Position Title: Manager, Youth Initiatives
Location: District of Columbia
Department: Special Olympics DC– Unified Champion Schools
Reports to: Director of Youth Initiatives
Overview:
Unified Champion School is a Special Olympics International (SOI) unified strategy Sponsored
and supported by the Department of Education. This strategy offers a combination of activities that
equip young people with tools and training to create sport, classroom and community experiences
that reduce bullying and exclusion, promote healthy activity and interactions, combat stereotypes
and stigma, eliminate hurtful language in schools, and engage young people in pro-social activities
that lead to more inclusive and accepting attitudes, behaviors in school climate.
This strategy is carried out through 3 main pillars:
1. Inclusive Sports and/or Fitness Opportunities: providing students with and without
disabilities opportunities to participate in inclusive sports activities.
2. Youth Leadership Opportunities: providing students with and without disabilities
opportunities to take on leadership roles in promoting Unified activities in the school and
community.
3. Whole School Awareness and Involvement: providing opportunities for all students in
the school to participate in the Special Olympics Unified Strategy through sustained school-
wide activities.
This strategy is not just about including students with disabilities, but unifying all students; from
adult-led programming to student-led mobilization and action; from sports as recreation to sports as
a catalyst for social inclusion and attitude and behavioral change.
Position Summary:
The Special Olympics DC Manager of Youth Initiative position supports the growth and success of
Unified Champion Schools in the DC Urban Education System. Working closely with the Senior
Director, this position will manage all three aspects of Unified Champion Schools in the District of
Columbia and will help implement fully inclusive schools and youth initiatives from elementary to
college.
Primary Responsibilities:
Help engage principal, teachers, deans and other school stakeholders to educate them on
the importance of a Unified Education at all levels of youth development and the benefits
they and their students gain from a fully inclusive school community.
Help develop yearly programs encompassing all 3 aspects (Whole School Engagement;
Youth Inclusive Engagement; Unified Sport) of Unified Champion Schools for DC
Elementary schools, Middle schools, High schools and Colleges.
Develop quality Unified Sports by training students, coaches, mentors and physical
education teachers on how to pick appropriate Unified members. Teach them the rules and
regulation of Unified Sports and ensure they abide by all Unified rules while coaching and
creating their teams.
Plan and execute all Unified Sports Olympic competitions, with a focus on quality sports,
branding, exposure and marketing to increase participation from non-unified schools.
Grow Unified Champion Schools by on-boarding new schools at all age groups and new
sports with appropriate contracts to establish and maintain sustainability.
Grow Inclusive Elementary Schools by introducing the Inclusive Young Athlete Program
to new schools and providing annual training for both new and old athlete program teachers
and community leaders on how to administer an Inclusive Young Athlete Program.
Track and report on deliverables for the annual Unified Champion Schools Department of
Education grant.
Required Qualifications:
College graduate with 4 year degree from an accredited college or university
3+ years of experience in education, with Special Olympics; or a similar organization in a
project management focused position, with specific strengths in strategic planning and
change management
Clear understanding of and sincere passion for Special Olympics, Unified Sports and social
inclusion initiatives
Ability to work as a team player and manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Relationship manager that understands and balances ever-changing nuances
Experience working with teachers/school administrators/atheltic directors and a sincere
interest in promoting young people as agents of change through leadership experiences
Hands-on experience with internet and information systems used to communicate and inform
the general public, youth, Special Olympics Unified Program staff, and SODC colleagues
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, powerpoint helpful)
Strong written and oral presentation skills
Familiarity with data and reporting requirements associated with federal appropriations.
Self-motivated and able to work well independently without a great deal of direction
3 + years coaching experience
Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner
Desired Qualifications:
Experience in planning and organizing meetings, seminars and conferences helpful
Ability to summarize and analyze data in a cohesive manner
Ability to take strategic concepts and manage their implementation
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