Manager, Youth and Unified Champion Schools

Job summary

The Manager will lead the provincial strategy and implementation of youth and Unified Champion Schools programming to foster inclusive sport experiences. They are responsible for coaching program staff, managing budgets, and building strategic partnerships with school boards and community organizations.

Job details

WHO ARE WE? For over 50 years, Special Olympics has grown from a modest program serving local athletes to become the world's largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sport. Special Olympics Ontario has optimized the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle through sport to improve the well-being of individuals with an intellectual disability. We continue to improve and expand the quality, opportunity and accessibility of sport to individuals with an intellectual disability. Along with this, we strive to improve upon both the awareness and support of the community in regards to Special Olympics Ontario and those involved with us. As an organization, we work to ensure our volunteers are strongly committed to acting locally while thinking globally. Through these steps, we hope to continue to build upon the past success of the organization With over 23,000 athletes and 7,500 volunteers across the province, we are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities that celebrate the abilities of every individual. POSITION OVERVIEW Special Olympics Ontario is seeking a strategic, collaborative leader to guide the continued growth and development of youth programming across Ontario, primarily delivered through the Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program. As a member of the Program Team, the Manager will help set provincial direction, turn strategy into practical and scalable programming, and lead the team responsible for implementation across the province. This is an opportunity to shape inclusive sport experiences for youth with intellectual disabilities, strengthen school and community partnerships, and build pathways to lifelong involvement in Special Olympics. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Contribute to the provincial strategy for youth and Unified Champion Schools programming and develop annual operating plans, priorities, timelines, and recommendations for sustainable growth. Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of youth and UCS programming, including Young Athletes, elementary, secondary and post-secondary programs, School Championships, and school-to-community transitions. Lead, coach, and support program staff, establishing clear priorities, accountabilities, workplans, and performance expectations while coordinating team capacity and deployment. Oversee program quality and consistency, inclusive practices, participant experience, budgets, resource allocation, contracts, risks, and operational requirements within delegated authority. Build and steward strategic relationships with school boards, educators, administrators, athletes, youth leaders, Special Olympics partners, and sport, inclusion, and community organizations. Ensure athlete, youth, educator, and school perspectives inform program decisions and use data, stakeholder feedback, research, and sector trends to evaluate effectiveness and guide continuous improvement. Establish program measures, targets, and reporting practices; maintain accurate records, data integrity, privacy compliance, and adherence to organizational and Special Olympics requirements. Prepare clear updates, reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership, partners, funders, and other stakeholders, and collaborate across SOO teams to support aligned delivery. QUALIFICATIONS Post-secondary education in education, sport or recreation management, community development, public administration, business, social sciences, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 3-5 years of experience in program development and delivery within education, sport, community, youth, or non-profit settings, including at least two years leading staff, consultants, projects, or cross-functional teams. Demonstrated strategic and systems thinking, with strong program design, project management, evaluation, facilitation, communication, relationship-building, budgeting, and people-leadership skills. Ability to translate strategy into practical plans, manage multiple priorities in a changing environment, and support consistent delivery across multiple locations or program streams. A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to the mission of Special Olympics Ontario. Experience working with Ontario school boards and educators; developing province-wide or multi-site programs; or leading curriculum, whole-school engagement, youth leadership, or inclusive sport initiatives, is considered a strong asset. Experience supporting or engaging with individuals with intellectual disabilities is highly valued. Other Requirements Ability to travel within Ontario is required. A valid Ontario Driver's Licence and access to a reliable vehicle are required. A clear Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Record Check are required by the start date. Safe Sport training and the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends are required. WHY JOIN SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO? How We Work Special Olympics Ontario offers a hybrid work environment, combining flexibility with purposeful in-person collaboration at our Head Office in Toronto. The Experience We Offer You'll join an organization that believes strongly in its mission while providing employees with the flexibility, trust and opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We Offer: Opportunity to make a meaningful impact A diverse, inclusive, and supportive work culture Professional development opportunities Competitive compensation & benefits. Flexible schedule Casual dress code Generous paid time off RRSP contribution (after 1 year) Extended health and dental benefits Wellness programs & company events The compensation range for this role $60,000-65,000 annual salary. Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion Special Olympics Ontario is committed to equity and fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace culture that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique perspectives brought by individuals of all backgrounds and encourage applications from qualified candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. How to Apply Please apply via LinkedIn or submit a cover letter and resume by email to careers@specialolympicsontario.com This posting will be open until October 6, 2026. Accessibility Accommodation Available Reasonable accommodations are available on request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please let us know in advance, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Requests may be made by email to careers@specialolympicsontario.com

What you’ll do

The Manager will lead the provincial strategy and implementation of youth and Unified Champion Schools programming to foster inclusive sport experiences. They are responsible for coaching program staff, managing budgets, and building strategic partnerships with school boards and community organizations.

Requirements

Candidates must have post-secondary education and 3-5 years of experience in program development within education, sport, or non-profit sectors. Strong leadership, project management, and strategic thinking skills are required, along with the ability to travel within Ontario.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Casual dress code
• Paid time off
• RRSP contribution
• Extended health benefits
• Dental benefits
• Wellness programs
• Company events
• Professional development opportunities

Listed skills

• Project management · Preferred
• Team Leadership · Preferred
• Budgeting · Preferred
• Relationship Building · Preferred
• Facilitation · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred
• Reporting · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Program development
• Strategic planning
• Project management
• Team leadership
• Budgeting
• Relationship building
• Facilitation
• Systems thinking
• Inclusive leadership
• Communication
• Data analysis
• Stakeholder management
• Performance management
• Operational planning
• Reporting

Job areas

• Sports & Recreation
• Management & Leadership
• Education
• Social Services