THE ROLE OF THE ASSISTANT MANAGER

Is the Assistant Manager position required?
No this is an optional position but many programs have added an Assistant Manager to their management team.

What are the responsibilities of an Assistant Manager?
The role of the Assistant Manager is defined by the Program Manager and the position responsibilities are usually determined based on the need of the program. Listed below are some examples of how an Assistant Manager could be helpful in your program.

Shared responsibilities with the Manager – Some Assistant Managers work very closely with their Managers and are involved in all aspects of the program allowing program volunteers to work with either Manager or Assistant Manager in any situation.

Split responsibilities with the Manager – Different aspects of the program can be divided up between the Manager and Assistant Manager for the purposes of direct supervision and direction. As an example, the Assistant Manager may be assigned the responsibility of overseeing all Training and Competition issues while the Manager oversees the Finances, PR, Volunteer and Athlete Recruitment, etc.

Mentoring for the future – Each program should have in place a Program.
Succession Plan which assures the continued growth and development of their program well into the future. As part of that plan, individuals need to be trained and mentored in the various positions. While all volunteers are critical to the local programs, assuring that a program has a trained and experienced leader for the future is especially important.

The Assistant Manager as Backup to the Manager
If you have ever been asked to assume the role of Assistant Manager or Vice President of an organization, you may have been told that your only responsibility is to take over for the Manager or President when they are not available. While that is definitely true, it is important that your Assistant Manager is being provided the tools and training to do just that if the need arises. So avoid having someone assume the role of Assistant Manager only for backup purposes but is also assuming some major responsibilities within the program to prepare them for assuming the role of Manager someday, either on a temporary basis or permanently.