Director-Region D, Sports & Competition

Special Olympics Illinois•Chicago, IL

7d•$60,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 60,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. As a part of the Special Olympics Illinois team, you’ll join an energetic and hard-working group of individuals committed to transforming the lives of those we serve. The Director-Region D is primarily responsible for providing the leadership, direct oversight, management and vision necessary to ensure that the Region has the proper operational controls and reporting procedures in place to assist Special Olympics Illinois in achieving the Core Four organizational goals. The Region Director will also have an outreach and growth focus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred
5+ years’ professional experience in event planning, sporting event coordination, with demonstrated results in meeting and/or exceeding revenue goals
Experience in sports and volunteer management
Ability to work independently without close oversight, but also a team player who productively engages with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside Special Olympics Illinois
Professional and resourceful style; the ability to take initiative and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time
Excellent, adaptive computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office products, video game consoles, Discord, and various other computer applications
High energy and passion for Special Olympics mission
Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere
Excellent communication skills and strong customer service focus
Ability to influence and engage a wide range of constituents and build long-term relationships
Based in the Chicago Regional Office
Reports to Senior Director-Region D
Monday through Friday with frequent evenings and weekends as position demands
Independent in-state travel frequently/occasionally required, including some overnight and weekend travel as an essential function of position
Physical mobility required: must be able to climb stairs, assist in setup and breakdown at events, stand or sit for long periods of time, and load and unload vehicles
Medium work required, which involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; requires a good deal of walking, standing, and/or sitting with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls; includes sedentary work
Close visual acuity required to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines; operating motor vehicles
First Aid/CPR Training and Certification required or willing to obtain within the first six months; must be able and willing to effectively administer First Aid/CPR on-site during events
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required
Offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a background check

Responsibilities

Oversees all facets of Special Olympics Illinois’ year-round program for Region D which includes management of the following: planning and executing high quality sports competitions, outreach efforts to underserved populations public relations, public awareness and education along with family involvement
In consultation with the Senior Director-Region D, actively manages relationships with Region staff and external partners (Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, etc.) to ensure that organizational policies and procedures are adhered to and standards of excellence are maintained; ensures that appropriate planning, organization and execution is occurring at events and in the community
Actively works with the Senior Director-Region D and the Chief Operating Officer to monitor, drive and achieve Region-specific, goals to ensure progress toward the Core Four organizational goals and to protect the financial integrity of the organization
Manages volunteers as well as part-time, full-time and/or temporary employees; one - five direct reports as applicable
Provides leadership and support in case of staffing vacancies in the Region
Develops and implements a Regional annual plan which provides vision and strategy for the Region to drive organizational objectives, including but not limited to personnel and volunteer committee development strategies
Supports outreach efforts throughout the year across the city of Chicago