Manager, Athletics (Temporary)

About Olds College Of Agriculture And Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College has been offering quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our regular programming, continued education, and online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

At Olds College we value our people and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. Olds College provides quality education in an environment that is designed to promote academic excellence and student success. There are many reasons to join Olds College and build a meaningful career in a community that is innovative, diverse and welcoming. Everything we do at Olds College is done to advance all aspects of the agriculture and agri-food community. All of our programs and actions align to our social purpose, “Transforming agriculture for a better world”. Our mission is to ensure Alberta's agriculture community has the talent, knowledge, and thought leadership to lead globally.

The Opportunity
NOTE: This is a six month temporary position with the possibility of becoming permanent

The Manager, Athletics at Olds College is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, management, and day-to-day operations of the college’s athletics programs which currently include Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Futsal, Indoor Soccer, Rodeo and a variety of youth programs including camps and club teams. This role will work closely with the Vice President, Student Experience to ensure that these programs enhance student life, support student retention and success.

The Manager, Athletics is a member of the Student Experience Leadership Team.

Key Job Functions
Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Olds College Bronco’s Athletics program aligned with the college’s mission and goals.
• Collaborate with college leadership, including academic departments, student services, Community Learning Campus (CLC), Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), and external stakeholders, to integrate athletics initiatives into the overall student experience.
• Participate in regular review and assessments of the effectiveness of Athletic programs and make adjustments as needed to respond to changing student needs and institutional priorities. This includes setting short-term and long-term objectives, creating action plans, and ensuring alignment with the college’s overall strategic plan.
• Model leadership in a complex environment combined with the ability to coordinate, manage, leverage and integrate the efforts of faculty, staff, contractors and partners.
• Set clear team goals and objectives aligned with the organization's vision and strategy and ensure effective execution and achievement of targets.
• Champion and foster a positive and inclusive work culture, promoting teamwork, collaboration and open communication within the team.
• Manage team performance by setting and tracking key performance indicators, conducting performance evaluations, and addressing any performance issues or gaps.
• Champion a customer-focus and safety mindset within the team ensuring exceptional service delivery and internal/external stakeholder satisfaction.

Program Development and Management

• Oversee the planning, organization, and administration of all athletic programs, including varsity sports and Rodeo opportunities. This involves overseeing the scheduling of practices, games and sanctioned events, the coordination of travel arrangements, and ensuring compliance with athletic association principles and regulations.
• Explore community partnerships to expand services and support to our campus community.
• Continuously evaluate and improve program offerings based on student feedback, participation rates, and industry trends.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Recruit, train, and supervise athletics staff, including coaches, and support personnel. Provide day-to-day oversight to the Athletics team.
• Foster a positive and supportive work environment, outlining clear expectations and goals along with regular feedback, coaching and performance evaluations to encourage professional growth.
• Develop leadership and professional growth opportunities and support professional development that enables staff to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage the annual budget for athletics programs.
• Explore and actively seek operational funding through grants, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives to support program growth and sustainability.
• Ensure compliance of purchases within the context of secured grants and sponsorships in alignment with College policy and procedure.
• Responsible for reporting requirements of secured funding.
• Oversee the procurement of equipment and supplies, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective purchases.
• Implement sustainable revenue generating initiatives in support of the core business operations (eg. youth sport camps).

Student Engagement and Success

• Promote student engagement in athletics programs, emphasizing the connection between physical activity, mental health, and academic success.
• Develop an annual athletic recruitment plan in coordination with the respective athletic team coaching staff.
• Develop initiatives to support student-athletes, including academic advising, career development, and leadership training.
• Promote student engagement in athletics programs by developing marketing and outreach strategies, including social media campaigns, informational sessions, and collaborations with student organizations.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and standards, including those of athletic conferences and governing bodies.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of all program participants, including emergency response plans, hazard assessments, injury prevention programs, and safety training.
• Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well-being and security of all individuals at Olds College, show a proactive attitude towards safety measures, continuously striving to enhance safety protocols and procedures to ensure the highest standards of protection, collaborate with colleagues to instill a culture of shared responsibility and accountability when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure work setting.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to compliance, safety inspections, and incident reports.
• Ensure that health and behavior issues requiring escalation to third parties are transitioned effectively with the care and support for the student being the foremost priority, and while considering the College obligations and risk/liability.

Community Relations and Partnerships

• Establish and contribute to an exceptional internal culture that values community engagement, pride, inclusion and belonging.
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including local sports organizations, wellness providers, alumni, and community groups. This involves attending meetings, networking events, and fostering partnerships that benefit the college and its students.
• Represent Olds College at athletic conferences, meetings, and community events to promote the college’s programs and initiatives, and to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to develop promotional materials and strategies to highlight athletics programs.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Implement assessment tools to measure the effectiveness and impact of athletics programs. This includes conducting surveys, focus groups, and collecting participation data to evaluate program success and identify areas for improvement.
• Use data and feedback to make informed decisions about program development, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Prepare and present reports on program outcomes, progress towards goals, and future plans to college leadership and other stakeholders.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required

• A post-secondary education in a related field such as Business Management/Administration, Sports Management, Physical Education, or related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience in athletics administration or program management, preferably in a higher education setting. ACAC experience will be considered an asset.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills, with experience managing staff and volunteers.
• Strong budget management and fundraising abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements and risk management practices in athletics and wellness.
• Applicants should demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity. This includes actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding. Foster a proactive approach to promoting equity and embracing differences, both within their role and in the broader community.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive information is a fundamental requirement for this position, ensuring the utmost discretion and integrity in handling all data and communications.

Conditions Of Employment

• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Please apply by March 11, 2025.

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.