The Organisation:
Special Olympics Ireland is a sports organisation for people with a learning disability. The organisation was founded in 1978.
The mission of Special Olympics Ireland is to provide year round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children and adults with a learning disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with this families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
The activity of Special Olympics Ireland is divided into 5 Regional Offices with Ulster forming one of those Regional offices. Ulster has an office base in Belfast with responsibility across Northern Ireland and the Counties of Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan
The Chair of Special Olympics Ulster holds a unique opportunity to bring together the exiting committee, their experience and their own professional experience to bear on a truly exceptional organisation.
The Role:
As Chair of the Ulster Region, the person will support the delivery of activities within the Ulster Region through a series of meetings and discussions with key personnel and volunteers who all support the ongoing delivery of the prevailing Special Olympics Ireland Strategic Plan.
A minimum of four meetings will be held annually with the Chair taking on extra responsibilities to include media, public speaking and interview events as they arise.
Skills and Experience:
Ideally, the Chair should possess the following: –
· An understanding of the voluntary/ not for profit sector
· The ability to lead groups of people
· Excellent communication, organisational skills
· A good motivator, allowing opinion to be shared
· A ‘Can-do’ attitude
All other aspects of the role can be supported via training and induction
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· Planning and presiding over meetings of the Regional Committee, preparing agenda, reviewing and approving of minutes and supporting overall work of the Ulster Region
· Establishing and maintaining a conducive atmosphere for open dialogue and exchanges f views leading to an informed decision making process
· Ensuring that the Regional Committee and the Special Olympics Ireland Board operate in accordance with their terms of reference
· Developing and managing relationships and communicating with funders, partners and other stakeholders
· Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Special Olympics Ireland and monitoring performance
Key Skills and Experience: –
· Experience with leadership in business, government, sports, charity or non-profit sectors
· Experience on a similar Board is desirable
· Excellent diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating and building consensus
· Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a passion for improving the lives of those with disabilities
Term of Office:
Special Olympics Ulster Chair will serve for a two-year term, which are renewed twice giving a maximum term of six consecutive years
As Chair of the Ulster Region the post holder will be a Director on the Special Olympics Ireland Board and attend six Board meetings during the year
Special Olympics Ulster Board meetings are held on the evenings usually 4 – 6 times per annum.
For more info email Shaun HERE