Manager -Young Athletes, Elementary School, Development 

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. As a part of the Special Olympics Illinois team, you’ll join an energetic and hard-working group of individuals committed to transforming the lives of those we serve.

Position Overview

Special Olympics Illinois is actively recruiting for the role of Manager -Young Athletes, Elementary School, Development. This role is primarily responsible for providing support to the Program Services team, along with the rest of the Unified Initiatives team, help ensure the proper operational controls, leadership, management and vision necessary for the development and enhancement of programs such as Young Athletes and Unified Champions Schools. Please note: This is an entry level position.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively work with the Director to achieve-specific, strategic goals to ensure progress toward organizational goals and to protect the financial integrity of the organization
• Assist in developing and implementing an outreach plan to grow athlete numbers
• Oversee the Young Athlete program
• Manage and recruit Young Athletes and elementary age athletes
• Provides Young Athlete training.
• Provide support in case of staffing vacancies
• Supports state-level events and Region as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree strongly recommended
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Ability to work independently without close oversight, but also a team player who productively engages with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside Special Olympics Illinois
• High energy and passion for Special Olympics mission
• Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, helps team to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Customer focused
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral as well as receptive (listening)
• Ability to influence and engage a wide range of key volunteers, and education professionals and build long-term relationships

Work Schedule & Requirements

• Start Date: January 2027
• Position is based out of the Northern Regional Office in Lombard, IL
• Reports to the Director -Youth Leadership, College Engagement
• Monday through Friday with frequent/occasional evenings and weekends as position demands
• Independent in-state travel frequently/occasionally required, including some overnight and weekend travel as an essential function of position
• Physical mobility required: must be able to climb stairs, assist in setup and breakdown at events, stand or sit for long periods of time, and load and unload vehicles
• Medium work required, which involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; requires a good deal of walking, standing, and/or sitting with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls; includes sedentary work
• Close visual acuity required to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines; operating motor vehicles
• First Aid/CPR Training and Certification required or willing to obtain within the first six months; must be able and willing to effectively administer First Aid/CPR on-site during events
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required
• Offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a background check

 Salary Range

 $43,888 - $54,500 

Benefits

This full-time position includes an excellent compensation and benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, voluntary disability insurance, a retirement savings plan with company match, generous paid time off benefits, and more. 

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to building a diverse, creative, engaged, collaborative, and hard-working team that is dedicated to our athletes, our communities, and each other. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we aim to create a positive atmosphere where employees feel valued and fulfilled. We truly want people to love working here, and we strive to create a culture that allows for growth, opportunity, and fun.

Special Olympics Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.