After nearly 14½ years of leadership, the Multnomah Athletic Foundation (MAF) is preparing for its next chapter.

Our longtime Executive Director, Lisa Bendt, has made the decision to begin a planned leadership transition. It is a decision grounded in two things: the belief that there comes a time for every leader to create space for new leadership, ideas and energy, and a desire to spend more time with family.  This transition comes from a place of strength. We are a healthy, active and growing organization with a committed board, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, strong community partnerships and a team deeply connected to its mission.

We are excited to welcome the next Executive Director who will build on this strong foundation and help shape what comes next.

About the Multnomah Athletic Foundation:

• For more than 35 years, the Multnomah Athletic Foundation has worked to increase access to athletic participation and education for youth.
• We provide community grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships for post-secondary education, helping young people access opportunities that can shape their futures.
• We believe it is not simply that sport that matters. It is what young people learn through athletic participation that matters.
• Athletics can teach discipline, leadership, perseverance, confidence and teamwork. Education opens doors and expands possibilities. Together, they can help young people grow, belong and reach their full potential.
• Our work is rooted in a simple belief: when young people have access to opportunity, they have more possibilities for what comes next.
• MAF is powered by a small, highly collaborative staff and a dedicated working board. Our committee structure engages volunteers directly in grants, scholarships, finance and investment, communications, community engagement and youth-focused initiatives.
• We are connected to the energy, resources and relationships of the Multnomah Athletic Club and its members.

Why This Role Matters

• The next Executive Director will step into an organization with a strong history and an opportunity to help shape its future in the community.
• MAF is entering an important period of growth and exploration. We are looking at how we can deepen our community impact, strengthen partnerships and build on the unique role the Foundation and the Multnomah Athletic Club can play in supporting youth, athletics and education in Portland.
• The Executive Director will be both a steward of what has been built and a catalyst for what comes next.
• This is an opportunity for a leader who enjoys bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and turning ideas into action. Someone who can work comfortably with a board and volunteers, collaborate with nonprofit partners, engage donors and members, and lead a small team with clarity, energy and purpose.
• Most importantly, we are looking for someone who believes deeply in the potential of young people and understands the power of access, opportunity and community.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and organizational leader of the Foundation, working closely with the board, staff, volunteers, donors and community partners to advance the Foundation’s mission.

This is a highly collaborative role. The Executive Director will help guide the organization’s strategy while remaining close to the day-to-day work that makes the mission possible.

The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic thinking, relationship-building, operational discipline and genuine care for people.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a leader who is thoughtful, curious, collaborative and energized by people and possibility.  You may come from nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, community engagement, education, athletics or another mission-driven environment. What matters most is your ability to lead people, build trust, manage an organization and connect vision to action.

We value people who:

• Bring strategic thinking while staying connected to the details.
• Build authentic relationships and bring people together.
• Communicate clearly, honestly and with purpose.
• Are comfortable working with boards, volunteers, donors and community partners.
• Lead with confidence, humility and curiosity.
• Value both innovation and strong organizational practices.
• Can balance long-term vision with the immediate needs of the organization.
• Believe in the potential of young people and the role access and opportunity play in their development.

A Thoughtful Transition

• The Foundation is committed to a thoughtful and well-planned transition.
• A transition team and search committee are leading the process with the support of a local nonprofit executive search partner. The current Executive Director will remain fully engaged in the work and will help ensure a smooth transition for the organization, its partners and its community.
• We anticipate welcoming the next Executive Director in early 2027.
• This is more than a leadership change. It is an opportunity to build on more than three decades of impact and imagine what is possible for the next chapter of the Multnomah Athletic Foundation.

How to Apply

• The Executive Director position is open and job description available here
• Applications will be accepted through November 4, 2026
• Questions about the search and applying should be directed to Nonprofit Professionals Now.

How We Work

Our values shape not only what we do, but how we do it.

We invite you to share this opportunity with leaders in your network who may be ready to help shape what comes next for the Multnomah Athletic Foundation.