7-10 years of relevant work experience, primarily in senior management or director roles
Proven experience leading teams in complex organizations
Strong skills in providing technical assistance and support
Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
Expertise in data analysis and synthesis
Ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and Smartsheet
Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse groups
Capacity to work independently and in hybrid environments
Responsibilities
Lead strategic decision-making and development for the Strategy and Innovation team
Maintain and implement standard operating procedures for the functional area
Analyze program data to identify trends and innovative opportunities
Track and monitor the implementation of strategic plan initiatives
Synthesize national trends to inform strategic planning and goals
Develop and lead consultative support processes for U.S. Programs
Create timely data analysis reports for leadership and stakeholders
Facilitate webinars and training sessions to promote UCS outcomes
Assist in managing data migration to CRM platforms
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
Life and disability insurance
Retirement plan with employer contributions
Legal resources and support
Generous paid time off (PTO) policy
Full Job Description
Position Title: Director of Strategy and Innovation
Department: Special Olympics North America, Unified Champion Schools
Reports to: Director of Research and Evaluation, Unified Champion Schools
Location: Washington, D.C. or Remote USA
Date and Length of Role: Full-time, Permanent
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary range for US employees: $90,950 - $107,100
*Actual compensation for this position may vary and will depend on multiple factors such as relevant qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location.
Position Summary
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is an education-based strategy for schools Pre-K through college that intentionally promotes social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to create accepting school environments. The Director of Strategy and Innovation is a key member of the Insight, Innovation, and Impact Division on the Special Olympics North America Unified Champion Schools team (SONA UCS). This Division is responsible for collecting and synthesizing data to produce actionable insights for the SONA UCS department and U.S. Programs. The Director will work closely with functional areas and Divisions across the SONA UCS Department and wider SONA region, while also managing a portfolio of up to 8 U.S. Programs with the highest support needs to ensure the sustainable growth and quality implementation of Unified Champion Schools in the U.S. This position will be required to travel occasionally throughout the year.
Primary Responsibilities Strategy and Innovation (40%)
Serve as the Strategy and Innovation functional area lead responsible for that team's strategic decision-making and development
With the Director of Research and Evaluation, maintain standard operating procedures for the Strategy and Innovation functional area, including purpose and responsibilities, organizing and sharing information, connecting information across systems and sources, Train SI Regional Managers on these procedures and maintain buy-in.
With Director of Research and Evaluation, lead the team in the collection, tracking, and analysis of Program data to identify trends, gaps and innovative opportunities and serve as strategic thought partners with UCS Program staff.
With Director of Research and Evaluation, track, monitor, and lead the implementation of assigned strategic plan strategies and drivers
With Director of Research and Evaluation, synthesize national UCS trends and opportunities to inform the management team's strategic planning efforts, outcomes, and goals, and the UCS Standards of Excellence.
Maintain and update the UCS Department's Program quality tool "UCS Standards of " Develop a consultation process and lead the Strategy and Innovation team in the provision of consultative support to U.S. Programs following their completion of the tool
With Director of Research and Evaluation, create timely data analysis and trend report summaries for the Office of Special Education Programs, SONA UCS, and SONA leadership team.
Lead and participate in webinars, trainings, and meetings that promote and advance UCS content and outcomes.
Assist with and help manage the migration and accuracy of data to customer relationship management (CRM) platform.
Work closely with the Director, Applied Research and Knowledge Translation and the Data Management Specialist to synthesize research and evaluation outcomes and internal monitoring data; help translate findings into strategic deliverables
Program Support (30%)
Lead efforts to develop and maintain the UCS team's Program Support strategy framed around the UCS Standards of Excellence
Manage a portfolio of up to 8 S. Programs including holding monthly calls, fielding and triaging support questions, logging calls and meeting notes in the department's systems, etc.
Serve as the "subject matter expert" of the Programs in the Director's portfolio by understanding each Program's specific UCS goals, strategies, activities, and outcomes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration (20%)
Represent the Insight, Innovation, and Impact Division for the development and updates on Program facing platforms.
With Director of Research and Evaluation, identify and develop processes and procedures to enhance team effectiveness and efficiencies, collaboration among UCS and SONA team members, and achievement of UCS goals and outcomes
Establish effective communication strategies that promote positive and productive relationships with U.S. Programs and SONA staff. Serve in cross-functional strategic role with Learning and Development and Program Development functional area leads
Represent functional area in cross-functional strategic role and projects
In partnerships with Senior Manager of Grant Administration & Reporting, lead the development and execution of the annual subaward grant application and grant reporting materials
Review applications for subaward recommendations in addition to monitoring monthly, midterm, and final reporting to ensure requirements are met
Supervision (10%)
Supervise and support the Strategy and Innovation Regional Managers (east, central, west)
Approve direct reports' time off, time sheets, travel, and expense reports
Develop direct reports' annual goals and monitor progress
Complete annual performance reviews for direct reports
Serve as the UCS relationship manager to the Director, Organizational Development within the SONA Organizational Development department
Required Qualifications
7-10 years of relevant work experience, with the majority in a senior management or director role
Experience leading a team and navigating a multilayered organization
Experience with providing technical assistance and support
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Strong data analysis and synthesis skills
Experiencing summarizing data into actionable insights and strategy recommendations
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 apps and Smartsheet
Ability to work effectively with individuals from a range of cultures and professional backgrounds
Ability to work independently, in project teams, and in hybrid or remote work environments
Must represent the organization in professional manner
Desired Qualifications
Previous experience with Special Olympics
Understanding of disability, education/special education, and/or youth programming
Interest in travel for Program support site visits, meetings, conferences, or other events (this position will be required to travel 5-8 times per year)
Experience integrating and managing data from multiple sources
*For USA based staff: Special Olympics offers full-time employees a generous and comprehensive benefits package, which includes: medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life insurance, disability, retirement, legal resources, and PTO.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global non-profit organization that provides sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. The organization was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and has since grown to serve over 5 million athletes in more than 190 countries. Special Olympics offers a variety of sports programs, including basketball, soccer, and swimming, and also provides health and wellness programs to help athletes stay healthy and active. The organization is funded through donations and sponsorships from individuals and corporations.
