Senior Vice President of Programs

About Special Olympics Minnesota:

SOMN (Special Olympics Minnesota) is a chapter of the worlds 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 Summary:

The Senior Vice President of Programming is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for overseeing all mission-driven programing s includes Unified Schools, statewide sports and competitions, volunteer management and leadership of development initiatives. This role ensures programmatic excellence, alignment with organizational goals, and fosters a culture of inclusion, innovation, and impact.

Reports to: CEO

Position Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the strategic direction and integration of all SOMN programs.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align programming with SOMNs strategic plan and mission.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement across all program areas.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor senior program leaders, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Promote professional development and succession planning across departments.
• Build a high-performing, inclusive team culture.

Program Oversight

• Ensure high-quality delivery of Schools Unified Programming (UCS), Young Athletes, statewide competitions, Athlete Leadership, Health and Volunteer Programs
• Oversee program evaluation, data analysis, and reporting to ensure impact and compliance with Special Olympics International standards.
• Support cross-departmental integration with marketing, fundraising, finance and operations.

Volunteer & Community Engagement

• Guide the development of a statewide volunteer management system, including recruitment, training, and recognition.
• Cultivate relationships with schools, community partners, corporate sponsors, and volunteers.
• Represent SOMN at key events and serve as a public ambassador for programming.

Budget & Resource Management

• Lead budgeting and resource allocation for all program departments.
• Collaborate with Finance and Development teams to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Position Requirements:

Education & Credentials

· Education in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Education, Sports Administration, or a related field strongly preferred.

· Valid drivers license and ability to travel independently across Minnesota and nationally as needed.

Experience

· Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, sports, education, health, or community-based programming.

· Proven success in managing cross-functional teams and leading strategic initiatives across multiple departments.

· Demonstrated experience in volunteer management, inclusive programming, and health or athlete development initiatives.

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

Skills & Competencies

· Strategic Leadership:
Ability to develop and execute long-range plans across diverse program areas.

· Team Management:
Skilled in mentoring, coaching, and building inclusive, high-performing teams.

· Program Oversight:
Expertise in evaluating program quality, impact, and alignment with organizational goals.

· Stakeholder Engagement:
Strong relationship-building skills with athletes, volunteers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners.

· Communication:
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and training delivery.

· Data & Evaluation:
Proficient in data analysis, program metrics, and continuous improvement strategies.

· Technical Proficiency:
Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, budgeting software, and program management tools.

Work Conditions

· Hybrid work model with regular travel across Minnesota (510%).

· Evening and weekend hours required for events and outreach.

· Ability to lift and transport event equipment (up to 40 lbs.).

· Comfortable working in varied environments including schools, sports venues, and outdoor events.

Personal…