About Australian Athletics (Formerly known as Athletics Australia)

Australian Athletics (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 all athletics activity, 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.

Heading towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympics & Paralympics, it is an exciting time to join our High Performance (HP) Team, we are currently seeking to recruit a Head of Paralympic Program.

About the Role

The Head of Paralympic Program is responsible for leading the AA Para Resurgence Program and will drive the success of Australia’s Para Athletics program. Through leadership, strategic oversight, operational management and collaboration with athletes, coaches and stakeholder to help ensure AA is a leader in Paralympic athletics globally.

Your core duties will include:

• Develop and implement the Paralympic program’s strategic vision.
• Drive medal winning performances at Paralympic Games, World Para Athletics Championships, and other international competitions.
• Represent the program to international federation and organisations, including World Para Athletics.
• Liaise with the WPA and the IPC on all matters relating to Para Athletics.
• Foster and inclusive, innovative, and performance-oriented culture across the Paralympic program. 

What we are looking for: 

You are a visionary leader with knowledge of Para Athletics at a National and International level, with a drive to help push the AA Para Resurgence program towards a leader across the globe. As a strong communicator you will have the ability to build and foster partnerships and have a passion for continuous learning and building partnerships that will support the Paralympic program. You are passionate about Para sport and understand the nuances of Para Athletics, to help establish a successful, systematic Para Athletics program. 

Ideally you will have:

• Proven leadership experience within high-performance sport, particularly in Para Athletics or disability sports. 
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the Paralympic movement. 
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills. 
• Financial and operational management capabilities, including budget oversight. 
• Strong understanding of the Para high-performance sport environment in Australia and how that articulates into the international sphere. 
• Ability to create a safe, supportive environment that fosters ongoing mutual respect and trust. 
• Ability to operate with integrity and maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information. 
• Strong organisational skills and ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment. 
• 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?

AA 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 employees have access to:

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