About This Role
This role supports Special Olympics Wisconsin's vision and mission by managing all competition and training opportunities for athletes and Unified Partners. The Athletic Director provides ongoing sports training and technical support to all programs, working with the State Office and other Athletic Directors to coordinate and run programs. Additionally, the role promotes Special Olympics, recruits athletes and volunteers, coordinates programs, and assists Local Programs and Unified Champion Schools to achieve organizational goals.
Responsibilities
- Participate with the Vice President of Sports and Programs, the Senior Director of Sports, and other Athletic Directors in the creation and coordination of the statewide sports plan, including traditional and unified sports for Special Olympics Wisconsin
- Recruit and manage volunteers, volunteer committees, and/or athletes to work/attend sporting events
- Assist and work with regional staff to prepare and submit the annual budget
- Approve, code, and forward all invoices to the State office for payment
- Manage all assigned traditional and unified sports competitions and UCS programming in accordance with the standards and rules of Special Olympics Incorporated and SOWI
- Participate as an active member of planning and running State Games and recruit, train, and direct volunteers for State Games located in the Region
- Initiate and maintain working relationships within the local sport professional community, including local athletic departments (high school, college, and professional)
- Recruit experienced and sports-knowledgeable volunteers to serve as games directors for each regional competition, and manage capable, productive committees to assist with regional sports management and competitions
- Serve as a resource and support for regional local programs, UCS, coaches, and teachers with regard to training, competition, and unified sports
- Provide regular communication of activities and events within the region to agencies, UCS, coaches, teachers, families, volunteers, and the State office
- Abide by and comply with regional deadlines
- Attend meetings, public speaking events, workshops, seminars, clinics, conferences, and program events and serve on committees and task forces as needed
- Support Special Olympics Incorporated and Special Olympics Wisconsin fundraising projects, as directed
- Promote the mission of Special Olympics Wisconsin, Inc.
- Abide by SOWI Guiding Values
- Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and equity and contributing to an inclusive culture
- Execute Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Strategic Plan
- Develop and execute an annual work plan
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Recreation, Physical Education, or similar field of study; or a minimum of three years of related work experience
- Leadership experience
- Experience with developing and managing a budget
- Experience with volunteer management and volunteer software platforms
- Strong knowledge of sports rules, regulations, and effective sports competition management
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects at one time
- Analytical thinker with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Proficiency with MS Office including Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software such as MS Teams
- Ability to travel statewide
- Valid Driver’s License
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Important Details
- Schedule: Some weekends, evenings, and overnights will be required
About the Company
Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) provides opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendships with families, other athletes, and the community. The organization works to open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities across Wisconsin.