Chief Sport Officer

Chief Sport Officer (CSO) Job Description

Reports to : Chief Executive Officer

Objective :

The CSO leads and develops a team to drive university sport forward, aligning with U SPORTS' strategic goals nationally and internationally.

This role encompasses organizing and staging National Championships, managing sport system relations in Canada and internationally, and delivering the new Sport Model Program.

The CSO aims to elevate university sport and provide an exceptional student-athlete experience.

Core Responsibilities and Priorities :

1. Strategic Planning & Leadership :

• Develop plans in alignment with U SPORTS values and strategic goals.
• Create operational and business plans for each U SPORTS sport.
• Oversee the development and execution of the new Sport Model Program.
• Manage staff in various areas, including National Championships, sport technical, sport development, and international programming.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to ensure U SPORTS' place in the Canadian Sport System.
• Enhance the delivery and quality of National Championships and assess risks in event operations and finances.
• Create initiatives for revenue generation and branding opportunities.
• Serve on selection committees for national championship bid allocations and financial models.

2. People Management & Stakeholder Relations :

• Collaborate with members across 56 universities, national and multi-sport federations, and other community leaders.
• Oversee strategic direction and agenda content for operational and coaches committees.
• Lead consultation processes on all sport programming with key committees and industry experts.
• Build relationships with sport tourism communities and professional sport organizations.
• Advocate for U SPORTS programming, student-athlete safety, and U SPORTS' role in the Canadian sport community.
• Develop partnerships within the national sport community.

3. Event Management :

• Oversee all sport competitions, including 21 National Championships and international events.
• Guide the bid process for hosting events.
• Manage relationships and agreements with national and multi-sport organizations, professional sport, and tourism partners.
• Lead the U SPORTS football file, including the Vanier Cup and bowl games.
• Budget for all events, including national championships, workshops, and international events.

4. Sport Development & High-Performance Programming :

• Implement the new U SPORTS Sport Model.
• Provide coaching development opportunities and manage the Coaches Excellence Fund Program.
• Oversee officials' development and national team programming.
• Work with professional sports to ensure compliance with eligibility rules.
• Increase U SPORTS University Teams' involvement in Canadian sport initiatives and events.

5. Technical Development :

• Oversee the Sport Technical Sub-Committee, coaching association structures, and decision-making processes.
• Manage the sport awards selection process and updates to U SPORTS sport playing regulations.
• Ensure the most up-to-date rules are included in U SPORTS competitions.

6. Governance, Finance & HR :

• Create and manage new sport decision-making processes.
• Determine committee composition and terms of reference.
• Ensure efficient and effective decision-making processes within committees.
• Oversee policy updates, budgets, and hiring processes for staff and contractors.
• Conduct performance reviews.

Desired Qualifications and Skills :

• Undergraduate degree in sport administration, business, or related discipline.
• Minimum of eight years of related experience.
• Experience in national and international event management.
• Understanding of Canadian University Sport and the sport landscape.
• Strong relationship-building, management, and communication skills.
• Organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
• Experience leading committees in a complex structure.
• Proficiency in Google applications and Microsoft Office.
• Bilingualism is an asset.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Selection Process :

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your expertise, interest, and compensation expectations to applications@usports.

ca by July 19, 2024. U SPORTS values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and provides a supportive work environment with flexible arrangements.

Salary Range : $112,000 - $135,000