Summary
Special Olympics transforms lives through sport. Through our sports, health and leadership programmes our athletes learn to be physically, mentally and emotionally fit. They get to learn new skills, increase confidence and most importantly they get to experience the joy of sport and make life-long friendships! None of this would be possible without the great passion, energy and support of our staff team.
An opportunity has arisen for a Regional Development Officer based in our Ulster Region. This role is to strengthen and support affiliated clubs in implementing high standards in governance, management and operations in line with the prevailing Special Olympics Ireland Strategy. With a flexible, self-motivated and enthusiastic approach you will engage with clubs across Northern Ireland to develop structures, policies and procedures that will enhance the experience and involvement in Special Olympics for athletes, volunteers and family members and that will support the delivery of a quality sports training and competition programme.
The role will focus on the inclusion of communities in the Special Olympics programme, developing significant links with Northern Ireland’s disadvantaged communities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Manage and implement a structured and cohesive plan for the development and operation of affiliated clubs within the Region.
* Drive a culture of strong governance and management practices amongst Club Management Teams and enable education on best practice standards in safeguarding, and policies and procedures.
* Increase the awareness and uptake of the Club Recognition Award Programme and direct, drive and support clubs towards the completion of the Club Recognition Award.
* Plan and oversee relevant and timely training for Club Management Teams and club volunteers.
* Provide support to new and existing clubs through engagement, guidance and training.
* Establish and support the set-up of new clubs where a need is identified and agreed.
* Oversee and manage the registration of athletes and clubs including the affiliation process, and ensure all data in relation to affiliated clubs is accurately maintained and updated.
* Monitor, track & assist in the resolution of club matters or needs that arise in order to support clubs and to assist in improving standards.
* Promote and establish Young Athletes (a programme of play & sport activity for children with intellectual disabilities from 4-7 years) as an integral element of the regional programme.
* Manage the regional growth and delivery of the Young Athletes Programme.
* Drive the development and implementation of the Health and Wellbeing Programme in clubs to complement their sports training and enhance the athletes’ knowledge and skills.
* Promote and develop the Athlete Leadership Programme to expand athlete opportunities for involvement in relevant activities within the club and region.
* Strengthen and grow the number of clubs offering Athlete Leadership opportunities and the numbers of athletes engaged in the programme through regional initiatives such as an Athlete Leadership Forum.
* Assist and support the re-vetting of club volunteers in conjunction with the Volunteer Manager in Special Olympics Ireland.
* Recruit, train and assign key support volunteers to play an active role in the planning, development and roll out of the key projects associated with the role.
* Liaise and work with staff, committees and volunteers in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Club Programmes.
* Attend and participate in regional meetings as necessary.
* Develop and adhere to budget in conjunction with the Regional Director.
* Undertake any other assignments as may reasonably be requested by the Regional Director from time to time.
Skills & Experience
* Relevant third level qualification is essential e.g. Community development or equivalent
* Minimum of one year’s experience in a leadership role in a multi-faceted project is preferred.
* Thorough knowledge of all aspects of Microsoft Office.
* Experience working and setting up projects in areas of deprivation.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and planning skills.
* Flexible, self-motivated and enthusiastic.
* A current full clean driving license and own car or access to a car is required. An applicant who declares that they have a disability which debars then from driving, access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full is required.
Working at Special Olympics Ireland
Our core values are embedded in the culture of our organisation:
* Passion & Pride
* Equipped for Empowerment
* Flexibility & Adaptability
* One Team
Closing Date:
Monday 24 November 2025