Job Title: Sports Manager
Reports to: Regional Sports Director
Vice President, Sports Programs
Position Summary:
The Sports Manager at Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) recruits, trains, motivates team members on an ongoing basis. This individual is responsible for promoting the organization to enhance athlete participation at trainings and competitions within the region and area. Initiate and execute new teams, manage existing teams, recruit and supervise coaches, and ensure all athletes receive a quality training program. This position requires local/regional travel and evening/weekend work.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
- Recruit, train, motivate and support Team Managers and Head Coaches via orientations, coaches’ clinics, and by continually sharing pertinent information with coaches and associated program participants/ members.
- Communicate with Team Managers and Head Coaches on an ongoing basis regarding program-wide sports policies, rules, and procedures.
- Appropriately allocate SONC resources to area programs
- Develop strategies to increase athlete recruitment, retention, & participation at competitions. Prepare and share gathered data regarding these metrics with Team Managers and Head Coaches, including presenting to groups, schools, and parent groups
- Manage seasonal athlete registration system, including promotion of registration and processing of registrants.
- Attend scheduled practices for local programs.
- Assist with the integration of health, wellness, and fitness initiatives within local sports programs.
- Develop effective recruitment strategies including inquiries, public relations, direct outreach within communities, etc. to increase coach and volunteer engagement; implement strategies within the local program.
- Conduct strategic planning meetings with Team Managers and Head
Coaches on a regular basis to ensure groups remain apprised of sports activities.
- Ensure the successful retention of volunteers through continued recognition (both formal and informal), training, and exit interviews with departing volunteers.
- Evaluate volunteer positions and make recommendations for upcoming sports seasons.
- Manage the volunteer database.
- Communicate information to parents, athletes, and coaches for upcoming seasons (newsletters, flyers, e-mail blasts, or phone trees, etc.).
- Set up a training program that meets the standards set forth by SONC:
o Contact facility and negotiate the contract (written) and get all necessary insurance arranged before first practice commences. o Make sure all training sites are properly equipped with sports equipment and coaches’ materials for start of program; order additional materials as necessary. o Organize transportation to competitions if needed; review all registration materials for teams attending competitions in advance. o Assist with the maintenance of the athlete information database and update the system for accuracy as needed. o Ensure all athletes are receiving a quality training program that meets the minimum requirement of 6-8 weeks in duration.
- Budget management: Create and manage the budget throughout fiscal year.
- Continued efforts to secure in-kind services for training needs; work with development staff to involve and/or cultivate possible donors that are created through the outreach efforts to volunteers and coaches.
- Maintain inventory of sports storage facilities, including uniforms and sports equipment.
- Ensure that all athletes and coaches meet minimum eligibility standards including completing required applications.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, sports management, or relate; and/or two years of equivalent/related experience is required.
- Experience working for a nonprofit is a plus.
- A passion for SONC’s mission of promoting inclusivity for people of all ages with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports programs.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including strong presentation skills
- Demonstrated computer skills – Office 365, Zoom and Google Suite; experience with information databases - such as Salesforce - is a plus.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including tactful and diplomatic communication skills and the ability to de-escalate high-stress situations.
- Demonstrated success with building and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Strong time management and prioritization skills – able to handle a wide variety of deadline-driven assignments concurrently.
- Ability to both work independently and on a team.
- Flexibility - Able to adapt to changes in the work environment.
- Commitment to providing athletes, community partners, and other stakeholders with excellent customer support and service.
We offer an inclusive, casual work environment with robust benefits for staff.
Benefits include, but are not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403B
(retirement plan), life and long-term disability insurance, vacation, sick and personal days and federal holidays, as well as a paid Winter Break.
Special Olympics Northern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnic background, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities; please let us know if you need accommodations for the interview process. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those with diverse backgrounds.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Clara, CA 95050