Manager, Volunteer and Coach Development

Based in Toronto and reporting to the Vice-President, Sport, the Manager, Volunteer and Coach Development is responsible for the development and implementation of a variety of projects within the Special Olympics Canada Sport Department. Driven by the Special Olympics Canada Strategic Plan the primary areas of responsibility include: overseeing volunteer development, recruitment and retention; coach development including, training, education and National Games requirements; implementation of NextGen coach program; supporting Safe Sport requirements and implementation; and Officials development. Within each of these program areas, the Manager, Volunteer and Coach Development will contribute to project planning, operational and logistics management, execution and evaluation. They will be responsible for adhering to project budgets and timelines while completing necessary funding reports and applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Volunteer Development:

• Lead volunteer strategy and recruitment initiatives inclusive of;
• Work with marketing/communications to establish an SO Volunteer brand
• Collaborate with national partners for volunteer opportunities
• Identify opportunities for showcasing volunteer work and storytelling
• Develop strategies for volunteer succession planning or transition into other opportunities
• Work collaboratively with chapters on resources for volunteer on-boarding, training, retention and succession planning;
• Oversee development, enhancements and implementation of SOLearn (online platform);

Coach Development

• Support Chapters on implementation of strategies, procedures and resources for coach recruitment, on-boarding, training, retention and succession planning;
• Maintain and lead the implementation of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
• Work with Coach Developers on quality assurance of NCCP implementation, professional development and training;
• Oversee and support the implementation of the NextGen Program, coaching pathway and minimum standards at the 2026 National Summer Games;
• Oversee the online and virtual coach education program;
• Act as the contact with Coaching Association of Canada (CAC);

Safe Sport:

• Support implementation of Safe Sport in Canada;
• Develop resources and tools to support Safe Sport implementation at all levels of the organization;

Officials Development:

• Focus on recruitment and retention of officials for national competitions;

Organizational Support

• Develop and manage program plans and budgets;
• Assist with funding applications and reports;
• Provide leadership and assistance to organizational strategies, events and projects;
• Collaborate with the Business Development team to discuss program needs and sponsorship opportunities.

Please note that due to end of year scheduling the pre-screening/interview process will begin in January 2026.