Program Manager, Community Engagement and Social Impact
About The Position
Create Opportunities. Build Inclusion. Change Lives. At Aspire, we believe every person deserves opportunities to connect, contribute, grow, and thrive in their community. We are seeking a passionate and innovative Program Manager, Community Engagement & Social Impact to lead meaningful recreational, social, wellness, and athletic experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This is more than a program management role—it is an opportunity to create experiences that foster belonging, independence, friendship, physical wellness, and community engagement. From coordinating community outings and social clubs to leading Special Olympics teams and building partnerships throughout the community, you will play a critical role in helping people live meaningful and fulfilling lives. If you are a relationship-builder, community connector, and champion people with disabilities who thrives on creating engaging experiences and measurable impact, we encourage you to apply.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Sports Management, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field.
- Minimum three (3) years of progressive experience supporting people with disabilities in environments such as camps, Special Olympics, community programs, case management, or recreation services.
- Experience managing sports leagues, recreational programs, community events, or similar initiatives.
- Strong commitment to person-centered supports, and community integration.
- Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
- Ability to travel throughout Aspire's service area and attend community events, recreational activities, and sporting competitions.
- Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends.
- Ability to lift and move sports and recreational equipment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Special Olympics programming, adaptive sports and recreation.
- Experience with budget management, grant-funded programs, and program evaluation.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for community engagement, recreation, wellness, and Special Olympics programming.
- Create engaging opportunities that promote social connection, physical fitness, independence, and community participation.
- Partner with Life Skills Coaches to deliver engaging weekly Social Club activities.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and continuously improve experiences based on outcomes and organizational goals.
- Track participation, engagement, partnerships, volunteer involvement, and program impact.
- Oversee Special Olympics training programs, competitions, and athlete development initiatives.
- Coordinate participation in regional, state, and national competitions.
- Ensure athlete eligibility, safety, medical requirements, and compliance with Special Olympics standards.
- Promote athlete leadership and inclusive participation opportunities.
- Serve as the central coordinator for recreation and community engagement initiatives across Aspire programs.
- Collaborate with Residential, Academy, and other program leaders to create a variety of activities that meet a wide range of interests and abilities.
- Partner with internal teams to coordinate transportation and participation in community activities.
- Develop innovative opportunities that connect people supported with the broader community.
- Measure and communicate the impact of engagement activities on wellness, social connection, and quality of life.
- Establish relationships with parks districts, schools, fitness centers, community organizations, recreation programs, and Special Olympics offices.
- Represent Aspire at community events and partnership opportunities.
- Advocate for increased awareness of Aspire's programs and mission.
- Recruit, train, coordinate, and support coaches, volunteers, and team members involved in programming.
- Collaborate with the Donor & Volunteer Specialist to plan impactful volunteer opportunities across Aspire's Academies and Homes.
- Foster a culture of respect, teamwork, and person-centered support.
- Develop and manage program budgets and resources.
- Partner with the Philanthropy team to identify grant and funding opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, safety standards, risk management procedures, and Special Olympics requirements.
- Maintain accurate documentation, incident reporting, and athlete records.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
