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 lead and manage a network of State Managers responsible for the delivery of all Special Olympics Australia participation opportunities across school, community and club settings.

The National Participation Manager assists the General Manager – Sport, Participation & Programs to implement the national participation strategy with a focus on growth and expansion. They engage and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with national sporting organisations, peak bodies, national delivery partners, affiliated organisations, government agencies, grantors/funders, and other key stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities

Sport Development

• Support the development and implementation of Special Olympics Australia’s Play Well Participation Plan
• Lead the growth and expansion of Special Olympics Australia sport program delivery and participation nationally
• Identify national sport development priorities and develop national sport growth plans
• Ensure the delivery of safe, inclusive, high quality participation experiences
• Provide strategic direction and guidance to volunteer national sports coordinators

Competitions

• Support the Competition Team to foster the competition pathway
• Connect NSOs and the Special Olympics Australia Competition Team to deliver more national level competitions
• Provide support to State Managers in the planning phase for State Games

Participation Programs

• Enable increased delivery of sporting programs in school, community and club settings
• Monitor, measure and report participation growth as aligned to Play Well outcomes
• Monitor performance of grant funded participation projects, staff and resources

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with NSOs and peak bodies
• Coordinate the national affiliation process and support the engagement of all affiliates
• Develop and coordinate the national endorsed delivery provider model
• Oversee implementation of SOA’s Coach Development Framework

Leadership

• Provide staff management of Special Olympics Australia State Managers
• Provide support to the General Manager – Sport, Participation & Programs
• Represent Special Olympics Australia at meetings, workshops, forums and events
• Actively contribute to a ‘One Team’ culture at all levels of the organisation
• Always place athletes at the centre of what we do

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in the sport and recreation sector
• Leadership experience in either sport and recreation, not for profit, disability, or public sector
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the Australian sporting landscape
• Experience working with key sport partners and stakeholders to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes
• Experience in membership organisations and an understanding of federated or matrixed organisations
• Demonstrated business acumen, with experience in planning, project management and program delivery
• Demonstrated people leadership with a proven record of creating positive organisational culture
• 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
• Strong alignment with Special Olympics Australia’s Vision and Mission

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of the disability sector and issues facing people with intellectual disability and/or autism
• 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

Personal Qualities:

• Confident engagement style with the presence to represent Special Olympics Australia (at national and state level) 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 and communication skills to support the organisation and culture, and engage with staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated capacity to cooperate and work well with others in a cross-functional environment, as part of a multi-faceted team, to pursue organisational goals
• Mature, resilient, and highly ethical, with impeccable integrity and judgement
• Strong alignment to the Special Olympics culture