Regional Development Officer – Sport (Ulster Region)

Responsible for driving and delivering development across key aspects of the Programme, namely Sports Development, Coach Education and Training, Competition Event Management and in the promotion of a holistic attitude and approach to health and wellbeing.  The role will involve evening and weekend work.

Skills & Experience

• Relevant third-level sport qualification is essential e.g. physical education, sport/leisure management, health/fitness/leisure studies.
• Minimum of one year’s experience in a leadership role in a multi-faceted project is preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of all aspects of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and planning skills.
• Flexible, self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• A current full clean driving license and own car or access to a car is required. An applicant who declares that they have a disability which debars then from driving, access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full is required. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage, develop and implement a structured and cohesive long-term plan for the region to achieve the objectives regarding Sports Management and Development in line with the prevailing Special Olympics Ireland Strategy.
• Establish and develop opportunities for athlete development and progression in sport(s).
• Play an active role in contributing to the planning of the organisation’s Sport Programme and be responsible for the delivery of the programme with volunteers within the region.
• Develop and implement a long-term calendar of sports events, to include Competition Events, Coach and Athlete Training and Development opportunities and ensure it is kept up-to-date and relevant to needs.
• Develop relationships with external stakeholders, including National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, to assist in development of sport.
• Plan, coordinate and communicate opportunities for coaches/volunteers to undergo training and/or development and actively encourage them to develop and enhance their sport-specific skills.
• Develop and implement a plan for the long-term growth in the number of trained coaches.
• Recruit volunteers for the Event Management Team roles for competition and other sports events and update and assign on volunteer database.
• Take a lead role in recruiting volunteers for all other sports-specific roles.
• Plan and manage the training of Event Management Teams, to include all key roles in the Event Management Organisational structure, to run competition events.
• Manage implementation of the Games Management System to deliver sports competitions, ensuring the integrity of the data.
• Recruit, train and upskill volunteers on the administration, use and delivery of the Games Management System.
• Drive and manage the preparation of regional sports squads for higher level competition.
• Recruit, assign, train and support volunteers to play an active role on Regional Sports Teams and competition event teams.
• Liaise and work with staff, committees and volunteers in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Sports Programme.
• Attend and participate in regional meetings as required.
• Develop and adhere to budget in conjunction with the Regional Director.
• Undertake any other assignments as may reasonably be requested by the Regional Director.