Games Coordinator

SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANADA SUMMER GAMES 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION

GAMES COORDINATOR

OVERVIEW

The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 are a multi-sport national event for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have qualified to represent their Province/Territory. The Games will take place in Medicine Hat, AB from August 9-16, 2026, and will include over 1700 athletes, coaches, officials, support staff, and mission staff from across Canada. The Games include competition in ten (10) official Special Olympics sports: athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, and swimming. These national games are the qualifying event for athletes to become members of Special Olympics Team Canada attending the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile in 2027.

POSITION TITLE

Games Coordinator

Temporary Contract Position

REPORTS TO

Games Manager, Games Organizing Committee (GOC)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 will be organized and executed within a collaboration between Special Olympics Canada (SOC), the City of Medicine Hat (CMH), and the local Games Organizing Committee (GOC) created through the Medicine Hat Alberta Games Society (MHAGS). The Games Coordinator, reporting to the Games Manager, is responsible for working with the Directorships (which could include Accommodations, Facilities, Food Services, Friends of the Games, Language Services, Medical & Safety, Registration, Sports, Transportation, and/or Volunteers) and supporting the overall operation of the pre-Games and Games-times functions related to logistics and administrative portfolios.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide support for all assigned portfolios.
2. Coordinate and integrate the event planning of the committees, in cooperation with the Directors and Chairs, to ensure relevant information is exchanged, there is a follow-through on committee decisions, timelines are maintained, and to prevent gaps or conflicts in planning.
3. Assist with the organization of meetings, including the development of agendas, meeting minutes, and presentations.
4. Produce clear and concise planning documents with GOC Directors and Chairs.
5. Ensure portfolio operations are carried out in accordance with approved plans, timelines, and budgets.
6. Support the office and business affairs of the GOC including contributing to regular reporting from the Games Manager, GOC, and Executive Committee.
7. Contribute to the creation of a concise final report on the Games, consolidating all relevant committee reports.
8. Work collaboratively as a member of the GOC staff team, noting the overlaps and coordinating the many independent tasks which constitute each committee’s area of responsibility.
9. Work collaboratively with Special Olympics Canada, community partners, and key contributors on the plans and execution of the Games.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling content and manage relationships with key partner/contributors.
2. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.
3. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
4. Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality experiences.
5. Ability to work under pressure, with flexibility to adapt to changes or last-minute challenges.
6. Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, especially leading up to and during the Games.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Diploma or undergraduate degree in Event Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 3 years experience in event planning, logistics, sport events, or a related field.
3. Knowledge and experience of working for a not-for-profit, high-profile events, sporting competitions, or multi-sport Games environment is an asset.
4. Knowledge of Special Olympics mission and values, with a passion for inclusive events and supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities.
5. Ability to speak in English & French is considered an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to admin@socmedhat2026.ca by May 5, 2025. Please include “Games Coordinator” in the subject line.

The Medicine Hat Alberta Games Society is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and participants. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.