Manager, Sports
Manager, Sports
SUPERVISOR: Vice President of Programs
POSITION: Full-Time Exempt
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POSITION OVERVIEW
The Manager, Sports plays a critical role in designing and delivering high-quality year-round training and competition programs to the athletes and partners of Special Olympics Vermont. The athlete experience and the outcomes achieved are at the heart of Special Olympics Vermont’s mission. The Manager, Sports is responsible for the planning and implementation of these activities overseeing all aspects of Special Olympics Vermont sports training and competition, including coaches’ education. This in-person role is instrumental in ensuring that the program is consistent with the mission, goals and philosophy of Special Olympics.
SOVT CULTURE
Special Olympics Vermont is a dynamic non-profit organization providing services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities through a framework of programs, training and competitions. We believe deeply in the power of sport to advance inclusion. The organization has a small, fun, and close-knit staff. We often share a significant workload, sometimes under tight timelines, and have evening and weekend events several times a year. Employees must demonstrate motivation and personal accountability, a commitment to working as a team, a desire to experience the joy of the Special Olympics mission, and a sense of humor. Each SOVT staff member is expected to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, attention to detail, and flexibility in assignments, tasks, schedules, and roles.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage all aspects of Games and competitions throughout the state. This includes managing all logistics including venue selection, operations, volunteer management, and budget oversight. Lead the communication and registration process.
- Recruit Volunteer Games Directors to assist in planning and executing all competitions. Facilitate recruiting, training and supervision of event/games management team members, volunteer/professional sports liaisons, officials, and coaches. Work in cooperation with SOVT staff and key volunteers to identify additional volunteer needs for Games to ensure needs are met.
- Develop annual plan for Training and Competition that is aligned with Strategic Plan. Manage and administer a year-round competition program in the state including recreational and/or competitive area, regional, and statewide competitions and events serving our Local and School Programs. Determine and oversee venue development, timeline for communication, and registration processes.
- Measure and evaluate results and make recommendations to improve the quality and consistency of the competition experience statewide. Work with Vice President of Programs to identify opportunities to support Local and School Programs and address inconsistencies in program delivery statewide.
- Ensure SOVT compliance with SOI requirements in training, sports, and competition to meet accreditation requirements.
- Oversee all registration and training/competition data management through the Games Management System (GMS). Ensure data is accurate and useful.
- Develop, manage, and assess annual budget in line with Strategic & Annual Plans. Work with Vice Presidents of Programs and Advancement to align goals for revenue to support programming.
- Write, update annually, and execute the SOVT Sports and Coach Education Plan
- Manage appropriate state level documentation, certification, materials and awards for training programs and competition. This includes ensuring the equipment is in good working condition and usable for all competitions.
- Continue work to engage and leverage colleges and universities to host competitions, coach trainings, and other opportunities.
- Provide technical assistance and consultations to area invitational, regional, and recreational competitions, i.e. Regional Bowling tournaments.
- Plan and manage the World and National Games Selection process as it relates to SOVT. This includes working within a process aligned with Special Olympics International rules for recommending and approving quota and related budget, recommending a training and conditioning plan, supported by coaches for athletes competing in USA and World Games. Recruit volunteer Athlete and Family coordinator for each National and International event to ensure athletes are prepared for competition and related travel.
- May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned and/or required based on the needs of SOVT.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Physical Education, Recreation, Sports Management or related fields, or significant, comparable knowledge & experience, is required.
- Experience in running successful large, multi-faceted events is preferred.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to think proactively
- Ability to think outside the box and offer creative solutions
- A team player, committed to proactive collaboration and idea sharing
- Energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, creativity and a positive attitude
- Experience in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools as well as database management
- Ability to work nights/weekends and travel as professional development, event, and competition schedules require.
- A valid US driver’s license and ability to manage travel arrangements, including overnight accommodation, is required.
- Experience driving medium-duty box trucks (up to 26 ft) is strongly preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The individual in this position must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Routinely communicates with constituents and coworkers via phone, video, and in-person meetings
Routinely operates a computer, keyboard, mouse, and office machinery such as a copier and laminator
Frequently moves and transports materials weighing up to 50lbs throughout the office and warehouse, widely across varying surfaces of indoor and outdoor event and competition venues and loads and unloads personal or rented vehicles, as needed.
Frequently works in outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, loud and crowded environments, and freezing and/or wet conditions.
Frequently stands and walks for extended periods of time and across full competition and event venues on varying indoor and outdoor surfaces.
SALARY
The salary range for this position is $48,000 - $53,000, commensurate with the candidate’s experience.
BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, 80% of individual premium employer-paid
- HSA Employer Contribution
- Disability, Life, AD&D Insurance
- 401(k) Plan with employer match
- Twenty (20) days of Combined Time Off, additional Paid Holidays and Winter Break
- Flexible & supportive work environment
- Cell Phone Stipend
- Mission-Driven Work
EMPLOYMENT and DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION at SPECIAL OLYMPICS VERMONT
SOVT is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
Special Olympics Vermont strives to create an organization that reflects our communities and where everyone feels empowered to do their best work. SOVT will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bullying. Anyone who does not comply with this policy and/or is found to have engaged in discrimination, harassment, or bullying will be subject to appropriate action, up to and including separation from the organization.
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to Vice President of Programs, Rachel Hamm Vaughan – rhamm@vtso.org.