About us

The NSW Institute of Sport [NSWIS] is a high performance sporting organisation that supports Australian athletes to become world’s best. We reach all regions of NSW with an Olympic and Paralympic training facility based at Sydney Olympic Park and high performance hubs across NSW that provide world class daily training environments for our athletes and coaches. Our experts work in collaboration with partners within the national sporting system to create and deliver high performance support services and environments to prepare athletes and coaches for international competition.

About the role

The NSWIS Head of Performance Psychology is a senior leadership position responsible for establishing and maintaining world-class expertise in the delivery of performance psychology services across NSWIS-supported programs. This role will drive the integration of contemporary performance psychology research, systems, and processes to foster innovation, elevate service standards, and contribute to system-wide knowledge advancement.

The successful candidate will oversee and manage the technical delivery of performance psychology support across all NSWIS sport programs. This includes the recruitment, deployment, professional development, and direct line management of NSWIS-employed and contracted Performance Psychologists. A key focus of the role is ensuring a consistent and evidence-informed approach to athlete psychological support, aligned with high-performance outcomes.

In addition to its leadership and management responsibilities, this role will provide direct performance psychology support to the Canoe Slalom National Training Program, based at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium. While the role is primarily based at the NSWIS Headquarters in Sydney Olympic Park, regular face-to-face delivery and collaboration across both sites will be required.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a progressive leader in performance psychology to shape the strategic direction and delivery of psychological support services at NSWIS, while also contributing to and collaborating on the national performance psychology strategy.

This is a NSWIS Head of Discipline position, attracting a salary range of $137,648 - $150,552 plus superannuation which will be negotiable depending upon experience and expertise.  The contract period for this role is up to 31 December 2028 in line with the Olympic cycle. 

This is an identified position requiring a Working with Children Check.

For further information about the role and the key accountabilities please see the job description.

About you

You will have:

• 7+ years’ experience delivering applied Performance Psychology services, including 2+ years in high performance environments supporting world-class athletes.
• Proven success applying Performance Psychology to support multi-season athlete planning and medal-winning performances (or equivalent).
• At least 2 years’ experience mentoring or supervising psychologists and mental health practitioners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing staff to achieve strategic and performance outcomes.
• Experience designing and implementing strategies that enhance service and organisational performance.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
• A collaborative approach, with experience working in integrated teams alongside coaches and athletes.
• High professional integrity and strong leadership skills in managing and developing people.

Essential Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Psychology or related field
• Registered psychologist with AHPRA
• Sport Psychology endorsement from AHPRA or equivalentCPR certificate
• Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) Anti-doping Fundamentals & annual update
• SIA (PBTR) Child Protection and Safeguarding
• Valid Driver’s License
• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• First Aid and CPR Certificate

This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles that may arise over the next 18 months.

For more information about the NSW Institute of Sport please visit nswis.com.au.

NSWIS 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

Commitment to Diversity

The NSW Institute of Sport is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce which reflects our community, sport partners and athletes. We encourage applications from suitable candidates including; of all ages, genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, veterans, refugees, LGBTIQ+ community and people with disability.

The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) recognises everyone is unique, and that you may require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply. If we can make some adjustments to the NSWIS recruitment/interview process, then please email nswis_recruitment@nswis.com.auand let us know.