ITTF Secretary General en International Table Tennis Federation

Join the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) as its Secretary General and take on one of the most influential executive roles in global sport. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of an Olympic International Federation and drive meaningful impact across a truly global sporting community.

As Secretary General, you will guide the Federation’s strategic execution and international presence - working across governance, events, development and global partnerships to strengthen ITTF’s standing and effectiveness worldwide. The role demands a forward-thinking, politically astute leader who can navigate complex environments, build trust with diverse stakeholders, and represent the federation with credibility and authority on the world stage.

Table Tennis is a fast-paced and thrilling sport that has captivated billions. Youth, Senior Para, Masters, E-Sports - the ITTF nurtures the next generation and crowns world champions. Table Tennis is also featured in all multisport games, including the Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

The ITTF has been inspiring the world to participate, compete and excel in Table Tennis since 1926, working with 227 Member Associations to elevate the sport to new heights through engagement and development, with players always at the centre of our efforts.

Come join a talented and diverse team of individuals who are passionate about their work. Our inclusive atmosphere will allow you to grow both professionally and personally as you help us promote the sport we all love.

Location: Lausanne / Remote

Position Overview

The Secretary General is the senior executive leader of the International Table Tennis Federation, operating under the authority of the ITTF Board. The role is accountable for the stewardship of the Federation’s strategy, governance systems, operations, stakeholder relations and global representation. The role is responsible for translating the ITTF Board’s strategic direction into effective governance, operational delivery and international engagement across the global Table Tennis community.

The Secretary General provides overarching leadership across ITTF’s global strategy, day-to-day operations, major events portfolio, development programmes, sustainability agenda, integrity frameworks and human capital initiatives. Serving as the central conduit between the elected leadership and the professional administration, the role leads ITTF’s governance processes, international and Olympic / Paralympic relations, and service delivery to Member Associations and Continental Federations.

Success in this role requires strategic clarity, political intelligence, operational discipline and a high degree of diplomatic finesse to navigate a complex, global, and multi-stakeholder environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Executive Management

• Lead the development and execution of the ITTF’s long-term strategic plan in alignment with the President and Board.
• Provide integrated oversight of all ITTF functions: Events, Operations, Sports Development, Governance, Integrity, Human Resources and Administration.
• Drive organisational transformation, modernisation, and performance accountability.
• Ensure financial sustainability, operational efficiencies, and responsible resource allocation.

Governance, Integrity & Compliance

• Uphold and ensure compliance with ITTF statutes, governance policies, and international sport governance standards.
• Support the ITTF Board, Committees, and key governance bodies through transparent reporting and effective decision-making support.
• Oversee integrity programs including safeguarding, ethics, anti-doping coordination, fair play, and disciplinary processes.
• Lead continuous governance reforms and ensure ongoing alignment with ASOIF, IOC, and best-practice standards.

ITTF Member & Continental Services

• Serve as the highest-level point of contact for all 227+ member associations and continental federations.
• Strengthen relationships through consistent engagement, responsiveness, and structured support programs.
• Increase member capabilities through training, governance development, and technical support.
• Improve member satisfaction and global alignment.
• Support the design and delivery of programmes that promote the global growth and development of Table Tennis.

Olympic Movement & International Relations

• Represent ITTF in the Olympic ecosystem (IOC, ASOIF, NOCs, host committees).
• Oversee ITTF’s involvement in the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and other multi-sport events where ITTF is directly involved, ensuring both technical excellence and strong representation.
• Safeguard Table Tennis’ Olympic status and contribute to programme evolution.
• Strengthen ITTF’s influence within international sport through diplomacy and strategic alliances.
• Drive initiatives that reinforce Olympic values and visibility.

Events, Sports Operations & Performance Pathways

• Oversee delivery of ITTF global events, ensuring technical excellence, integrity, and innovation.
• Support sport development initiatives, athlete pathways, coaching standards, education, and technical officiating.
• Ensure risk management frameworks for events and competitions.
• Drive consistency and quality across all ITTF competitions worldwide.

Sustainability & Social Responsibility

• Integrate sustainability policies across events, operations, and development programs.
• Advance environmental, social, and ethical objectives aligned with global sustainability trends and IOC goals.
• Promote inclusion, diversity, accessibility, and safe sport principles.

Human Capital & Organisational Culture

• Provide leadership to HR strategy, workforce planning, and organisational development.
• Champion a culture of integrity, inclusiveness, innovation, and high performance.
• Ensure staff development, well-being, and retention of key talents.

Communications, Media & Representation

• Act as a leading spokesperson for the ITTF when delegated.
• Ensure consistent and effective communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure clear, consistent and timely communication to governance bodies, Member Associations, internal teams and external stakeholders on key decisions, policies and developments.
• Strengthen ITTF’s global reputation and manage crisis communications where needed.
• Build positive relationships with governments, partners, and global sport organisations.
• Act as a senior representative and spokesperson of ITTF as delegated by the President.

Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum 15 years senior leadership experience in an International Sports Federation, National Olympic Committee, major National Federation, or an International organisation with elected governance.
• Deep understanding of governance, diplomacy, sports operations, and global federation structures.
• Proven track record of strong political acumen and relationship-building capability.
• Proven ability to operate in multicultural environments and to manage diverse global stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and diplomacy skills, with experience representing an organisation at international level.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Desirable:

• Prior experience as Secretary General, Director General, CEO or Deputy / Chief Operating Officer in an International Federation or Continental Confederation.
• Working knowledge of other widely used languages in international sports.
• Background in law, public policy, international relations, sports management or a related field.

Please note that shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis as applications are received. The position may be closed before the application deadline of 20 December 2025 should the right candidate be selected.

Due to the volume of applications expected - Please also note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.