Manager, International Programs / Gestionnaire des programmes internationaux
About the role
POSITION: Full-Time, Permanent REPORTS TO: Director of Sport (Events)
ABOUT U SPORTS U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 15,500 student-athletes and 700 coaches vie for 23 national championships in 13 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives. U SPORTS works in collaboration with 59 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country.
POSITION OVERVIEW The Manager of International Programs works with a dynamic U SPORTS team to ensure Canadian high-performance participation by student-athletes, coaches and mission staff in all international university programming. The Manager of International Programs supports U SPORTS’ vision and delivers value to U SPORTS Members, Canadian National Sport Organizations (NSOs) and other stakeholders. The international elements of the position relate primarily to events offered to Canadian student-athletes and coaches by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the Continental Federation (FISU America) through a pay-to-play funding model.
POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the Sport Department, this position manages all event operations for approximately 550 student-athletes, coaches, and mission staff every two years (odd years) to prepare for the FISU Summer and Winter Games, traditionally held in January / February for Winter and July/August for Summer. This position also manages over 175 student-athletes and coaches every two years (even years) who are preparing for FISU World University Championships (single sport events) held throughout the year as well as various World Cups. The Manager also promotes FISU’s education programming and awards/recognition to U SPORTS Members.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning & Leadership Lead operational planning, policy development, implementation, program direction and delivery for international programs in collaboration with the Director of Sport (Events) Lead major planning of mission operations for the Canadian delegations attending the FISU Winter and Summer University Games Support the Chief Sport Officer’s (CSO) liaising with MSOs, NSOs and Sport Canada for strategic planning of the role that U SPORTS International Programs plays in the sport development model in Canada Assess risk for all international events and programming with the Director of Sport (Events) Create crisis management protocols and contingency plans for all international activities with the Director of Sport (Events) Contribute to the development of a hosting strategy for future hosting opportunities for Canada
Event Management Plan, manage, and execute all games operations for the FISU Summer and Winter University Games, FISU World University Championships (Individual), and FISU World Cups Coordinate the distribution of FISU Educational and Award Recognition Programs Collaborate with other U SPORTS departments (marketing, communications, operations and finance) in the delivery of the Games and programs Ensure that U SPORTS regulations, policies, and philosophies are adhered to Ensure the completion of all documentation required for participation in international events Ensure the development and maintenance of International Accreditation Systems Provide orientation and support for the Head of Delegations for World University Championships and the FISU Summer and Winter University Games Coordinate all aspects of mission operations for Canadian teams attending FISU University Games in Summer and Winter (~ 20 staff) Provide support and leadership to the International Committee
People Management & Stakeholder Relations Build relationships with member institutions, NSOs, MSOs, FISU, the medical community, the Franchise Holders Working Group (COC, CPC, CGC, CSC, JDLF), Corporate Partners, and others Work closely with other U SPORTS departments including marketing, communications, operations, and finance
Financial Management & HR Prepare and manage a complex budget for all international events Determine participation fees in collaboration with the Director of Sport (Events), CSO and CEO Lead the preparation of mission staff at all FISU events Mentor interns to assist in the preparation of FISU events
