Managing Director, Breakthrough Foundation

Läpimurtosäätiö (lapimurtosaatio.fi) helps children and young people take part in sport regardless of their family's wealth or background, and supports promising young athletes towards an international breakthrough. Founded in 2022, the foundation's capital has grown from EUR 3 million to around EUR 20 million, and the next goal is EUR 30 million - and beyond. Permanent capital generates support year after year: at the target level, around EUR 1.5 million a year can be distributed in grants. More than 20 corporate partners and a growing group of donors are already involved. The foundation's base has been built, and it is time to move on to a new phase. Breakthroughs need a community behind them, and the community needs a leader.

We are now looking for

A MANAGING DIRECTOR,

who will bring new donors and partners into the community so that more and more children can take up sport and young athletes with promise can aim for the top.

As Managing Director, you will be the face of the foundation and the driving force behind fundraising. You will get people excited about the Breakthrough Foundation's mission and build long-term, trust-based relationships with corporate leadership, donors and other key stakeholders.

You will report to the foundation's board and work closely with it. You will be responsible for the foundation's operational management. Your team will include a partnerships manager, and after your recruitment we will strengthen the team with a grants and impact manager. The foundation's asset management is handled by investment professionals.

• Fundraising and partnerships - you will spend at least half of your time on them: opening new doors and bringing major donations and collaborations to fruition.

• Leading communications - you will tell the Breakthrough Foundation's story in the media, on stage and on social media, and grow the foundation's profile nationally.

• Strategy and growth - you will develop and implement strategy together with the board so that the foundation grows towards its target.

• Managing the foundation's activities - you are responsible for the whole, for finances and administration, and for ensuring that grant activity is high-quality and effective.

We are looking for a leader who knows commercial activity and the business world well and who has a track record of growth, sales, fundraising or building significant partnerships. You have experience of managing people, and you want to coach and develop your team. You talk naturally with corporate leadership, investors and donors, and you bring negotiations to a decisive conclusion. You communicate excellently both orally and in writing in Finnish and fluently in English, and you are a natural presenter.

You understand the Finnish sports and exercise scene, and you have a genuine passion for the foundation's mission. Your approach is humble as well as diligent, and you have ambition, competitive drive and the ability to lead through networks too. Your capacity to handle pressure is good, and you keep a cool head even in demanding stakeholder situations. Even at the heart of growth, your actions are guided by straightforwardness: donors can trust that things are done right at the Breakthrough Foundation. Foundation experience is not required.

An advantage would be knowledge of societal relationships and experience in advocacy, partnership or sustainability marketing. Knowledge of the international operating environment and existing networks in the business or sports world will support success in the role.

You will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of children and young people and to build a new kind of Finnish donation culture around exercise and sport. Your support will be a committed board, expert working groups, a capable team and a broad partner network.

The position is full-time. The work involves travel: you will meet donors and partners at their premises, network at events and functions, and represent the foundation wherever its story is worth telling. The base is the foundation's office in Espoo, where the team meets at least once a week. You can do some of the work remotely.

The recruitment is carried out in cooperation with Porkkana ja keppi Oy. Submit your application no later than 22.11.2026. We will interview applicants during the application period. Start date by agreement, preferably from the beginning of 2027.

The recruitment process proceeds as follows:

• First interview with Porkkana ja keppi Oy

• Second interview with representatives of the Breakthrough Foundation

• Personal assessment

• Reference checks

For further information, contact:

Eeva-Maija Hiekkataipale, tel. [contact details removed] - available by phone Mon 2.11 at 15:00-16.30 or Mon 9.11 at 15:00-16.30

Eveliina Tuokkola, tel. [contact details removed] - available by phone Wed 18.11. at 9.00 - 10.00

I see. You can. The next breakthrough can start with you - apply to join us!