The Vice President of Sports provides strategic leadership and direction for all programming across local, regional, state, national, and world-level events. This role oversees the development and execution of a comprehensive long-term sports plan, including the selection of sports offered and the training and advancement of coaches, athletes, officials, and volunteers.
The Vice President of Sports serves as a visionary leader, driving growth and innovation in sport development while cultivating strong partnerships with key stakeholders including strategic partners, volunteers, venues, area management teams, National Governing Bodies, Parks and Recreation Departments, City and State government, Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), corporate sponsors, school districts, Law Enforcement agencies, professional sports organizations, athletes, and families. This position requires exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams, foster cross-departmental collaboration, and align diverse groups around shared goals to elevate the overall success and impact of the organization.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with the senior leadership team from External Affairs, Health and Wellness, Unified Champion Schools, and Marketing & Communications on all major events and competitions.
- Supervise the Coordinator of Sports & Competitions.
- Work with the Coordinator of Sports & Competitions to create and implement an overall quality sports experience at regional and state competitions.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive, statewide Special Olympics Tennessee (SOTN) Sports Plan, partnering with Regional Managers to guide, align, and oversee the execution of local sports plans.
- Develop an annual budget for all regional, state, national, and world games trainings and competitions.
- Evaluate state and local sports programs to ensure compliance with Special Olympics standards, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain and create clear communication and strong collaborations with NGB (National Governing Bodies) in sports offered by SOTN.
- Create and implement organization wide coaches training plan.
- Obtain approval from COO for all game quotas for Regional, State, National, and World Games prior to submission.
- Oversee SOTN’s participation in USA Games, World Games, and National and Regional Invitational events.
- Become proficient in the Center of Excellence (COE) Athlete Registration and Games Management Systems Modules.
- Submit annual Census Report for Special Olympics International (SOI).
- Collaborate with Special Olympics North America (SONA), Special Olympics International (SOI), TSSAA, and National Governing Bodies on sport development, implementation, and communication.
- Research and create new sports and training opportunities.
- Ensure quality experiences for athletes at all regional and state games. Responsibilities include:
- Determine delegation allotments, credentialing, housing, meal services, and distribution of games information.
- Manage the Special Olympics Games Management System (GMS), including data collection and entry, game setup, and the creation and management of relevant reports.
- Serve as a resource to ensure all coaches meet all coaching requirements and Special Olympics’ policies, procedures, and rules are followed.
- Work directly with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide support for delegations participating in state, regional, national, and world games, including registration processing (GMS), credentialing, housing, meal services, games information and communication, travel support, and other on-site support needs.
- Work to develop new initiatives to diversify the coaching committee and volunteers by building meaningful relationships with diverse and underserved communities.
Additional Duties
- Provide oversight and support for local-area programs with event management trainings, visits to local events, and monthly calls.
- Support and assist with Healthy Athletes, Junior and Young Athletes, Train 4 Life, Special Events, Fundraising, and Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) events as needed.
- Responsible for developing new sports opportunities for SOTN.
- Support of the Unified Champion Schools Program (UCS) and TSSAA competition programming.
- Provide support to area programs as needed to ensure the successful delivery of services to the athletes, families, and volunteers.
- Represent SOTN by speaking to service clubs and other community groups when needed.
- Additional responsibilities assigned by the COO or President & CEO.
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Eight to ten (8-10) years of experience in recreation, sports management, and/or event management.
- Work experience includes two (2) years of experience in volunteer/staff management.
- Paid and/or volunteer experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) preferred.
Skills and/or Abilities
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.
- Ability to multitask effectively
- Excellent critical thinking skills
- Ability to work with diverse personalities and in stressful situations.
- Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and manage volunteers.
- Ability to build effective relationships with a variety of organizations.
- Proficient in using relevant technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and database systems.
- Willing to travel and to work evenings and weekends to meet job requirements.
- Have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and meet minimum Tennessee vehicle insurance requirements.
- Must pass a criminal background screening and submit to random drug testing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the heart of all that we do at Special Olympics Tennessee as we strive to promote unity and create a community where everyone belongs. We value, celebrate, and support all differences, backgrounds and viewpoints and understand that a focus on greater diversity and inclusion will enrich our organization and our world.
Special Olympics Tennessee is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
Benefits
Commensurate with experience. This full-time position is benefit-eligible. Special Olympics Tennessee provides health and dental insurance, a life insurance policy, paid time off, and a 401K match.
