Sports Director

Join Our Team and Make a Difference! Are you passionate about sports, community engagement, and making a lasting impact? Do you thrive in a leadership role where you can inspire athletes, volunteers, and partners? If so, Special Olympics Maryland wants you on our team! We are looking for a dedicated and energetic Sports Director to lead our efforts in expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This is more than just a job—it's a chance to change lives through the power of sports and inclusion.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MARYLAND JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Sports Director FLSA Status:

Exempt Department:

Sports Department Direct Reports:

None Reports To:

Senior Director, Sports & Competition Purpose:

This position has the responsibility of managing all aspects of the SOMD Sports Program by leading the state-wide development and expansion of designated sports and working as a leader of personnel to execute state-level competitions. This is accomplished through the development, recruitment, and leadership of volunteer management teams, staff resources, and the application of agreed-upon business practices. Essential Functions /

Responsibilities:

Recruit, develop, and lead Sports Management Teams (SMT's) for each assigned sport to manage the operation and development of the sport, including but not limited to: Planning and management of the sport season (coordinating the schedule of qualifying events and other competitions, communications with coaches and other key stakeholders, etc.) Development and execution of qualifying competitions Development and delivery of coach training (multiple delivery formats) Review and updating of rules, processes, and procedures (National Governing Bodies and Special Olympics International) Development and management of sports opportunities throughout the season for each assigned sport Identification, development, and dissemination of resources for athlete training and hosting/operations of competitions (including toolkits and other resources) Management of participation in National and Regional tournaments and events Assist with the management of participation in given sport(s) at National Invitationals, USA, and World Games Lead the assigned Sports Management Teams (SMTs) through the development and execution of plans to expand both the number of participants in the sport (athletes, teammates, coaches, and volunteers) as well as the number of competition opportunities. Lead SMTs in establishing strategic sports-related development goals by gathering pertinent business, financial, service, and operations information; identifying and evaluating trends and options; choosing a course of action; defining objectives; and evaluating outcomes. Recruit additional sports resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, and content) to improve and expand the overall management of given sports. For assigned sports where the state-level championship is part of a multi-sport event (Summer Games, Winter Games, Fall Sports Festival), lead that sport's specific management team and additional volunteer leaders to deliver high-quality competition. For assigned sports where the state-level championship is a "stand-alone" event, lead all aspects of the event utilizing the sport-specific Games Management Team (GMT) and additional event management team volunteers to deliver a high-quality competition and event. For state-level competitions (community, Interscholastic Unified Sports, other) and special events (Polar Bear Plunge, etc.), serve in designated roles to ensure the delivery of a high-quality event (role may vary by event). Lead planning and execution of coach training opportunities that are not specific to a sport (Coaching Special Olympics Athletes, Principles of Coaching, first aid, etc.) as assigned. Ensure the timely compilation and reporting of coach education and sport certification status of all coaches within designated sports. Additionally, report and maintain the status of competitor requirements (Applications, forms, etc.) and leadership volunteer certifications. Maintain quality service to athletes, teammates, coaches, family members, and volunteers by leading assigned key sports leadership personnel to establish and enforce quality and customer service standards; analyze and resolve quality and customer service problems; identify trends; recommend and implement system improvements. Accomplish results by communicating expectations; planning, monitoring, and appraising results; coaching, counseling, and disciplining leadership personnel and volunteers; developing, coordinating, and enforcing systems, policies, procedures, and productivity standards. Accomplish financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; and initiating corrective actions. Seek in-kind donations and expense reduction. Accomplish timely information-sharing through outlets such as specified sections of the SOMD website and keep up-to-date information for target audiences.\ Maintain professional and technical knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; and participating in professional societies. Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Foster and maintain relationships with vendors, coaches, athletes, volunteers, and other outlets. Accomplishes other duties as assigned, which may include items such as pilot programs, assisting with other events, assisting Local Programs with sports-related topics, and other support and assignments as needed.

Organizational Impact:

The Sports Director must lead and coordinate efforts that support volunteer leadership, volunteer workforce development, and strategic initiatives tied to the six overarching organizational goals inherent in managing sports training programs and conducting competitions. The Sports Director works with key staff and leadership volunteers to significantly improve the quality and quantity of sports training and competition and to recruit and retain more competitors.

Qualifications:

Previous experience in effectively leading and managing personnel (volunteers and/or staff) through project management objectives. Previous experience in effectively leading teams (volunteers and/or staff) in event management. Demonstrated ability and comfort speaking to large groups both in-person and virtually. Demonstrated ability to effectively work independently on a variety of projects as well as effectively work as a member of a professional team. Demonstrated ability to effectively provide a high level of customer service to a variety of stakeholder groups. Ability and willingness to work multiple nights/weekends and travel throughout the state of Maryland as needed with own transportation, with a current and valid driver's license. Ability and willingness to work extended hours in various weather conditions at times. Ability to pass criminal and National Sex Offender Registry background screening to maintain Special Olympics Class A status. Ability and willingness to respectfully and effectively work in a diverse and inclusive organization. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication. Ability to lift 25 lbs. Proficiency with Microsoft M365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and PC-based programs and applications - including project planning.

Preferred Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in a related field. Previous experience with Special Olympics or similar programs. Previous experience working with programs that serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. Knowledge of concepts of inclusion, including best practices and language use. Familiarity with Monday.com and Salesforce or similar CRM solution. •Applicant must submit a COVER LETTER and RESUME for consideration•

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - SOMD

is an equal-opportunity employer. SOMD's policy ensures and provides equal opportunity for all persons employed by, or seeking employment with SOMD, without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, disability, orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam War era veteran or any other classification protected by law. This policy extends to the employment relationship and all areas of personnel activity such as selection, job assignment, supervision, training, upgrading, transfers, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, recreational activities, and facilities. SOMD recognizes its obligation to actively promote such opportunities for all qualified persons and to take all reasonable and necessary action, including the appropriate accommodation of persons with disabilities, to ensure that these objectives are put into effect. Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation Authorized and Accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. for the Benefit of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$58,660.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): The starting salary for this opportunity is $58,660 annually. Please acknowledge you are aware of this and that this is acceptable if offered the position. Failure to respond may result in not being considered. Thank you.

Experience:

Management:

2 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person