FISU Summer & Winter Games Management Activities Pre-Games: Work with the Sport Department to ensure all aspects of U SPORTS-run teams are confirmed, including coach selection, athlete selection, training camps, team budgets, team uniforms, flight booking Determine sizing, items and quantities for the Team Canada kit Manage Team Canada requirements with the local FISU Games Organizing Committee and NSOs Liaise with the sport medicine expert groups regarding Medical Team selection, orientation , and communication Oversee mission staff selection, coordinate travel and organize and attend all Mission Staff meetings and orientation workshops Liaise with marketing for pre-games information documents, merchandise decoration, and onsite signage Develop office administration plan based on site/team requirements Attend site visits and prepare site visit reports Provide international programs content to the communications team Liaise with local Canadian Embassy to seek support for the Canadian Team Reception Manage all aspects of cargo Develop accreditation process and meet entry deadlines for submission Liaise with the Coaching Association of Canada to implement and monitor Coaching Standards Policy
During Games: Act as Deputy Chef de Mission, providing direction and support to Mission Staff regarding all operations of the Canadian delegation Liaise with CMO/CT/Clinic Manager regarding medical mission staff activities Coordinate interpreter/attaché assignments each day Ensure set up of headquarters, including furnishings and information systems Keep daily log of individuals in and out of the Village for final payment at end of Games Payment of all approved expenditures on site and handling of all onsite finances Assign and see to the delivery and set up of administration, medical, and communication equipment
Post-Games: Lead and manage Games debrief process Prepare final reports for NSOs Update all transfer of knowledge documents Create, distribute, and analyze post-Game evaluations for all participants Compile all results and manage the All-Games database
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS Undergraduate degree or equivalent in Sports Administration and/or Event Management Minimum five (5) years related experience Experience in multi-sport games and international sport settings Strong understanding of the Canadian sport system, international sport, and U SPORTS Experience with program leadership, project management, and strategic planning Strong financial management skills including budgeting and budget reconciliation Strong communication and people management skills, with experience dealing with coaches, student-athletes, administrators, international partners and suppliers Ability to work well under pressure and in time sensitive situations Excellent organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills Ability to work in both a team environment and independently Computer literacy and proficiency Bilingualism is considered a significant asset for the position.
SALARY RANGE: $66,000 -$80,050
LOCATION: Opportunity to work in-person (Richmond Hill office) and/or remotely within Canada
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours weekly, with flexibility to adapt for travel and a non-regular work schedule (overtime as required) during FISU Winter and Summer Games
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to applications@usports.ca by Friday, July 17th, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m.
EXPECTED START DATE: Monday, August 17th, 2026
CONTACT PERSON: Lisa Beatty U SPORTS is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ2IA persons. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities.
We thank applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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Manager, International Programs / Gestionnaire des programmes internationaux
About the role
POSITION: Full-Time, Permanent REPORTS TO: Director of Sport (Events)
ABOUT U SPORTS U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 15,500 student-athletes and 700 coaches vie for 23 national championships in 13 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives. U SPORTS works in collaboration with 59 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country.
POSITION OVERVIEW The Manager of International Programs works with a dynamic U SPORTS team to ensure Canadian high-performance participation by student-athletes, coaches and mission staff in all international university programming. The Manager of International Programs supports U SPORTS’ vision and delivers value to U SPORTS Members, Canadian National Sport Organizations (NSOs) and other stakeholders. The international elements of the position relate primarily to events offered to Canadian student-athletes and coaches by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the Continental Federation (FISU America) through a pay-to-play funding model.
POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the Sport Department, this position manages all event operations for approximately 550 student-athletes, coaches, and mission staff every two years (odd years) to prepare for the FISU Summer and Winter Games, traditionally held in January / February for Winter and July/August for Summer. This position also manages over 175 student-athletes and coaches every two years (even years) who are preparing for FISU World University Championships (single sport events) held throughout the year as well as various World Cups. The Manager also promotes FISU’s education programming and awards/recognition to U SPORTS Members.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning & Leadership Lead operational planning, policy development, implementation, program direction and delivery for international programs in collaboration with the Director of Sport (Events) Lead major planning of mission operations for the Canadian delegations attending the FISU Winter and Summer University Games Support the Chief Sport Officer’s (CSO) liaising with MSOs, NSOs and Sport Canada for strategic planning of the role that U SPORTS International Programs plays in the sport development model in Canada Assess risk for all international events and programming with the Director of Sport (Events) Create crisis management protocols and contingency plans for all international activities with the Director of Sport (Events) Contribute to the development of a hosting strategy for future hosting opportunities for Canada
Event Management Plan, manage, and execute all games operations for the FISU Summer and Winter University Games, FISU World University Championships (Individual), and FISU World Cups Coordinate the distribution of FISU Educational and Award Recognition Programs Collaborate with other U SPORTS departments (marketing, communications, operations and finance) in the delivery of the Games and programs Ensure that U SPORTS regulations, policies, and philosophies are adhered to Ensure the completion of all documentation required for participation in international events Ensure the development and maintenance of International Accreditation Systems Provide orientation and support for the Head of Delegations for World University Championships and the FISU Summer and Winter University Games Coordinate all aspects of mission operations for Canadian teams attending FISU University Games in Summer and Winter (~ 20 staff) Provide support and leadership to the International Committee
People Management & Stakeholder Relations Build relationships with member institutions, NSOs, MSOs, FISU, the medical community, the Franchise Holders Working Group (COC, CPC, CGC, CSC, JDLF), Corporate Partners, and others Work closely with other U SPORTS departments including marketing, communications, operations, and finance
Financial Management & HR Prepare and manage a complex budget for all international events Determine participation fees in collaboration with the Director of Sport (Events), CSO and CEO Lead the preparation of mission staff at all FISU events Mentor interns to assist in the preparation of FISU events
FISU Summer & Winter Games Management Activities Pre-Games: Work with the Sport Department to ensure all aspects of U SPORTS-run teams are confirmed, including coach selection, athlete selection, training camps, team budgets, team uniforms, flight booking Determine sizing, items and quantities for the Team Canada kit Manage Team Canada requirements with the local FISU Games Organizing Committee and NSOs Liaise with the sport medicine expert groups regarding Medical Team selection, orientation , and communication Oversee mission staff selection, coordinate travel and organize and attend all Mission Staff meetings and orientation workshops Liaise with marketing for pre-games information documents, merchandise decoration, and onsite signage Develop office administration plan based on site/team requirements Attend site visits and prepare site visit reports Provide international programs content to the communications team Liaise with local Canadian Embassy to seek support for the Canadian Team Reception Manage all aspects of cargo Develop accreditation process and meet entry deadlines for submission Liaise with the Coaching Association of Canada to implement and monitor Coaching Standards Policy
During Games: Act as Deputy Chef de Mission, providing direction and support to Mission Staff regarding all operations of the Canadian delegation Liaise with CMO/CT/Clinic Manager regarding medical mission staff activities Coordinate interpreter/attaché assignments each day Ensure set up of headquarters, including furnishings and information systems Keep daily log of individuals in and out of the Village for final payment at end of Games Payment of all approved expenditures on site and handling of all onsite finances Assign and see to the delivery and set up of administration, medical, and communication equipment
Post-Games: Lead and manage Games debrief process Prepare final reports for NSOs Update all transfer of knowledge documents Create, distribute, and analyze post-Game evaluations for all participants Compile all results and manage the All-Games database
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS Undergraduate degree or equivalent in Sports Administration and/or Event Management Minimum five (5) years related experience Experience in multi-sport games and international sport settings Strong understanding of the Canadian sport system, international sport, and U SPORTS Experience with program leadership, project management, and strategic planning Strong financial management skills including budgeting and budget reconciliation Strong communication and people management skills, with experience dealing with coaches, student-athletes, administrators, international partners and suppliers Ability to work well under pressure and in time sensitive situations Excellent organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills Ability to work in both a team environment and independently Computer literacy and proficiency Bilingualism is considered a significant asset for the position.
SALARY RANGE: $66,000 -$80,050
LOCATION: Opportunity to work in-person (Richmond Hill office) and/or remotely within Canada
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours weekly, with flexibility to adapt for travel and a non-regular work schedule (overtime as required) during FISU Winter and Summer Games
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to applications@usports.ca by Friday, July 17th, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m.
EXPECTED START DATE: Monday, August 17th, 2026
CONTACT PERSON: Lisa Beatty U SPORTS is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ2IA persons. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities.
We thank applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.