Young Athletes Lead

About the role

The Young Athletes Lead will champion the growth and impact of both the Young Athletes Programme (YAP) and Young Athletes in Schools (YAIS) across the Greater Wellington region and throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Working in partnership with schools, community organisations, whānau, educators, and other key stakeholders, you will lead the planning, delivery, development, and evaluation of these programmes, ensuring more tamariki with intellectual disabilities have access to inclusive, high-quality sport and physical activity opportunities in both community and school settings.

The Young Athletes Programme is a play-based programme for tamariki aged 2 to 10 years. Through fun and engaging activities, tamariki develop fundamental movement skills while building confidence, social connections, and important life skills.

Young Athletes in Schools brings play into the classroom with evidence-based resources, training, and ongoing support. The programme equips teachers and support staff with the knowledge and tools to develop fundamental movements and create locally-led fun and inclusive participation opportunities.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, promote and deliver a quality and comprehensive calendar of Young Athletes Programmes across the Greater Wellington region, in both school and community settings (including weekend, in school, after-school and school holiday delivery)
• Plan and manage all logistics of programme delivery in the Greater Wellington region within the allocated budget, including facility bookings, equipment, registrations, and communications
• Recruit, train, and co-ordinate volunteers to support programme delivery
• Drive the expansion of the YAP and YAIS programmes to other regions across Aotearoa NZ, by building, maintaining and upskilling a national network of external stakeholders (e.g., RSTs, Councils, primary schools)
• Advise external stakeholders on best-practice and provide training and support as and when required
• Contribute to the development of, and regularly review, resources and processes to support the sustainable implementation and expansion of both programmes
• Undertake evaluation processes for all programmes delivered and utilise feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and development
• Accurately record and report on programme participation and impact
• Actively contribute to SONZ projects and events as required

About you

• Previous experience working or volunteering in sport & recreation
• Experience delivering and adapting sporting opportunities for tamariki
• Experience working with people with an intellectual disability, or a willingness to learn
• Programme and/or project management
• Experience advising or training adults to implement best-practice delivery methods
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills
• The ability to deliver sport and play based activity - and adapt activity to meet the needs of participants
• Strong time management and planning skills, and the ability to juggle competing priorities
• The ability to work autonomously, whilst also collaborating within a national team
• Flexibility and adaptability

About us

Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) provides sport opportunities for people with an intellectual disability throughout Aotearoa NZ, and utilises sport as a vehicle to promote a more inclusive society where people with an intellectual disability are empowered, visible and valued. At Special Olympics New Zealand, we enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport. We create opportunities for inclusion, participation, skill development, and connection, enabling tamariki, rangatahi, and adults to thrive.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements
• Free parking
• Staff professional development