Operations Manager at Easts Football Club

Easts Football Club, established in 1989, is a local, inclusive community club delivering a fun, competitive football experience underpinned by a strong training and development philosophy. We offer year round inclusive football programs for players aged 3 years to over 45 years. The Club prides itself on its strong development philosophy and its ability to create a positive environment for all members, connecting players and families both on and off the pitch. 

As one of the largest not for profit community football clubs in New South Wales, we are based in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs.

We are looking for an experienced sports administrator to lead the club’s day to day operations and long term strategy. This is a full time position that will suit a passionate manager wanting to make a mark on community sport. 

Start date: June 2025 

Hours per week: Full time Monday to Friday. After hours and weekend work will be required on a seasonal basis.

Salary: Full time position. Gross including Superannuation (negotiable based on applicant).

Location: Remote work for the most part - with some in person presence across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs - not exclusive to Waverley, Queens Park, Moore Park. Occasional travel will be required across wider Sydney, interstate and potentially overseas.

Key Areas of Responsibility: 

Operational management of a community football club with 3,500+ seasonal members per year across 3 seasons. We also run numerous non-seasonal activities from holiday camps to in school programs. The below is a breakdown of the key areas of responsibility you will encounter in this role. 

Seasonal football activity

• Summer Season: effectively plan, manage and oversee this 8-week season. 

• Winter Season: effectively plan, manage and oversee this 24-week season.

• Spring Season: effectively plan, manage and oversee this 12-week season.

• For all of the above, this includes: registration management, communication & marketing strategy, competition management, staff oversight, governance compliance and more.

• Event management across a number of key dates a year: Gala Day, Gala and Awards Night, other parent events.

Non-Seasonal football activity 

• Manage the school holiday camp program set up, registrations, communication.

• Grow the school holiday camp offering to attract more members.

• Manage the school football program set up, registrations and communication.

• Develop the existing school programs and target new schools for further growth.

• Implement feedback and continuous improvement to these programs.

Member communications, social media and PR

• Frequent and ongoing communication to our member base is required in the form of emails, calls, text messages, EDMs and newsletters.

• Ongoing social media engagement and PR via our website with a clear strategy.

• Management of our club website to promote activities and seasons.

• Management of the registration programs (Play Football, Revolutionise Sport, etc.)

Sponsorship and grants

• In charge of sponsorship acquisition, execution and engagement.

• Seek out and apply to relevant grant opportunities.

Staff management and operations

• Organise communication to staff across administration and coaching.

• Liaise with the Technical Director and coaching staff when relevant.

• Operate an internship program with local universities..

Supplier management

• Plan yearly orders for playing uniforms with our supplier.

• Frequent check ins with our supplier (inventory check ins, order history, order trends, etc.).

• Ensure uniform production and delivery is satisfactory.

• Organise other equipment orders and deliveries (signage, football equipment, etc.) 

Governing body relations:

• Work closely with the Eastern Suburbs Football Association for all matters relating to competition management (Winter Season) and ongoing governance within junior and senior leagues.

• Management of the Kanga Cup competition with Capital Football (ACT).

• Occasional interactions will be needed with Football New South Wales and Football Australia 

Council relations:

• Further relationships and establish clear communication with various local governments and councils around Sydney. 

• Manage field booking processes for Summer and Winter across these councils with a clear understanding of club needs.

• Increase club engagement with local council members and politicians.

Club structure and Board of Directors:

• This role reports to the Board of Directors of Easts Football Club. Frequent communication and quarterly presentations to track KPIs are expected. 

• Work closely with the club President and Technical Director.

Key Competencies:

• 5+ years of management experience within a sports club, association or other relevant business.

• An understanding and appreciation of community sport in Australia.

• Very strong communication and organisational skills.

• A passion for project management - both short and long term.

• A solutions focused mindset ready to adapt to different situations.

• A keen eye for detail but also able to see the bigger picture.

• A team player who works well in a fast paced and often changing environment.

• Fluent knowledge of English - written and spoken.

• Knowledge of Google Suite, registration platforms and other relevant technological tools.

• Driver’s licence. 

• Valid Working With Children Check.

• Valid National Police Check.

Desirable criteria:

• Bachelor's Degree or more in Business Administration, Sports Management or equivalent.

• Citizenship, permanent residency or the ability to work in Australia full time.