Senior Manager, Organizational Development And Sports

Position Title: Senior Manager, Organizational Development and Sports – Africa

Location: Africa Region

Department: SO Africa Region

Reports to: Director, Program Development and Sports SO Africa Region

Organization Summary:

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With nearly four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Worksite: Home-based office with approximately 60 to 70% travel to Special Olympics Programs and events in the Africa Region.

Position Summary:

The Senior Manager, Organizational Development and Sports, Africa Region will have the responsibility to assess, advise, consult and assist in all aspects of organizational program development. He/she will identify needs and opportunities for Special Olympics initiatives and services and advise leadership on potential improvements, disseminate and collect best practices and develop and create new activities to support growth, as part of each Program’s strategic planning process. These activities may include but are not limited to recruitment/retention of coaches, athletes and volunteers, event management, all areas of fundraising and financial planning.  He/she will provide leadership, training, service and support to insure a strong understanding and commitment by Programs to the Special Olympics General Rules, Strategic Plan and Priorities of the Special Olympics Movement.  He/she will be the first line of authority and communication from the Director, Program Development and Sports SO Africa Region to assigned Programs to proactively solve the wide range of challenges that affect Programs and the Movement on a day to day basis. It is expected that the Senior Manager, Organizational Development and Sports will develop several areas of expertise that can be deployed anywhere in the Movement.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Develop outstanding relationships with the Program CEOs and Board Chairs in the Region to ensure optimal engagement and a sense of partnership. Communicate with these individuals on a regular basis to insure that programs have a current understanding of Program issues, Program achievements and an understanding of regional trends.
2. Seek additional counsel from both the President and Managing Director and SOI, the Director, Program Development and Sports SO Africa Region and Africa Region staff whenever necessary to proactively support the Program and help foster interaction across constituencies.
3. Customize SOI curriculum, materials and templates to assist Programs with annual planning and evaluation.
4. Support implementation and on-going utilization of the PQS (Program Quality Standards) to develop performance and accountability goals for initiatives, services, events and recruitment.
5. Will help in the process of transitioning the PQS system to the new Program standards and provide training to Program leadership in understanding the purpose and use of Program standards.
6. Support planning and facilitation of orientation and training of new CEOs and Board Chairs. Collaboratively develop a succession plan for staff and board.
7. Develop and provide expertise in specific SOI areas including, but not limited to inclusion, governance, board development, outreach strategies, government relations and fundraising.
8. Work with SOI Chief Legal Officer and Managing Director on resolving all compliance issues related to accreditation and the General Rules.
9. Serve as a key resource for Programs to identify and apply for grants, collaborative fundraising opportunities and government funding.
10. Monitor the progress and provide detailed reports on the Program Action Plans and Regional strategic plan and provide guidance to Program leaders in their planning process to conform with the Regional and Global strategic plan.
11. Provide guidance and lead World Games application process, registration and will supervise Regional program leaders to during the Games.
12. Will supervise and provide guidance to 2 Regional athlete leaders in areas of sports.

Required Qualifications:

1. Academic qualification that will meet the position and five to seven years of related experience with a non-profit organization or association with strong grass roots and/or constituent based relationship or focus on organizational development, public or social policy.
2. Preferred extensive experience managing and leading teams.
3. Preferred experience in one of the following: service on a non-profit board; board /staff management and leadership development; board/staff evaluation; creating, facilitating and managing strategic planning; or experience in developing and writing cases for support.
4. Preferred: through knowledge and leadership experience with the Special Olympics Movement.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Ability to be creative in designing programs and exacting in their execution.
2. Excellent leadership, negotiating and consensus building skills.
3. Proven ability to build and maintain trust with a wide array of clients and staff
4. Appreciation and respect for diversity.
5. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet multiple, competing responsibilities and to lead others
6. Ability to work in a fast paced and changing environment
7. Superior written, computer and oral communication skills
8. Demonstrated ability to mobilize a team around shared goals. Ability to work in and lead teams that include SOA staff, volunteers, athletes and Program leadership.