Associate Director of Program, Western Region

Title: Associate Director of Program, Western Region

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Williamsville, NY

Reports to: Director of Program

Compensation: $58,500 - $65,000

Please submit a cover letter and resume Special Olympics New York to resumes@nyso.org. Please reference the job code “ADPWR” in the subject line.

Special Olympics New York seeks an Associate Director of Program in its Western New York Region.

The Special Olympics New York mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing them with ongoing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 42,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally.

Candidates with experience engaging underrepresented communities and/or communities of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Position:

Under the supervision of the Director of Program, the Associate Director of Program, Western Region, is a mission-driven person responsible for supporting, coordinating, and monitoring all program-related activities for both school and community-based clubs, serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the Western Region. The Associate Director of Program participates in the development and administration of all program-related functions with a focus on community engagement, sport training, coach education, and new program development.

Communication & Engagement: With a thorough understanding of the structure, function, and mission of Special Olympics New York, The Associate Director of Program is dedicated to cultivating relationships with schools, athletes, families, coaches, and community stakeholders.

•        Act as a pipeline of information for others.

•        Function as an expert resource and effectively communicate matters related to sports training and coach education.

•        Maintain connections in the schools, with agencies, and in the community, and grow these relationships and their sports programming.

•        Lead training programs to educate, expand, and engage athletes, volunteers, coaches, and schools.

•        Initiate and engage in conversation with the mission and values of Special Olympics always at the center.

Project Management: The Associate Director of Program is a proven performer in administration, management, and program planning.

•        Manage day-to-day programming tasks while continuously building capacity and maintaining program and team quality.

•        Oversee resource management including training or practice equipment, coaches, athletes, and ensure appropriate capacity to execute programming.

•        Recruit athletes and coaches

•        Track and maintain data using internal data platforms and systems.

•        Maintain a budget and keep financial records.

Volunteer Management: Much of Special Olympics New York’s success is rooted in the strength of collaborative relationships, therefore the Associate Director of Program models and fosters behavior that establishes a culture that values partnership and is consistent with the values, goals, and objectives of the organization to create an atmosphere of trust, cooperation, accountability, empowerment, and dedication to the mission.

•        With sensitivity and finesse respond to the concerns of different groups, volunteers, and stakeholders.

•        Recruit, develop, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and volunteers.

•        Participate in athlete leadership and development.

•        Provide education/training to school leadership, coaches and ensure that they understand up-to-date rules, regulations, and protocols.

•        Inclusion, Unified Sports and the Unified Champion School programming are present and prioritized in the foundation of our core elemental movement, found embedded in our seasonal and annual calendar, and activity. All staff members hold responsibilities collaterally and fundamentally for inclusive mission and the Unified programming.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

•        Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Sports Administration, Business Administration, Physical Education, Sports Management, Recreations, Special Education or similar concentrations is preferred.

•        Experience working or volunteering in the field of Developmental Disabilities preferred.

•        Operating knowledge of the budgeting process, fundraising, and public relations.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•        Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with volunteers, professionals, and business people from various socio/economic backgrounds.

•        Ability to manage multiple moving parts with thorough and consistent follow-up.

•        Ability to work independently and cooperatively with efficiency.

•        General computer proficiency and competence with the full Microsoft Office Suite.

•        Flexible and patient with changing priorities and deadlines.

•        Position requires working both standing and sitting. Must be able to lift and carry light loads (5-30 pounds for short distances, approximately one block).

•        Some early mornings and evenings will be needed.

Special Olympics New York is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of 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