About Special Olympics Australia

Special Olympics Australia (SOA) is part of a global movement improving inclusion through sport for people with intellectual disability and/or autism.

At Special Olympics Australia, we believe sport can do more than inspire. It can shift culture. It can shape policies. It can change behaviours. And it can change the way the world sees ability.

All year round, we offer Olympic-type sports training and competitions for children and adults of all ages and ability levels, from weekly local grassroots activities, to State, National and World Games.

But what we do goes far beyond sport. We break down barriers and we ignite confidence. We are a movement where no one is left behind, and everyone plays, competes, and thrives.

Position Purpose

To grow Special Olympics competitions across Victoria and to support athletes competing in Special Olympics Competitions.

Work with staff and volunteers to enhance existing competitions and establish new competitions and events, ensuring growth in participant numbers through partnerships with mainstream sporting organisations.

Fulfil the Head of Delegation role to support all Victorian athletes competing at the 2026 National Games in Melbourne, providing administrative support to the team including coaching and support personnel.

Key Accountabilities

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work collaboratively with key volunteers including State Committee and Sport Coordinators
• Develop relationships with mainstream sporting organisations (clubs/associations)
• Develop and maintain a working relationship with the local LETR program
• Work collaboratively with SOA staff at state and national level

Sporting Competitions and events

• Work with SOA staff and volunteers to establish new events and competitions
• Support the State Sport Coordinator/s to enhance competitions and engage more athletes
• Support the State Committee to plan, coordinate and deliver State Games
• Ensure corporate and commercial partners are engaged in events (as relevant) 

Team Victoria Head of Delegation (National Games)

• Coordinate Team Victoria on ground logistics prior to and during National Games
• Coordinate training camp including venue and accommodation 
• Manage team officials and support them to carry out their roles
• Manage volunteer support personnel and ensure all required checks are completed
• Liaise with National Games organising committee
• Oversee Team Victoria communications about all aspects of National Games
• Assist with following up athlete payments
• Attend meetings as required (many outside of work hours)
• Complete post games debrief and report 

Leadership

• Provide leadership to Team Victoria volunteers and support personnel
• Represent SOA at meetings, workshops, forums and other events, as required
• Actively contribute to a ‘One Team’ culture at all levels of the organisation
• Always role model the SOA values and place athletes at the centre of what we do

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in the sport and recreation sector
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with volunteers
• Experience working with sport partners and stakeholders to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes
• Experience coordinating sporting events or competitions and supporting competing teams/athletes
• Experience working as part of a team with a proven record of creating positive organisational culture
• Demonstrated high quality administrative, communication and organisational skills with ability to delegate
• Demonstrated leadership and experience working autonomously and in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, and to plan, prioritise and organise to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children or vulnerable adults

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of the disability sector and issues facing people with intellectual disability
• Knowledge and understanding of the Australian sporting landscape.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Special Olympics General Rules and competition pathways
• Understanding of the workings of not-for-profit and/or national disability sporting organisations
• Experience in membership organisations and an understanding of federated or matrixed organisations

Personal Qualities

• Confident engagement style with the presence to represent Special Olympics Australia and to influence and advocate for the organisation
• Driven, ambitious and with a strong sense of accountability, supported by a flexible and agile approach
• Excellent interpersonal, collaborative, conflict resolution and communication skills to support the organisation and culture
• Demonstrated capacity to cooperate and work well with others in a cross-functional environment, as part of a multi-faceted team
• Mature, resilient, and highly ethical, with impeccable integrity and judgement
• Strong alignment to the Special Olympics culture

Role is full time, fixed term contract until December 31st 2026.