The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is a world-class athletic competition that will draw more than 125,000 spectators and 4,000 athletes to Orlando, FL from June 5-11, 2022. Athletes with intellectual disabilities from all 50 states and the Caribbean will compete in 20 sports during the event, which will showcase the power, value and impact of the Special Olympics movement and mission. In addition to a substantial array of rights, benefits and assets, the Games will feature an extensive media platform that includes daily linear and streaming broadcasts, digital and social media, and a 2022 Games mobile application.

Position : Senior Vice President of Special Events

Department : Special Events

Supervisor : President & CEO

Purpose:

The SVP of Special Events is responsible for developing and implementing the overall strategy and operational plan for the non-sports events and programs for the 2022 USA Games and supporting events. This leadership position is responsible for the oversight and execution of approximately 20 highly visible 2022 Games events and targeted programs. It requires planning and managing events, managing staff and vendors, collaborating effectively with other departments.
The SVP of Special Events builds and manages external relationships and provides an exceptional level of customer service to a variety of stakeholders including Special Olympics athletes, sponsorship partners, national delegates, volunteers, vendors, police and safety teams.
Provide leadership, professional expertise, and direction in the planning and execution of high-quality events and programs, and ensure that priorities are reflected in the planning and presentation of events. Oversee event program development and ensure events objectives are met and that Special Olympics continues to be viewed as a worthy focus of charitable giving and other forms of support. The SVP of Special Events will be responsible for leading a team and helping develop them into effective event management staff.

Responsibilities:

Recruit, interview, train, and supervise event team.
Manage, provide direction, coordination, and consultation for non-sports events for the Games. Including but not limited to:
Law Enforcement Torch Run, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Unified Sports Challenge, The Whistle Stop Train Tour, Inclusion Forum, Olympic Town, Healthy Athletes, HOD, Jobs Fair, Entertainment, Honored Guests, receptions, E-gaming, the Unified Sports Challenge, and Family/Guest Services.
Work collaboratively with the development and marketing teams for production of fundraisers and media events.
Develop and oversee event budgets.
Create and maintain schedule of opportunities for volunteer teams, sponsorship partners, and general public.
Prepare year-end events report, providing analysis and recommendations for improvements.
Create post-event and post-Games reports with successes and critical reflection for future USA Games Organizing Committees.
Act as the primary point of contact for non-sports events that are part of the Games.
Identify challenges and participate in decision-making process about strategies, opportunities, potential conflicts, and other issues related to the successful production of events.
Work with Director of Volunteers and Director of Communications to secure needed volunteer support and to communicate those opportunities through the Games website, social media channels, and community outlets.
Maintain positive working relationships with vendors, sponsors, venues, and production teams from all organizations which the Games interacts and proactively manage expectations of both internal and external stakeholders.
Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor Degree or higher in related area of study and a minimum of seven years of professional experience in large-scale event management and leadership in not for profit organizations.
Experience creating and managing budgets.
Excellent contract negotiation skills. Must be adept at producing multiple events simultaneously, skilled in troubleshooting potential challenges and responding to timely and actionable directives. Must be able to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
Excellent interpersonal, social media, computer and communications skills required
Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff, athletes, delegates, sponsors, donors, and volunteers.
Strong team player and collaborator
Strong verbal and written communications skills
Must be able to multi-task and operate in a fast-paced environment
Even-tempered with positive energy and sound judgment
Proven skills building a diverse organization in thought, background, diversity, approach and insights, both with staff and volunteers
Aptitude for taking on difficult challenges with the ability to deal with conflict constructively

Status : Full-time exempt position

Salary : Based on experience

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.