About Athletics Australia

Athletics Australia (AA) is the governing body for Athletics in this country. It is a National Sporting Organisation whose major partner is the Australian Sports Commission. AA is responsible for athletics, including high performance, participation, coaching, officiating, juniors, para-athletics, domestic and international competition. Athletics Australia has a critical role in leading, fostering and encouraging participation in athletics in Australia and promoting excellence in performance.

As we wrap up an impressive performance in Paris and head towards the 2028 LA Games & 2032 Brisbane Games, it is an exciting time to join our Team! We are currently seeking to recruit a General Manager - Strategy, Delivery & Engagement.

About the Role

The General Manager - Strategy, Delivery & Engagement will drive the growth and visibility of Athletics Australia (AA) and the sport of athletics. This role will provide strategic direction and insights to enhance our operations, oversee the planning and execution of all AA athletics events, and collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and vendors to deliver exceptional sporting experiences. You will also lead our sports content and media operations, ensuring impactful delivery and effective communication across multiple platforms. If you excel in strategic leadership and have a drive for excellence in sports management, we want to hear from you!

Your core duties will include:

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive business growth and event strategies to maximise the profile and potential of athletics. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to set and achieve goals, objectives, and performance indicators, ensuring effective teamwork across departments and State & Territory Member Associations.

Operational Management

• Implement best practices to improve performance within the Sport Delivery business unit, including resource management and systems development for key events such as the Australian Track and Field Championships and Athletics Australia Summer & Winter Series.
• Assess current operations and recommend opportunities for financial and operational efficiencies, including optimizing third-party supplier arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
• Serve as a key liaison for major events, developing relationships with event operators and providing media, communications, and commercial support.

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Manage relationships with stakeholders and partners, including government partners and state associations.
• Address and resolve any issues or concerns raised by stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.

Budget & Financial Management 

• Develop and oversee event budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource use.
• Monitor expenses and financial performance, providing regular reports and recommendations for budget adjustments.

Post-Event Evaluation

• Conduct evaluations to assess event performance, gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on event outcomes, including successes, challenges, and recommendations for future events.

Media & Communications

• Provide direction on the development and implementation of the organisation’s communications and media strategy and annual communications plan aligned with the organisation’s objectives.
• Manage day-to-day media and communications operations.
• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies for sports media issues.

Community Engagement 

• Develop and manage community engagement programs to strengthen connections with various community segments.
• Manage alumni engagement programs and fan engagement initiatives.

What we are looking for:

You will be a proven leader with extensive experience in sports strategy and delivery and operational skills to ensure that events are executed seamlessly and exceed stakeholder expectations. You have experience in or exposure to sports media & communications capable of leading a dynamic team to enhance brand presence and audience engagement. This role reports to the CEO and is a member of the Senior Leadership team. It has significant engagement with the AA Board, Member Associations and other partners.

Ideally you will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is desirable.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in sports strategy, business growth and delivery and ideally media & communications, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in leading teams to deliver high performance outcomes.
• Proven and extensive program/event delivery experience.
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, which equip you to facilitate teamwork and foster the cooperation of others using tact, discretion and impartiality.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to influence and work effectively with a range of people across all levels of the organisation/sport.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise and manage resources to meet deadlines.
• Proactive, self-motivated and a team player.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and execute plans via multiple channels to achieve priorities.
• A keen commitment to clean sport and abiding by AA’s National Integrity Framework suite of policies including the Australian National Anti-doping Policy, Safeguarding Children and Young Persons Policy, and Code of Conduct.
• Hold and maintain a valid Working with Children Check and (or ability to hold) Police Check.

Why Work for us?

Athletics Australia has a range of benefits to support a sustainable work-life balance that align to our Values and Behaviours, enabling you to bring your best self to work, no matter your role and stage in life. All employess have access to a range of benefits including: 

• Paid Parental Leave
• Diversity Leave
• Purchase Leave
• Mental Health Leave