AddressSpecial Olympics Australia (“SOA”) was established in 1976 providing sporting opportunities for people with an intellectual disability of all ages and abilities. Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sports program for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of skills and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community. We create accessible sports training, coaching and competition opportunities for all people with an intellectual disability whether they want to take part in recreational activities, aspire to climb the competition ladder or seek additional opportunities outside of our program.
About SOA
Special Olympics Australia (SOA) is not just an organisation; it's a powerhouse of inclusivity, passion, and transformation, impacting lives one program at a time. Since its humble beginnings in 1976, SOA has been on a relentless mission to empower individuals with an intellectual disability through sport, health, education and leadership programs.
From backyard camps to a global phenomenon, Special Olympics has touched the lives of over 5 million athletes and unified partners across 170 countries. In Australia, SOA is the driving force behind year-round inclusive sports Training and competitions, ensuring that every person with an intellectual disability can unleash their potential. With a dedicated network of volunteers and coaches, SOA creates accessible pathways for people to not only excel in sports but also to build self-esteem, foster courage, and forge lifelong friendships.
With a new 5-year strategy in place and some exciting projects in the pipeline, there couldn’t be a better time to join the team.
Our Vision
Our vision is an inclusive Australia through which people with intellectual disabilities live an active, healthy and fulfilling life.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide inclusive Training and competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities enabling opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, improve wellbeing, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with the community.
Primary Purpose of Position
To provide leadership and oversee implementation of all SOA Training and Education initiatives, including inclusive sport coaching, healthy communities and athlete leadership. The role will also drive growth of the online learning platform and provide inclusive leadership to partners within the sport, education and health sectors through activation of partnerships, delivery of Training and creation of resources.
Key Accountabilities
Online Learning
- Manage SOA’s online learning platform in collaboration with online learning partner
- Review, refine and implement education and online learning strategy
- Drive growth of user registrations, course completions and resource downloads
- Develop new online learning content in partnership with staff, volunteers, athletes, coaches and sector partners
- Work with partners, funders and sponsors to meet obligations and expend funds according to grant and partnership agreements
Workshops and Training
- Design and deliver bespoke education courses, modules and workshops for various stakeholders, funders and partners
- Oversee and support delivery of national athlete leadership programs including camps and workshops, through staff and volunteer coordinators
- Oversee and support activation of Healthy Communities Hubs at State Games in partnership; with health providers and sector partners
Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with stakeholders within sport, education and health sectors to identify training needs and deliver mutually beneficial outcomes
- Provide subject matter expertise on matters of intellectual disability and autism to stakeholders and partners
- Collaborate with online learning partner to manage the online learning platform and the strategy to increase its relevance and reach
- Collaborate with marketing and communications team to increase awareness of the online learning platform, and drive revenue growth through course sales
Leadership
- Provide staff management for the Athlete Services Coordinator
- Provide support and guidance to SOA staff and volunteers regarding delivery of various Training and Education workshops and initiatives
- Actively contribute to review and implementation of Coach Development Framework
- 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
Your Personal Qualities
- Confident engagement style with the presence to represent Special Olympics Australia (at both state and national level) and to influence and advocate for the organisation
- Driven, 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 promote and pursue organisational goals
- Mature, resilient, and highly ethical, with impeccable integrity and judgement
- Strong alignment to the Special Olympics culture
