Director of Sports and Competition

Director of Sports & Competition

Reports To: Vice President, Sports w/dotted line to Sr. Director, Sports and Competition

Location: Flexible / Remote (Statewide Travel Required)

Position Summary

The Director of Sports & Competition is responsible for the leadership, planning, and execution of all Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) State Games, as well as oversight of the statewide coaches education program and Sports Resource Teams (SRTs).

This role ensures consistent, high-quality competition experiences at the state level, supports the delivery and tracking of coach certification, and leads the organization and engagement of sport-specific volunteer leadership across the state.

Key Responsibilities

1. State Games Leadership

• Lead the planning, organization, and execution of all SOPA State Games across seasons.
• Establish and manage timelines, sport schedules, and competition logistics.
• Coordinate with Games Organizing Committees (GOCs), venues, and internal staff.
• Oversee the setup and effectiveness of Sport Management Teams (SMTs) for each State Games.
• Ensure all competitions meet SOPA and Special Olympics standards.
• Provide leadership for sport-specific operations, including rules compliance, divisioning coordination, and competition flow.

2. Coaches Education Program

• Provide oversight and direction for SOPA’s Coaches Education Program statewide.
• Ensure consistent delivery of Coaches Education Program and training in partnership with regions.
• Oversee certification standards, tracking, and compliance.
• Guide development of continuing education opportunities.
• Ensure consistency and quality of training materials and delivery.

3. Sports Resource Teams (SRTs)

• Lead the structure and effectiveness of statewide Sports Resource Teams for each sport.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of SRT members and chairs.
• Ensure regular communication and alignment across SRTs.
• Hold SRTs accountable for supporting State Games, coach education, and sport-specific technical needs.
• Define clear expectations, roles, and performance standards for SRT participation.

4. Competition Standards & Operations

• Ensure State Games meet all Special Olympics International (SOI) and SOPA competition standards.
• Oversee implementation of sport rules, safety protocols, and risk management practices.
• Ensure effective competition documentation, reporting, and post-event evaluations.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and athlete experience at State Games.

5. Leadership & Support

• Provide leadership and guidance to volunteers, technical delegates, and sport leaders involved in State Games.
• Serve as a key leader within the Sports department, contributing to overall planning and execution of statewide initiatives.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Recreation, Event Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in sports event management or program leadership.
• Experience managing large-scale competitions or multi-sport events.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing staff, volunteers, or complex projects.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Frequent statewide travel, including evenings and weekends.
• On-site leadership during State Games and major events.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software
• Excellent relationship building and communications skills with internal and external constituents. Must be able to work across organizational divisions to maximize results.

Preferred:

• Experience with Special Olympics or other non-profit organization.
• Knowledge of Unified Sports®.
• Experience developing or overseeing training or certification programs.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership & Team Development
• Event & Competition Management
• Strategic Thinking & Execution
• Communication & Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Athlete-Centered Focus

Impact Statement

This role ensures that SOPA State Games are delivered at a high standard while supporting a well-trained coaching network and engaged sport-specific volunteers. The Director of Sports & Competition plays a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality competition experiences for athletes across Pennsylvania.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Serious applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirement to careers@specialolympicspa.org.

No phone calls will be accepted. Resumes sent for positions other than this posting will not receive a response. Communications from recruiters will not be acknowledged.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania 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.

We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves and can do their best work.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) provides year-round training and competition in 21 Olympic-type sports to 16,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities. For 50 years, SOPA and its 54 local programs have used the power of sports to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and unite everyone by fostering community and building a more acceptable and civil society. SOPA is much more than a sports organization. Through its Athlete Leadership Programs, athletes assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change within the Special Olympics movement and take on roles as Global Messengers (trained as public speakers for Special Olympics), athlete representatives, coaches, board members and more. SOPA also addresses major challenges facing its athletes including healthcare. The Healthy Athletes program offers athletes free health screenings in the form of eye, ear, dental and podiatry assessments. Athletes are also taught how to live active lifestyles, eat healthy and more. Additionally, SOPA strives to create a unified world by promoting inclusion, uniting communities, and changing attitudes. Through Unified Sports, SOPA brings together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities as equal teammates in training and competition, which promotes respect and acceptance, and facilitates meaningful relationships between people of all abilities. For more information about how you can join “The Inclusion Revolution,” visit www.specialolympicspa.org.

Pay: $46,640.00 - $60,398.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote