Sports & Competition Manager

General Information:

Special Olympics Alaska provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities & developmental (IDD) by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Position Summary:

The Sports & Competition Manager leads the planning and delivery of Special Olympics Alaska’s four annual state competitions: Winter Games, Summer Games, Fall Tournament, and Bowling Tournament. Reporting to the VP/COO, the manager coordinates competition operations, event volunteers, and budget tracking; supports coach education and participant eligibility processes; and works with community programs and sports partners to provide safe, well-organized, and inclusive competition opportunities for athletes and Unified partners (those without IDD). The position also supports organizational fundraising and special events as assigned.

Required qualifications:

Demonstrated organizational and event coordination skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with athletes, coaches, volunteers, community programs, and sports partners.

Proficiency with spreadsheets and databases, and the ability to learn the Games Management System (GMS).

Willingness and ability to learn Special Olympics’ mission, rules, policies, and systems.

Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for competitions and events.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license to perform job-related driving duties.

Preferred qualifications:

A degree in Sports Management or a related field, or relevant experience in sports program administration, competition planning, event management, or volunteer coordination.

Experience with volunteer management or sports training.

Prior knowledge of Special Olympics.

Supervisor and Evaluation:

Supervised by the VP/COO and is evaluated annually by the VP/COO and President/CEO.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan and manage state competitions. Lead the planning and delivery of Winter Games, Summer Games, Fall Tournament, and Bowling Tournament. Adhere to event timelines and coordinate competition schedules, facilities, equipment, officials, and other event logistics with staff and volunteer leaders.

Coordinate event volunteers. Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers for the four annual state competitions. Ensure volunteers understand their assignments and have the information and support needed to perform their roles.

Lead competition committees. Recruit and support knowledgeable games directors, sport commissioners, and committee members. Establish clear responsibilities and deadlines and monitor progress toward event readiness.

Support safe and inclusive events. Coordinate event safety plans, medical coverage, incident reporting, and accessibility arrangements with appropriate staff and partners. Promote a welcoming and respectful experience for athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and volunteers.

Support competition budgeting. Work with the VP/COO to develop state competition budgets, track expenses against approved budgets, and communicate anticipated budget variances.

Build sports partnerships. Develop and maintain relationships with sports organizations, high school and college athletic departments, officials associations, and other partners to support competitions and volunteer recruitment.

Coordinate coach education. Work with the VP/COO to organize and deliver annual coach training. Manage and track coach certification records and communicate outstanding requirements to coaches and community programs.

Support community programs. Assist the Community Programs department with local coach recruitment and support community programs in recruiting and training volunteers for practices and qualifying competitions.

Manage training and competition data. Use the Games Management System (GMS) to set up and manage training and competition events, track eligibility for participants, generate reports, and maintain accurate participant data and event statistics. Work with staff and community programs to resolve errors or missing information.

Support compliance with competition rules. Apply Special Olympics Alaska rules, policies, and standards in assigned responsibilities. Work with staff and competition leaders to identify and address concerns about competition procedures or rule compliance.

Support other organizational activities. Assist with fundraising, special events, and other projects as assigned by the VP/COO and President/CEO.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Event set up and breakdown involves occasionally lifting and carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Wage and Benefits:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time exempt position with benefits. Benefits include holidays, vacation and personal leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(K)-retirement plan with up to a 6% company match after 1 year of employment.

Special Olympics Alaska is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.