Associate Director of Program

Special Olympics New York; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Special Olympics New York is seeking an Associate Director of Program, Health Programming to lead statewide health initiatives, coordinate regional activities, and ensure program compliance with SOI/SONY standards. The role supports strategic health programming, training, recruitment, and safety, influencing athletes, volunteers and staff.

You will oversee program operations, budgeting, and collaboration with clinical and partner stakeholders, while advancing Healthy Communities and health

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Exercise Sciences, Communications or related field preferred.
• 6 months to 1 year of health or wellness field experience essential.
• Experience in I/DD field or Special Olympics volunteer preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and monitor all program related operational procedures including budgeting and planning.
• Coordinate health program initiatives statewide and regionally.
• Lead health-related communications internally and with external stakeholders.
• Assist with grant writing, fundraising and partnership cultivation.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Program management

Budgeting

Fundraising

Public relations

Computer skills

Content creation

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Public/Community Health

Equivalent degree or experience

Tools

Canva

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Associate Director of Program, Health Programming

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Flexible – at any SONY office

COMPENSATION: $65,000 - $70,000

REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Program, Health Programming

In Person/Remote Status: In-Person required 4 days a week minimum.

About Special Olympics New York

Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, health services, leadership opportunities, and inclusive programming for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We believe every athlete deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence, and experience the joy of belonging.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

At a minimum, Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university in Public or Community Health, Health Sciences, Exercise Sciences, Communications, a related field or equivalent is desired. 6 months to 1 year of working in a health or wellness related field with a background in health systems and/or project planning is essential. Experience working or volunteering in the field of I/DD as a professional and/or Special Olympics volunteer is preferred.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with volunteers, professionals and stakeholders from various socio/economic backgrounds, and confidence in public speaking situations.
• An understanding of the structure, function and mission of Special Olympics New York, including sports training, competition and program at the local, regional, state and national levels are required.
• Proven performer in administration, project planning, paid and/or volunteer staff leadership, program planning and program evaluation.
• Operating knowledge of the budgeting process, fund-raising and public relations are essential.
• Advanced computer, clerical and organizational skills necessary.
• Experience creating promotional and/or educational resources (Utilizing programs like Canva, etc.)
• A valid driver’s license.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for supporting, coordinating and monitoring all health program related activities at the statewide and regional levels in support of the Senior Director of Program, Health Programming and our strategic plan. This includes program development and program administration of all related functions including; all essential components of our health program including the elements related to Healthy Communities requirements, training, communication, education, recruitment and safety as they are relevant to Special Olympic athletes, volunteers, stakeholders and staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and monitor all program related operational procedures including regular accounting and an annual budget and planning process.
• Familiarity with event planning, management and implementation is preferred.
• Facilitate the health structure and monitor health program strategy, including local and statewide initiatives.
• Coordinate and monitor all Special Olympics activities associated with health programming, including new health related initiatives.
• Responsible for adherence to all health programs, Healthy Athletes, fitness programming and Healthy Communities components, related SOI and SONY minimum standards and grant deliverables in collaboration with the Senior Director of Program, Health Programming.
• Act as a knowledgeable authority and program leader on matters related to all health programming. Serve as a leader for all health-related communication internally, with colleagues locally through to SOI and externally with stakeholders in collaboration with the Senior Director of Program, Health Programming.
• Assist with planning and giving presentations to current and future partners/volunteers regarding the health of people with I/DD and the health work/initiatives of Special Olympics.
• Engage and collaborate with athlete leaders and Health Messengers to support all health initiatives.
• Provide support to grant writing, fundraising and partnership cultivation of health programming sustainability.
• Manage grant reporting and data collection required to support all grant related programming.
• Ensure the regions and the state are in compliance with all criteria, regulations, general rules and policy originating from SONY, Inc., Special Olympics International and other 501 (c) 3 governing bodies.
• Inclusion, Unified Sports and the Unified Champion School programming are present and prioritized in the foundation of our core elemental movement, found embedded in our seasonal and annual calendar, and activity. All program staff members hold responsibilities collaterally and fundamentally for inclusive mission and the Unified programming

Management:

• Functional team leadership and management of Program Specialists, administrative supports and key volunteers as organizational deployment permits.
• Support and oversee appropriate program related systems, including the delegation of authority and shared responsibilities to achieve organizational goals.
• Provide functional organization wide leadership, mentoring and support to regional and statewide program colleagues, consistent with program standards and strategy, in support of the Senior Director of Program, Health Programming.
• Maintain working relationships with clinical leaders, volunteers, committees, sponsors, organizations and other related national, state, county and local associations, affiliates and groups.

In addition to the responsibilities identified above, may be requested or required to perform other duties and/or responsibilities, by management on a non-regular basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires working both standing and sitting. Must be able to lift and carry light loads (5-30 pounds for short distances, approximately one block).

WORK HOURS:

Regular business hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Travel assignments will be assigned, including travel to regional offices and events throughout the state, annual conference opportunities and travel for State Games competitions – Each State Games event includes travel for a Thursday - Sunday in February, June and October.Weekend/evening duties required occasionally.

Special Olympics New York 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.