Sports and Training Coordinator at Special Olympics Minnesota Inc – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Department: Program

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Full time, Exempt

Reports To: Senior Sports and Training Manager

Direct Reports: None

About Special Olympics Minnesota

SOMN (Special Olympics Minnesota) is a chapter of the world’s largest organization advocating for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, and through current sports, health, and leadership programs engaging people with and without disabilities, provides a positive impact for Minnesotans of every age and every ability.

Position Overview

The Sports & Training Coordinator plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, inclusive sports competitions and training opportunities for athletes and volunteers across Minnesota. This position coordinates assigned competitions and events in alignment with Special Olympics rules and SOMN standards, manages event logistics from planning through follow-up, and collaborates with staff, volunteers, vendors, and community partners to ensure safe, well-executed, and mission driven experiences.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys event coordination, collaboration, and hands-on support in dynamic environments while contributing to meaningful community impact.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Event & Competition Coordination

• Coordinate assigned competitions in alignment with Special Olympics General Rules, SOMN standards, and sport specific rules.

• Collaborate with Competitions staff, volunteers, vendors, and partners to identify venues, develop schedules, and create site and venue layouts.

• Procure, organize, and manage event supplies, equipment, signage, and materials.

• Provide onsite event management, including volunteer training, support, and coordination.

• Complete post event follow-up including data entry, data tracking, and supply and equipment maintenance.

Program & Department Support

• Provide logistical and operational support for additional SOMN events, competitions, training, and activities, as assigned.

• Participate in shared department responsibilities such as inventory management, storage organization, material procurement, routine communications, and team meetings.

Program Growth & Delegation Support

• Identify opportunities to help local delegations expand and sustain sports programming.

• Collaborate with Competitions staff to support growth of scrimmages, invitational tournaments, league play, and other inter-delegation activities.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing & Communications staff to ensure events, materials, and collateral meet SOMN standards.

• Maintain clear documentation to support effective coordination, communication, and continuous improvement.

• May assist with training additional staff on event logistics, preparation, execution, and follow-up.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities may include intern supervision, coach education support, or recreational programming, as assigned.

Key Relationships

Internal:

Competitions Staff, Delegation Services Staff, Volunteer Management Staff, Operations Staff, Marketing & Communications Staff

External:

Athletes, leadership volunteers (Heads of Delegations, coaches, local organizing committee members, event managers, volunteer leads), venue and vendor contacts

Schedule & Travel

• Typically, Monday–Friday daytime hours.

• Evening and weekend work are required to support events.

• Travel is required for meetings and events, primarily within the Twin Cities metro area, with occasional statewide travel.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work occurs in office, indoor non-office, and outdoor event settings and varies from week to week.

• Outdoor work may include exposure to temperature extremes, winter conditions, loud environments, and large crowds.

• Requires regular use of computers and office equipment.

• Ability to lift up to 40lbs.

• Ability to remain stationary for 1–2 hours, communicate frequently with others, and assist with transporting event supplies using carts or team-based support.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in a client-facing role providing support, cultivating positive relationships, utilizing strengths in communication and organization.

• Experience working within events, preferably experience in leading and organizing small to mid-sized events.

• Experience playing, coaching, and/or officiating sports.

• Experience with Special Olympics or similar mission-driven organizations is highly desirable.

Technology & Equipment

• Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)

• CRM and event systems such as the Special Olympics Registration Portal, Special Olympics Games Management System, and CERVIS

• Event and warehouse equipment including carts, tents, tables, chairs, sound systems, and vehicles (as coordinated)

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K plan, Flexible Time Off and Paid holidays.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Special Olympics Minnesota is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.