Working as part of the Community Rugby department and reporting to the Head of Inclusion, the First Nations Rugby Manager will be responsible for the strategy and delivery of initiatives relating to First Nations people.

The Manager will seek to promote and encourage participation through the collaborative development and implementation of programs and ensure that there are adequate opportunities for talented players to compete in appropriate competitions and develop their skills. They will also be responsible for the development and delivery of initiatives that support welfare, education and health outcomes for First Nations people in rugby.  

The First Nations Rugby Manager will also support the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, which will include managing daily business activities, developing funding proposals and overseeing major fundraising events and tournaments.

Key Accountabilities

Rugby Australia

• Facilitate the creation and implementation of strategy to increase rugby participation amongst First Nations people.
• Assist with the development of funding applications to support Rugby Australia’s First Nations strategy.
• Empower young First Nations men and women through rugby participation.
• Promote healthy and active lifestyles to First Nations youth to support positive decision making and choices about their future.
• Assist the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team (LMRDT) with the planning and implementation of all rugby related programming.
• Ensure where appropriate that Rugby Australia and LMRDT are aligned in the planning of key initiatives.
• Develop a plan to increase First Nations representation in National Talent Pathway competitions and ultimately Teams in Gold.
• Build and manage relationships with targeted First Nations stakeholder groups.
• Work with other major professional sports in Australia to identify joint opportunities to engage young First Nations people in sport and physical activity. 
• Develop strategic partnerships with Indigenous organisations and Indigenous Sports Development Officers. 
• Drive cultural awareness and understanding across Rugby Australia, member unions and affiliates, clubs and competitions.

Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team

• Ensure the continued success of the LMRDT through sound financial and asset management.
• Ensure the continued growth of the organisation through clear operational plans aligned to the LMRDT strategic plan.
• Provide leadership to employees and volunteers and ensure that they are compliant with the necessary legislative requirements.
• Lead the development and management of all fundraising initiatives.
• Lead the management of the annual Ella 7s tournament.

Capabilities

Required

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their cultures and an understanding of the issues affecting Indigenous people in contemporary Australian society.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively, including the requirement for proper and appropriate negotiation and consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on matters relevant to the delivery of services to Indigenous people.
• Demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and capability as a sports coach, teacher and/or mentor of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly in a socially disadvantaged community setting.
• Demonstrated capabilities and proven record of implementing community social wellbeing projects, in partnership with Indigenous communities and/or school environments.
• Demonstrated ability to think, plan and mobilise others to act strategically.
• Ability to initiate, monitor and review projects and activities in line with organisational plans.

Experience

Required

• Direct experience in the implementation of community based programs targeted at Indigenous Australians.

Desired

• Experience in sport, with a preference for rugby union, particularly at the grass roots level.
• Experience working with disadvantaged young people in a school and/or sporting context.
• Experience in the development of educational/development programs.
• Experience of mentoring individuals/groups.
• Previous volunteer experience in sport.