Manager, Sports

Summary:
The Sports Manager is responsible for assisting in planning, organizing, and managing operations for 11
Olympic-type sports: training, competition and educational programs for athletes, coaches and sports related
volunteers.
This position is exempt.

Program Responsibilities:
• Conduct events in accordance with established Special Olympics Rules
• Secure and manage appropriate facilities for training and championship participation
• Serve as the lead liaison between Special Olympics DC and DCPS OSSE bus transportation
• Communicate to participating programs, adult independent athletes and Unified Partners.
• Compile all training calendars for the sports department
• Conduct weekly training for athletes on sport training skills and techniques of the 11 sports offered
• Ensure that coaches have attended a General Orientation and that registration paperwork is submitted
in order for their delegation to participate.
• Oversee the Unified Sports athletes /Unified partners for SODC Adult delegations/ programs in adult
bocce, adult basketball, weekend bowling, adult volleyball)
• 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/commissioners for each competition, and
manage capable, productive committees to assist with sports management and competitions.
• Serve as a resource and support for coaches with regard to training, competition and unified sports
• Assist in the eligibility tracking system of the database of athletes, coaches, and unified partners.
• Assist in recruitment and training of volunteers for weekly training, qualifying, and championship
competitions.
• Assist in the utilization of the Games Management System to set up games and events.
• Assist in quality control duties/tasks to ensure that rules and regulations are followed at all SODC
competitions
• Assist with department logistics for special events including but not limited to: Eunice Kennedy Shriver
day, LETR and Polar Bear plunges.
• Serve in in the capacity of Assistant HOD for SODC Delegation for all National Games competition when
necessary
• Promote the mission of Special Olympics District of Columbia, Inc.
• Other duties as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Recreation, Physical Education, related field of study; or a
minimum of three (3) years of related work experience.
• Experience and knowledge of sports, event management, volunteer management and persons with
intellectual disabilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently and organize work to meet established deadlines; solve problems using
good judgment; understand when to seek assistance or guidance from others.
• Effective time management skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Must pass a background check
• Ability to drive to training locations and transport sports equipment
• This position requires some heavy lifting (over 50 pounds).
• Work on one to two evenings per week for training during sports seasons required
• Some weekend work will be required.
• Some overnight travel for trainings and national games when necessary.

SUPERVISION:
The Sports Manager reports to the Director of Sports.

MISSION:
The mission of Special Olympics DC is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety
of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing 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.