Competition Development Manager

Context

As Competition Development Manager, you will have lead responsibility for the development and delivery of Special Olympics GB’s strategic objectives relating to competition development and advancement pathway from local grassroots through to national level. You will represent Special Olympics Great Britain internationally, as required, advising, and supporting the development of competitions at a global level. You will lead this work area to bring consistency to all local and national competition opportunities. You will develop impactful relationships and partnerships with the Special Olympics GB membership including athletes, volunteers, and accredited programmes. You will develop strong relationships with National Governing Bodies of Sport to strengthen our competitive opportunities. You will work collaboratively with the Senior Project and Events Manager and Head of Sport for Development to plan, deliver, and evaluate the National Summer Games experiences and support the planning and fulfilling protocols for international events. 

You will ensure that these services are offered to the highest standard of compliance and quality and that all competitions from local to national run smoothly, efficiently, and economically. You will support the Head of Sport for Development, Director of Organisational Growth and CEO in identifying and securing funds to deliver a high-quality programme of competition. You will work with the Director of Engagement and Network Development Manager (Workforce) to support the activation of competitions with volunteers, corporate partners, and key stakeholders.

You will work alongside, support and be accountable to the Head of Sport for Development.

As an integral member of the Sport Development Team, you will work alongside the Network Development Managers and Sports Development team members and you will play an important part in shaping the organisation, driving it forward and actively supporting, developing and implementing the strategic plan in accordance with the stated mission.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Develop high quality and fit for purpose competition opportunities, advancement opportunities and structures. Protect the integrity of the Special Olympics brand and ensure all competitive opportunities delivered under the Special Olympics GB brand are of the highest quality in a safe environment, delivered by high quality coaches, officials, and volunteers. Work collaboratively to plan, deliver, and evaluate high quality, cost efficient National Games experience. Provide support and technical sporting advice to SOI and SOEE as requested and play a key role in positioning Special Olympics GB as a key sporting partner in the global Special Olympics movement through various technical committees.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, develop and lead a fit-for-purpose competition advancement framework for Great Britain which provides appropriate World Games nomination opportunities for athletes and volunteers.
• Play a key role in representing GB on an international platform with a focus on technical competition aspects.
• Analyse and review the current competition advancement framework to ensure it is high quality, safe & fit for purpose – and aligns with the national/international infrastructure.
• Work alongside the Senior Project and Events Manager to develop a simple and effective process for GB athletes and volunteers to engage in the nomination process for a World Games.
• Lead on the development of a strong and robust competition delivery model from local to national level that allows growth in participation, investment, and engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the Network Development Manager (Safeguarding) to co-ordinate safeguarding at competitions.
• Work collaboratively on the management and co-ordination of all National Summer Games experiences. • Work in collaboration with colleagues to ensure volunteers are suitably trained, vetted and prepared for all responsibility areas.
• Ensure that there is a suitable competition advancement pathway in place for athletes to be nominated for World events.
• Work with the Directors Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team to scope out the feasibility of hosting a World Summer Games in Great Britain, providing in-depth analysis, insight, and reporting as required.
• Lead on the development of short, medium, and long terms action plans ensuring longer term planning, sustainability, and success for competitions.
• Lead on the development of technical competition advisors and design a support framework for their involvement in competition advancement.
• Providing guidance and support to Special Olympics GB clubs and regions to assist growth in respect of setting up and delivering new competitions and the National Summer Series of Sport.

Business planning

• Support the production and delivery of the Special Olympics GB strategic business plan in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, working closely with the Leadership Team and trustees.
• Support the Director of Engagement, Director of Organisational Growth and Head of Sport for Development with income generation to support the delivery of all responsibility areas.
• Prepare detailed business plan and budget for all responsibility areas and ensure compliance and due diligence in line with Special Olympics International, SOGB and charity legislation.
• Ensure each aspect of your role has a robust plan in place for delivery aligned to strategic objectives.
• Manage the capture of impact and insight data (quantitative and qualitative) for all work areas within the responsibility of the post.
• Lead on developing and reporting against KPIs within your responsibility areas.
• Oversee grant management, budgets, performance management & measurement for all programs.
• Provide regular reports on the impact of your responsibilities.

Budget Management 

• Lead on preparation of budgets and cash flow projections for the Head of Sport for Development, Director of Organisational Growth, CEO & Leadership Team, and to SOGB’s external partners/funders as required.
• Develop & contribute to annual budgeting and planning.
• Effectively manage budgets within your remit and work with the Head of Sport for Development and Head of Finance to ensure that financial and charitable obligations are met. 

Line Management and Team Working

• Produce your individual professional development plan with objectives
• Promote a culture of learning and development and ensure all members of staff are well resourced to reach their full potential.

Any other duties commensurate with the level and seniority of this post.  

Person specification

Experience and knowledge 

• Extensive sports development experience with a comparable organisation.
• Sports Development qualification or proven track record in the industry.
• Experience in competition development and management at various levels.
• Experience in Relationship building from local to international level.
• Successful event management experience.
• Knowledge of the sporting landscape across GB and understanding of the requirements of athletes with an intellectual disability.
• Experience of developing high level strategic relationships which have delivered demonstrable results.
• Extensive experience of leading high-profile events at local to national level.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and experience of developing, implementing, and responding to safeguarding issues.
• Experience of managing contracts, budgets, and reporting systems.
• Demonstrable evidence of leading growth in complex environments. 

Skills and abilities

• Leadership and people-management that inspires and motivates others.
• Ability to articulate a vision and translate this to operational objectives.
• Self-starter with the ability to work and lead on own initiative, developing creative and innovative plans which are well thought out and impact focussed.
• Planning and organising skills in order to produce operational plans, manage projects and establish appropriate organisational business processes.
• Empathy and social skills in order to build effective working relationships with others.
• Effective negotiating, influencing and persuasion skills.
• Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills including the ability to present in public with gravitas.
• Effective team-working and collaboration skills.
• Financial and business acumen.
• Budgeting & forecasting and creation of succinct, high impact reports demonstrating value for money & return on investment.
• Ability to lead an enthuse people and organisations outside direct sphere of influence.

To apply, please send in a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you wish to work for Special Olympics GB. It is important that all prospective employees understand our mission and are driven by our cause. Please be specific about how your skills and experience will help you undertake this role. Generic letters will not be considered.