Purpose:  

To ensure members of the District Team Training Squad are prepared for success and have a memorable Provincial Games.

Term:  

The term of the District Team Manager is from the date of selection by Special Olympics Ontario, through the final de-brief and completion of the post-Games report. (approx. September 2024 through August 2025) 

Accountabilities: 

Each District Team Manager is accountable to Special Olympics Ontario, through the Program Consultant - Major Games. DTMs work closely with said Program Consultant and the Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) communities within their assigned District Team. 

Responsibilities: 

Pre-Games 

• Maintain regular contact with the Program Consultant, Head Coaches and the Games Organizing Committee (GOC).
• Attend monthly DTM meetings in the months leading up to Provincial Games.
• Host team/coaches meetings as needed. 
• Ensure all team members receive and follow all Major Games policies, i.e. Athlete/Coach Agreement, Travelling Roles & Responsibilities, Code of Conducts, etc. 
• Communicate all pre-Games information regarding the Provincial Games to all stakeholders (Community Coordinators, Club Coaches, Games Coaches, Athletes and their Best Contacts). 
• Distribute all sport technical packages to Coaches, as directed. 
• Ensure all registration/medical forms are reviewed and kept current for all team members, and provide updates, where necessary, to the GOC. 
• In conjunction with SOO and the Assistant Chef de Mission, develop the lines, methods and frequency of communication between SOTO members. 
• Liaise with SOO staff in the coordination of transportation logistics to Provincial Games from each community within assigned District. 
• Work with SOO to order all team uniforms and distribute to all team members. 
• Consult with District Games Coaches to develop the team's rooming assignments and submit to the GOC by deadline provided.

 During Games 

• Be available to attend the full duration of Provincial Games.
• Travel to and from the Provincial Games host community ahead of the games, as required.
• Attend all required team functions at Provincial Games, i.e. Ceremonies, Awards Presentations, etc., representing Special Olympics Ontario, your District and your Community with distinction.  
• Attend DTM meetings as scheduled, during Provincial Games.
• Supervise athletes while at Provincial Games, as needed.
• Be on call 24 hours a day while at Provincial Games and resolve any team related issues as they arise. 
• Attend DTM meetings as scheduled, during Provincial Games.
• Ensure all team members have the opportunity to submit an evaluation of Provincial Games
• Ensure all athlete and coach evaluations are distributed at the direction of SOO staff, following Provincial Games.

 Qualifications: 

• Must be a member in good standing of Special Olympics in Ontario. 
• Experience at major multi-sport games (Provincial and National Games is an asset). 
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to build and lead teams. 
• Ability to motivate and foster team building. 
• Have access to a computer and be comfortable working in virtual settings. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in crisis management. 
• A strong understanding and fundamental belief in the mission and values of Special Olympics in Canada.  
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills as well as experience working with athletes with an intellectual disability. 
• Resident of Ontario. 
• Knowledge of Special Olympics Ontario policies 

 Training Requirements 

• SOC Competition Coach (NCCP) - TRAINED
• Make Ethical Decisions (NCCP) – EVALUATED  
• Making Headway (Concussion training) 
• Safe Sport Training (CAC) 
• Current Criminal Record Check (obtained within past 2 years) 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 9, 2024 

Application process: Interested applicants will be required to submit an electronic application prior to the deadline. Please be prepared to submit the following information when applying: 

• NCCP number 
• Previous experience (Special Olympics and non) surrounding the role 
• Answers for a few short questions around why you are interested in the role 
• Confirmation that you are available to attend all in-person dates mentioned above 

Following the deadline, all applications will be reviewed by SOO staff. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following process: 

1. Endorsement from local SO Community 
2. Based on endorsements and review of initial applications, the SOO could invite a select group of applicants to participate in a virtual interview. There will be a set of pre-interview questions sent to the candidate to complete. 
3. Following the interview, SOO will evaluate both the virtual interview and submitted questions to name the successful candidates. Evaluation will be based primarily on the following areas (listed in order of importance): 

• Ability to communicate in multiple languages (including English, French, ASL, host country language) 
• Special Olympics experience in similar role(s) 
• Communication and technology proficiency 
• Leadership, teamwork and conflict resolution skills 
• Enthusiasm and passion for Special Olympics 
• Proven understanding of role and vision of involvement to team