Athlete Leadership Manager (INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY)

Description

About Special Olympics Minnesota:

SOMN (Special Olympics Minnesota) is a chapter of the world’s largest organization advocating for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, and through current sports, health, and leadership programs engaging people with and without disabilities, provides a positive impact for Minnesotans of every age and every ability. 

Position Summary:

The Athlete Leadership Manager for SOMN will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to bring their passion for providing support, customer service and leadership to athletes and volunteers who are organizing and delivering programs to local communities throughout the state. They will assist in building departmental and organizational culture through effective communication, conflict resolution and relationship management. This person will also help to set the appropriate tone in relationships, lead by example, and motivate, inspire and empower others. If you like working directly with others to provide effective coaching and development that maximizes employee engagement, satisfaction and the delivery of the Special Olympics mission, this is the job for you.

Reports to: Vice President of Sports, Health and Schools

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide Athlete Leadership management, track participation and satisfaction and facilitate opportunities to engage athletes, coaches and communities in programs furthering SOMN’s mission.
• Provide support building and training athlete leaders to assist at organizational events, competitions, trainings and activities as assigned. Duties may include logistics implementation, volunteer engagement, coordination with other staff, documentation, on-site support and other functions.
• Develop recognition and retention strategies for athlete leaders.
• Support staff in their engagement and development of athlete leaders  and leadership opportunities.
• Collaborate with Development and Marketing staff to support successful communication, information sharing, and promotion of leadership opportunities to athlete leaders across the entire state of Minnesota. 
• Facilitate, collaborate and develop leadership opportunities for athletes within all departments of the organization, as well as build  resources and plans to support the growth and engagement of athlete leaders in their local communities and delegations.
• Match newly-registered athletes with opportunities for sports training and competition that connect their interests and geographic location and provide follow-up as necessary to ensure successful placement as needed.
• Collaborate with sports staff, Program administration staff, vendors, volunteers and others as appropriate to identify venues and event schedules.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Environments:

• Work location: Hybrid — In-office and non-office      settings (negotiable dependent on geographic home) will vary week to week depending on schedule and events, typically not to exceed 50% of most weeks.
• Outdoor events — May include work in cold or warm temperatures, which may require appropriate clothing and/or other      protection to maintain health and safety. Some work may occur in winter conditions and will require accommodation for cold, snow and ice.
• Noise — Music and/or other entertainment at some events; sports events with large crowds; school events with the full student body  (e.g. pep rallies); etc.
• Travel — Required for meetings and events, typically 5-10% of total time in a week, with 0-5% being more common. Travel may be statewide, but more commonly will be within the Twin Cities metro area.
• Physical demands — Sitting; standing; transporting supplies, materials and equipment by use of carts, etc.

Competencies:

• Detail oriented
• Multitasking
• Written and verbal communication
• Empowers others
• Interpersonal communication
• Supportive
• Prospecting
• Diversity and inclusion

Requirements

Required qualifications:

Education: GED, High School Diploma or equivalent work experience

Experience and/or training:

• 1 or more years of experience in a customer service position or equivalent experience.
• 1 or more years of experience effectively managing multiple priorities and tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office
• Experience organizing small- to mid- size meetings and/or trainings.
• Client-facing position providing support, facilitating positive experiences, and cultivating constructive relationships while upholding quality standards and rules.
• Experience with Special Olympics events and competitions.

Benefits:

Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Health Saving Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K plan, Flexible Time Off and Paid holidays.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Special Olympics Minnesota is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.