports events – the FISU World University Games, FISU World University Championships and the FISU University World Cups. Across these multiple events, the FISU sports programme covers more than 60 sports.
In addition to international sports competitions, FISU also stages educational events and programmes that offer students opportunities for individual development, networking, exchange of ideas and collaborative learning – such as the FISU Development and Healthy Campus programmes, FISU World Forum and FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy, among others.
THE TEAM
We are a young, dynamic and international team that is always looking to innovate, push boundaries, harness new ideas and develop multiple links with our community, i.e. university students around the globe. The FISU team works closely together with all internal departments, as well as the 164-member National University Sports Federations, to highlight our events, activities, projects, goals and plans – of which there are many! It is a constantly buzzing, busy environment in which open-minded people who love challenges will strive.
OUR VALUES
- Excellence
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Joy of Sports
- Integrity
The Chief Sports Officer plays a strategic leadership role within the International University Sports Federation, overseeing the awarding, planning, development, and execution of major global sports events, including the Summer Games, Winter Games, and World Cups & Championships. Reporting directly to the Secretary General/CEO, the Chief Sports Officer ensures operational excellence across all sporting departments while aligning them with the federation's mission, vision, and long-term objectives. This role requires a visionary, hardworking leader with deep knowledge of international sports governance, event delivery, and multi-disciplinary team management.
Job responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Strategic management of the awarding, approval and realisation of the Summer Games, Winter Games, World Cups and Championships. Lead and manage the "Heads" roles in each division, ensuring clear communication, performance alignment, and organisational goals are met.
- Oversee the awarding, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the FISU sports events, ensuring high-quality execution and global impact.
- Work closely with the CEO to develop and implement sports strategies, operational budgets, and performance frameworks.
- Foster collaboration across the FISU departments, partners, and stakeholders including National University Sports Federations, Continental University Sports Federations, Organising Committees, sponsors, and public authorities.
- Ensure full compliance with international sports standards, ethics, and regulatory requirements.
- Represent the federation at international events, conferences, and meetings, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Drive innovation, sustainability, and legacy planning within all events and operations.
- Promote a strong team culture, develop talent, and mentor teams members within the sports departments.
- Act as a key spokesperson and ambassador for the Federation’s sporting vision and values.
Education & Experience:
- Master’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of senior leadership experience in international sports organisations, federations, or major multi-sports events.
- Proven experience managing complex, large-scale multi-sports events across different continents.
- Demonstrated success in leading high-performance teams and cross-functional departments.
Skills & Competencies:
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities; culturally aware and team-spirited.
- Fluent (written and spoken) English is mandatory; additional languages are an asset.
- Existing network with International Sports Federation is a great asset.
- Strong strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Results-driven and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.
- High flexibility and willingness to travel extensively internationally.
- Deep understanding of international sports governance, stakeholder engagement, and the global university sports ecosystem.
