Special Olympics Australia is part of a global movement improving inclusion through sports for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. At Special Olympics Australia, we believe sport can do more than inspire. It can shift culture. It can shape policies. It can change behaviours. And it can change the way the world sees ability. All year round, we offer Olympic-type sports training and competitions for children and adults of all ages and ability levels - from weekly local grassroots activities, to State, National and World Games. But what we do goes far beyond sport. We break down barriers and we ignite confidence. We are a movement where no one is left behind, and everyone plays, competes, and thrives.

The General Manager - Major Events and Partnerships will lead the delivery of Special Olympics Australia's (SOA) major events and commercial program with a strong focus on delivering an exceptional National Games and driving sustainable revenue growth through partnerships, fundraising and philanthropy.

The role will work seamlessly with the CEO, SOA Executive, LETR Partnership Director, the National Games Organising Committee and other Board Advisory Groups.

Essential Criteria:

Relevant tertiary qualifications

10+ years’ experience in major event management and/or commercial within sport and/or NFP industry

Significant experience in project management, risk management, budgeting and financial reporting

Exceptional leadership, diplomacy, negotiation and relationship management skills

Strong stakeholder engagement experience and existing government and corporate network

Well-developed interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a complex and collaborative environment

Ability to work through and provide direction in a developing environment with significant ambiguity

Demonstrated ability to develop and bring concepts to life with a strong strategic background

Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, under pressure and in a fast-paced environment

Experienced in developing and cultivating high performing teams and positive organisational culture

Strong alignment with Special Olympics Australia’s Vision and Mission

Desirable Criteria:

Experience working with Boards and leading sub-committees and volunteers

An understanding of the not-for-profit and/or national disability sporting organisations

Knowledge and understanding of the disability sector and issues facing people with intellectual disability

Personal Qualities:

Confident engagement style with the presence to represent Special Olympics Australia nationally, and to influence and advocate for the organisation

Driven, ambitious and with a strong sense of accountability, supported by a flexible and agile approach

Excellent interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills to support the organisation and culture, and engage with staff, volunteers, government and other stakeholders

Demonstrated capacity to cooperate and work well with others in a cross-functional environment, as part of a multi-faceted team, to promote and pursue organisational goals

Mature, resilient, and highly ethical, with impeccable integrity and judgement

Strong alignment to the Special Olympics values

Key Deliverables:

Major Events

Lead the delivery of the National Games providing an exceptional athlete and fan experience through the development and implementation of sound operational and project plans covering risk, workforce, venue management and transportation.

Effectively manage the National Games P&L and in accordance with the agreed budget achieve a surplus financial result.

Engage, support and collaborate with the NGC and other required working groups, ensuring planning is sound, communication is clear, and objectives are achieved.

Alongside the Executive, Board and its sub-committees, manage the identification and mitigation of risks across all event activities.

Provide leadership and support of NSO partner delivered national competitions and events, SOA State Games and other identified major events ensuring a consistent and professional look and feel across the network.

Provide leadership and support in the delivery of national competitions/events delivered by NSOs ensuring a consistent and professional look and feel across the SOA network.

In partnership with key stakeholders, develop, support and deliver a consistent calendar of fundraising events.

Develop and report against critical milestones to the CEO, Board, NGC and event related stakeholders

Lead post-event analysis and develop a comprehensive report identifying key areas for future enhancements

Partnerships

Develop and lead SOA’s commercial strategy to achieve sustainable revenue growth across partnerships, fundraising, philanthropy, and new revenue streams.

Grow and manage a strong commercial pipeline, securing new partners and maximising value from existing relationships.

In partnership with the marketing team, design innovative, market-leading activations and partnership models, from digital monetisation to community-led initiatives.

Strengthen ties with partners, government bodies, and the community to unlock funding and collaboration opportunities.

Oversee seamless activation of all commercial agreements and fundraising activities to exceed partner expectations.

Deliver timely, data-driven reporting to the CEO, Executive and Board and identify growth opportunities.

People Leadership & Reporting

Lead the Major Events & Partnerships team and inspire the wider SOA network to embrace a commercial mindset and deliver exceptional experiences.

Develop and motivate direct reports to meet SOA objectives and drive organisational success.

Lead by example, demonstrating a genuine desire to improve the team and organisation through trust, collaboration, delegation, commitment, passion, accountability, and knowledge

Work closely with key stakeholders, partners, committees and SOA

Ensure effective, transparent and consistent collaboration across SOA to ensure engagement, ownership and advancement of National Games objectives

Where required, act as a spokesperson and actively represent SOA strengthening profile and credibility.

Represent SOA at relevant meetings, workshops and forums both domestic and global.

Actively contribute to a ‘One Team’ culture at all levels of the organisation

Always role model the SOA values and place athletes at the centre of decision making.

For any enquiries or to submit your application (resume and cover letter), please contact Jamie O'Connor, CEO Special Olympics Australia, [email protected].