Leadership Development Manager

Special Olympics Massachusetts’ mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school and community programs, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics Massachusetts is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, culture, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

Job Summary:

Special Olympics Massachusetts is embarking on a new strategic plan that focuses on significant revenue and programmatic growth across the state through 2030.  The primary area of focus is establishing the next generation of volunteer leadership who will help drive these goals forward.  Since the founding of the Special Olympics movement in 1968 impassioned volunteer leaders have been the foundation on which our mission has been built.  As we look towards the future and set these ambitious growth goals we do so knowing that volunteer leaders will continue to be the driving force.  Our SOMA 2030 Leadership Campaign is focused on celebrating the amazing legacy of the first 58 years while building the next generation of leaders, advocates and mission builders.  

The Leadership Development Manager will play a driving role in helping to identity, cultivate, steward and deploy new volunteer leaders in all areas of strategic impact for the organization.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with existing volunteer leaders to deepen and expand their engagement, identifying new opportunities for increased leadership, influence, and impact.
• Proactively identify, recruit, and cultivate prospective volunteer leaders through a variety of channels, assessing interest, capacity, and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Strategically fill identified volunteer leadership needs across the organization, including but not limited to coaches, fundraisers, community leaders, sports league facilitators, advocates, and parent and family leaders.
• Design and manage a thoughtful volunteer leadership journey, ensuring volunteer leaders feel welcomed, supported, connected, and empowered from initial engagement through long-term service.
• Collaborate with volunteer leaders serving on committees or in community leadership roles to ensure clear goals, accountability, and measurable impact aligned with SOMA’s strategic objectives.

Skills Needed:

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to confidently engage with new people and build meaningful relationships and connections to the organization.
• Background with Special Olympics Massachusetts and our mission is strongly preferred.
• Passion and excitement for the mission with an ability to share that with others than translates to commitment and conversion.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work nights and weekends regularly.
• Ability to effectively manage a wide array of tasks, projects and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated capability to conduct one’s self in a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with people and/or difficult situations.
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and other constituents.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following skills: Action-oriented, Drive for results, Dealing with change & uncertainty, Building effective teams, Customer-focused, and Managing vision & purpose.

Background Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Minimum 2-4 years in non-profit and/or people-focused roles

Salary range $50,000 - $53,000, annually

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