Paddle Australia (PA) is the National Sports Organisation (NSO) responsible for the management, coordination, development and promotion of paddling in Australia. PA is recognised by the Federal Government and represents the interests of its members to government and the public.

PA is committed to the provision of a high standard of competition, safety and opportunity for paddling participation in Australia. This includes the development and delivery of the successful Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint Olympic and Paralympic programs and the six non-Olympic disciplines (Canoe Polo, Freestyle, Marathon, Ocean Racing, Wildwater and SUP), as well as recreational paddling.

PA is recognised by the International Canoe Federation (ICF); Oceania Canoe Association (OCA); Sport Australia (SA) and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS); Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Paralympics Australia. PA works in close partnership with the various State Institute and Academies of Sport (SIS/SAS) in delivering its high performance programs in Canoe Slalom, Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe. As the peak body for paddle related activity in Australia, PA works collaboratively with six (6) State Paddle Associations (SPAs), around 125 active clubs, seven (7) disciplines and approximately 12,000 members, instructors and coaches. 

Operating in a commercial and inclusive manner with government, business and community, PA ensures the value of competitive and recreational paddling is understood and supported in all policy and business decisions.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

To support in the strategic leadership, planning and operational delivery of the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships by leading the delivery of venue operations and supporting all sport and technical requirements.

This position reports directly to ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships – General Manager.

ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships – Venue Operations Coordinator position reports directly to this position.

• Lead across all Venue Operations deliverables. Including, but not limited to; operations plans, managing the relationship with the venue, event overlay and look & feel, broadcast operations, accreditation, first aid, security, WHS, event technology, catering and cleaning & waste.
• Support Sport & Technical Operations deliverables within the venue. Including, but not limited to; compliance with ICF regulations & requirements, field of play, timing, scoring & results, and medical & doping.
• Comply with all relevant Statutory and Regulatory requirements, including compliance with all venue and PA risk management, work health and safety, and emergency management policies and procedures.
• Support the General Manager in Masterplan and Roadmap delivery, budget management and risk management & compliance.
• Manage relationships and monitor performance of local vendors, suppliers, and contractors, ensuring high- quality service delivery and adherence to contractual agreements.
• Manage event casual workforce and volunteers.
• Contribute to delivery of comprehensive post-event reporting and evaluation.

General

• Be aware of, understand and comply with PA Policies (current copies available on the PA website).
• Partner with and work effectively and collaboratively across PA to achieve organisational goals, targets and objectives.
• Ensure documentation, including Operations Plans, are kept up to date and in good order.
• Attend and participate in meetings and events as required.
• Uphold and foster a culture of high performance, excellence and continuous improvement within PA.
• Provide regular updates to the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships – General Manager on progress and/or issues, as required.
• Adopt continuous learning and improvement processes in all aspects of the position.
• Undertake other reasonable tasks as delegated by the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships – General Manager

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Event Management or equivalent experience.
• Current Working With Children Check, or the ability to obtain one prior to employment.

Experience/Skill Level Required

• 5 years’ experience in a venue or event operations role or equivalent.
• Previous experience working in large venues or stadiums.
• Proven ability and success in coordinating large events.
• Proven track record in successfully managing projects from strategy to implementation.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing data, identifying trends and recommending improvements/solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving collaboration towards common goals.

Aptitude & Interpersonal Skills

• Professional, proactive, inclusive, and supportive, great at managing relationships and building a collaborative team environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated and passionate to achieve excellence with a strong desire to excel and willingness to establish and strive for stretch goals.
• Strong skills in forward planning, analytical and strategic thinking with a willingness to learn, adapt and bring new ideas with the goal of continuing improvement.
• Strong professional communication (both verbal and written), negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership, project management and staff management skills.
• Ability to delegate, influence and motivate people at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong ability to transfer information, skills, and knowledge to other staff members.
• Capacity to establish the trust and respect of the internal and external stakeholders, leading, driving, and managing change through influence rather than authority.
• Work well both within a team environment and autonomously, being reliable and showing/taking initiative to positively influence projects and outcomes.
• Show initiative, undertaking duties efficiently with a strong attention to detail.
• Professional personal presentation suitable for the position.
• Strong judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to promote, interpret, communicate, and work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation.

Paddle Australia is committed to protecting Children from harm. We require all applicants that will work with children to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

Please refer to Appendix 2 of the PA Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy for more information about recruitment and screening for child-related positions.