Youth & Unified Champion Schools Program Lead

Special Olympics Ontario; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Generous paid time off

RRSP contribution (after 1 year)

Extended health and dental benefits

Wellness programs & company events

Casual dress code

Job summary

Special Olympics Ontario is seeking a strategic, collaborative leader to guide youth programming across Ontario, mainly through the UCS program. As part of the Program Team, the Manager will set provincial direction, translate strategy into scalable programming, and lead implementation across the province.

This role focuses on inclusive sport experiences for youth with intellectual disabilities, strengthening school partnerships, and creating pathways to lifelong participation in Special

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in education, sport or recreation management, community development, public administration, business, social sciences, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of program development and delivery experience including leading staff, consultants, projects, or cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated strategic and systems thinking with strong design, project management, evaluation, facilitation, communication, budgeting and people-leadership skills.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical plans, manage multiple priorities and ensure delivery across locations or program streams.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style with sound judgement and mission alignment.
• Experience with Ontario school boards, province-wide or multi-site programs, curriculum development, youth leadership or inclusive sport initiatives is a plus.
• Experience supporting or engaging with individuals with intellectual disabilities is valued.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to provincial strategy for youth and UCS programming and develop annual operating plans.
• Lead delivery and improvement of youth and UCS programming across multiple programs and schools.
• Coach and support program staff, establishing priorities, accountabilities, and performance expectations.
• Oversee program quality, inclusive practices, budgets, contracts, risks and operational requirements.
• Build and steward strategic relationships with school boards, educators, athletes, youth leaders, partners and community organizations.
• Incorporate athlete, youth and educator perspectives; use data and feedback to guide improvements.
• Establish measures, targets, and reporting; ensure data integrity and privacy.
• Prepare updates and recommendations for senior leadership and stakeholders; collaborate across SOO teams.

Skills

Staff leadership

Strategic thinking

Systems thinking

Budgeting

Facilitation

Communication

Relationship-building

Strategic planning

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Education

Post-secondary education in education/sport/recreation management or related field

Job description

Special Olympics Ontario is seeking a strategic, collaborative leader to guide youth programming across Ontario, mainly through the UCS program. As part of the Program Team, the Manager will set provincial direction, translate strategy into scalable programming, and lead implementation across the province.

This role focuses on inclusive sport experiences for youth with intellectual disabilities, strengthening school partnerships, and creating pathways to lifelong participation in Special