Program Manager

Your Role in a Nutshell

As Program Manager at the adidas Foundation, you play a key role in the design, planning, and delivery of our global program portfolio. Ensuring tangible impact and compliance with our mission and bylaws across the core pillars of People, Planet, and Relief, their responsibilities extend to the holistic management of funding processes globally, active contribution to partner selection and continuous support of all stakeholders involved in program implementation. They will further support the identification of new program opportunities, cultivate global relationships, engage communities, and stay informed of non-profit best practices to drive the adidas Foundation's mission and enhance the outcomes of our charitable endeavors.

Key Stats

Team: Programs

Direct Reporting Line: Head of Programs

Country of Employment: Germany

Office Location: Nuremberg (up to 80% mobile work within Germany per month)

Your Day-To-Day

• Assist in overall program design, planning, and execution globally, collaborating with the Head of Programs and the MEAL team to ensure tangible impact and compliance with the foundation’s bylaws while applying subject matter knowledge across the core pillars of operation.
• Globally manage day-to-day funding processes, from proposal stage to program conclusion, and contribute to project selection in joint effort with the overall Programs team.
• Develop, support, and oversee the direct implementation of programs, ensuring they are effectively tailored to meet the specific needs of beneficiaries in collaboration with local stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to local partners and community leaders to ensure program activities are delivered to high standards and in line with objectives.
• Support the scoping and development of new program opportunities, conducting thorough research, monitoring trends, and leveraging strong analytical skills to translate ideas into actionable steps.
• Act as a key relationship manager globally during the partnership cycle and project execution, collaborating with the Programs team and partners, and actively tracking everyday decisions related to partner support and project success rates.
• Identify opportunities for community and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with the genuine needs of the Foundation’s target communities and partners.
• Stay up-to-date on global non-profit best practices, program partnership guidelines, and regulations, leveraging an effective network while actively recognizing trends and untapped opportunities.
• Assist with grant revisions, project modifications and budget realignments, collaborating with the Programs team to mitigate risks and maintain partner trust.
• Coordinate global project reporting, tracking and ensuring the on-time delivery of reporting requests at high-quality levels.
  
  

The People You'll Work With

• Head of Programs and the Programs team
• adidas Foundation's Managing Director, other department leads and the broader team of the Foundation
• Program Partners, Community Representatives
• Non-Profit Organizations, Coalitions and Associations
• Funders & Donors
• External Vendors and Consultants
  
  

What Makes You Awesome

• A results driven and self-motivated team player with compassion, integrity, trust, and perseverance, with a strong desire to work in a hands-on startup environment
• A skilled program and partnership manager, well acquainted with project management approaches, grantmaking processes and a fundamental understanding of planning and budgeting for program initiatives.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines and objectives.
• Skilled in participatory community engagement and intercultural communication, with a proven ability to manage and leverage effective networks within relevant sectors.
• Proficient in data management, monitoring and evaluation with the ability to assess both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring timely and quality reporting. Some experience with database and grants management systems beneficial.
• Applies strong analytical, research, and creative thinking skills, demonstrating excellence in problem-solving and translating ideas into action.
• Fluency in English written and verbal communication and presentation skills, tailored for various audiences. Additional language skills preferred.
• A strong collaborator displaying sound judgment, tact, humility and discretion in building trust-based relationships across diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Culturally savvy with extensive interpersonal skills, committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
  

Bonus Skills (you should fulfill at least one):

• Experience in designing and leading programs focused on vulnerable groups, including women and girls, LGBTQIA+ communities, racial minorities, refugees, and people with disabilities.
• Experience with using sports to address mental health issues or promote physical and emotional well-being in marginalized communities.
• Demonstrated experience in empowering vulnerable communities to overcome hate and discrimination, with a particular focus on the sports sector.
• Experience in integrating anti-discrimination and diversity training into sports programs, including the development of educational resources or workshops for participants, coaches, and community leaders.
  
  

Your Fundamentals

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (e.g., Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, or equivalent).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in developing and managing international social impact programs and projects, particularly within non-profit context.
• Minimum 2 years of proven experience of working in international setups with English as the primary language of business.
• Evidence of specialization in sport-for-good, sustainability or topics related to international development.
  
  

Your Future Working Environment

• Experience and thrive in a dynamic, true startup environment and be part of building a non-profit organization from its early years onwards
• Competitive compensation in line with industry standards for the non-profit sector
• Flexible work arrangements (based on 35 hours full-time) with up to 80% mobile work within Germany
• 30 days annual leave plus up to 30 days working from elsewhere (subject to individual's country of citizenship, work permit and employer approval)
• Further perks include employer-supported sports & wellness offering, commuter support and individual professional development
• Continual enhancement of benefits during and beyond 2025
  
  

Please note that relocation, visa sponsorship and permanent cross-border employment are currently not possible.

About Us

Welcome to the adidas Foundation! We are an independent nonprofit organization with the mission to harness the transformative power of sport to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges worldwide. As an initiative launched by adidas AG in Herzogenaurach, we believe in the unparalleled ability of sport to unite communities and drive positive change in the face of global issues such as conflict, inequality, discrimination, and climate change. Envisioning a world where everyone has access to the life-changing benefits of sport and physical activity, the adidas Foundation strives to create a brighter future for both people and the planet. Through direct action, capacity building, and advocacy, we collaborate with like-minded partners across the globe to bring our vision to life. Learn more about us here!

While maintaining a strong connection with adidas AG, our primary funding source, we operate with full autonomy to strategically allocate resources toward fulfilling our charitable mission. We drive impactful initiatives, including grants for nonprofit organizations worldwide, support local projects aligned with our mission and empower social entrepreneurs through grants and seed funding. Our collaborations with essential service providers guarantee the successful execution of initiatives, ranging from refurbishing community football pitches to conducting impact assessments. From local initiatives to our partners around the globe: Our aim is to empower communities worldwide. Additionally, we actively contribute to research and advocacy efforts, furthering our overarching goals. By offering expertise and support to stakeholders within the sport-for-good sector, we foster collaboration and collective progress towards achieving our mission.

Join our Team!

As the adidas Foundation heads into its second year of operations, we are building our team to drive great impact. If you are passionate about leveraging sport for positive change and want to be part of a dynamic organization committed to making a difference, consider joining the adidas Foundation. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender identity and expression, personal background, beliefs, preferences, and abilities. Together, we can create a world where the transformative power of sport is accessible to all, changing lives and shaping a better future for generations to come.