Job Application for Executive Director of Community Impact at Detroit Lions

New

ABOUT US:

The Lions, much like the city and community they represent, are built on a blue-collar work ethic that values hustle and conviction.

Ford Field, the home of the Lions since 2002 in the heart of Detroit, is part of a vibrant sports and entertainment district featuring all four major professional sports franchises. Ford Field is also home to a dedicated and passionate multi-generational fan base reflective of the innovation, creativity and drive synonymous with Detroit.

Under the leadership of Sheila Hamp, the great granddaughter of Henry Ford, the Lions have ushered in an era of rebirth focused on creating an inclusive and equitable experience for employees, partners and fans. Building off the rich and diverse history of the city, the Lions embrace transparency and value contribution from all areas of the organization. We believe in the power of a pride, and acknowledge winning together takes understanding, acceptance, and teamwork. We believe in our “we” culture and are committed to building a new tradition that Detroit and Michigan can be proud of.

One Pride. For All.

At the Detroit Lions, we are part of something bigger than just a football team. Through our foundation and our community work, we are part of local impact and ongoing legacy building. This position will lead the team and help guide strategic direction for the Lions community engagement. This position is responsible for leading various community events throughout the year that focus on our pillars: The Executive Director will oversee members of a team that drive impact via volunteering, advocacy and will also manage the budget, set strategy and execute programming to deliver positive impact through the power of the Lions brand. This role will also be responsible for leading Community Relations-related NFL and/or Lions-sponsored initiatives and platforms. This work happens via collaboration with other stakeholders internally including teammates across all segments of the Club.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (including, but not limited to):
The Executive Director of Community Impact will assist the Vice President of the Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations and internal departments on community engagement efforts, which includes:

Build and maintain the relationship between Lions, corporate and community partners and other stakeholders in expansion and enhancement of our community engagement; assist Corporate Partnership sales team with identifying sponsorship opportunities through Community Relations.
Develop programming for in-season and year-round activities and deliverables relevant to the established pillars of focus and other League initiatives.
Represent the Detroit Lions in the community to develop a strong network of business and non-profit leaders for the organization.
Responsible for day-to-day execution of a variety of community outreach projects and functions within the Detroit Lions Community Relations department.
Fiscally responsible for community relations budget planning, forecasting and spending.
Work collaboratively across multiple departments throughout the organization and with internal and external stakeholders.
Work with the corporate communications team to develop comprehensive communication plan for community impact.
Lead strategy and implementation of employee volunteerism and community engagement initiatives while emphasizing employee tracking and incentivization.
Responsible for the hiring, onboarding and performance of seasonal intern(s).
Responsible for leading, mentoring and managing the Community Relations staff by setting high standards for self and team. Encourages professional development and provides guidance for the staff members’ professional growth.
Possess strong oral and written communications skills. This includes the ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, listen and get clarification, possess excellent group presentation skills, ability and willingness to actively participate in meetings, as well as the ability to write clearly and informatively.
Possess strong interpersonal skills. This includes the ability to foster collaboration and build excellent working relationships with coworkers, corporate and community partners, as well as the ability to work appropriately and professionally with senior staff and high-level officials.
Stakeholder management and communication: this role will help drive impact through partnership throughout the Club in executing the events and commitments.
Calendar creation and management: ability to run a schedule that drives optimal impact and consistent communication and execution of the various engagements and initiatives.
Mature judgment, a willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound and accurate judgment, and includes appropriate people in the decision-making process.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Will maintain an appropriate level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and of web tools and software being used
Must be motivated, reliable, and able to work independently or as part of a team in a fast paced environment
Must be accurate and efficient with ability to meet deadlines
Must be detail oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities
Will be an innovative thinker who displays original thinking and creativity and meets challenges with resourcefulness
Will adjust work schedule to meet departmental demands
Will keep appropriate information confidential
Leads with authenticity and honesty, while creating team spirit and comradery
Will learn, understand, and demonstrate the leadership attributes as described by the organization
Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor consistent with the objectives and essential functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the position description if they are ongoing

LICENSING or CERTIFICATIONS:

A valid Driver’s License and a good driving record

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications or related field required
7+ years of experience in corporate and/or sports community relations, foundation development and/or management, public relations, Legend’s relations and/or corporate affairs required
At least five years of experience supervising a team required, experience managing multiple stakeholders
Prior experience working in the professional sports league required. NFL experience preferred.
Strong problem-solving skills with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Flexible and able to contribute effectively as part of a professional team
Able to build relationships with many departments, stakeholders, and other outside community organizations
Ability to exercise flexibility, initiative, good judgment and discretion and work
Exemplary interpersonal, listening and facilitation skills
Excellent energy and enthusiasm, and passion for outreach and engagement
Self-motivated and committed to excellence
Prior experience working in Detroit market preferred
Ability to work long or unpredictable hours on weekdays, weekends and holidays as needed

TO APPLY:

To apply, please submit a copy of your resume along with a cover letter detailing your interest and related experience to the position.

Due to the high volume or resumes received, we regret that we are unable to update candidates on the status of their application. Those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails.

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

LinkedIn Profile

Website

Are you at least 18 years of age?

Select...

Have you worked for our company prior?

Select...

If you answered yes above, please list the dates:

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our Company in the United States?

Select...

Do you have any relatives currently working here?

Select...

If you answered yes to the above, please list your relatives names:

If job requires weekends/nights, would you be willing to accept it?

Select...

Please list your earliest start date:

Are you subject to a non-compete or confidentiality agreement with a previous employers that might affect your ability to accept a job offer?

Select...

Have you every been ejected or banned from an NFL stadium for any reason?

Select...

If you answered yes to the above, please explain.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime or are there any felony charges pending against you? *A yes response does not automatically disqualify a job application.

Select...

If you answered yes to the above, Please identify all misdemeanors & felony convictions: Please give dates, places, charges and disposition of all convictions, and any other information about convictions you would like the Detroit Lions & Ford Field Management to consider.

How'd you hear about us?

Select...

If you selected Job Board in the previous question, please let us know which one!

What is your desired compensation for this position?

U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

We encourage you to voluntarily self-identify your gender, and race/ethnicity, and any disability and veteran status.

The Detroit Lions, Inc. are committed to developing a diverse workforce that reflects and serves the diverse community and stakeholders we love. We are also subject to certain governmental record-keeping and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with various law. We invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify so that we can meet these objectives. This information will be confidential and will not be visible to anyone involved in hiring decisions. The information will only be used in accordance with the provisions of applicable regulations. Applicants are considered without regard to any legally protected characteristic. Your decision to complete the form and your refusal or any information you provide will not be held against you or subject you to adverse treatment.

How would you describe your gender identity? (mark all that apply)

Select...

How would you describe your racial/ethnic background? (mark all that apply)

Select...

How would you describe your sexual orientation? (mark all that apply)

Select...

Do you identify as transgender?

Select...

Do you have a disability or chronic condition (physical, visual, auditory, cognitive, mental, emotional, or other) that substantially limits one or more of your major life activities, including mobility, communication (seeing, hearing, speaking), and learning?

Select...

Are you a veteran or active member of the United States Armed Forces?

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Detroit Lions’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Gender

Select...

Are you Hispanic/Latino?

Select...

Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran Status

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305

Page 1 of 1

OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Disability Status

Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

Executive Director of Community Impact

Apply for this job

U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

Voluntary Self-Identification

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability