THIS ROLE

Surfing Western Australia is seeking a full time Major Events Manager with core responsibility to the Margaret River Pro and other key WA based surfing events. The successful applicant will be the organisational lead in planning and delivering surfing events in all areas of competitions with a focus on Major events including the Margaret River Pro, Whalebone Longboard Classic, King of the Point, the WA Pro surf series and a suite of other state and nationally sanctioned events.

Surfing Western Australia is seeking a candidate with previous Major Event operations experience, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and a proven ability to work in a team environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing event requirements while driving innovation within the Surfing WA event calendar. Critical to this role is the ability to manage each event within budget, as well as preparing event reports and reviews for both internal and external stakeholders.

ATTRIBUTES

• Professional, friendly and respectful attitude to all staff and stakeholders
• Excellent time management and attention to detail.
• Highly motivated with a clarity surrounding proactive thought processes.
• An understanding of surfing and its pathways.
• Analytical thought process with the ability to works towards both short- and long-term goals either individually or within a team setting.
• Positive proactive approach, with strong communication skills.
• Highly organised, with capacity to lead by example.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven leadership ability, with a highly organised approach to leadership.
• Experience as an events manager, or similar role.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and general comprehension of financial and business principles and best practices.
• Fine-tuned communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to people at all levels as well as working collaboratively within local surfing communities. 
• Proven experience developing and overseeing budgets.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and managing event delivery, including sponsorship deliverables.
• Good computing skills including Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Advanced understanding of role that main stream media and social media play in delivery and promotion of events.

KEY DUTIES

The Surfing Western Australia Major Events Manager will report directly to the CEO and Head of Operations and will be responsible for:

EVENT MANAGMENT

• Leading the implementation of major West Australian surfing events, including the Margaret River Pro at Margaret River.
• Providing leadership, direction, and performance management to contract staff of Surfing WA.
• Recruit and manage contract staff/volunteers
• Coordinate team to deliver necessary event logistics
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with diverse stakeholders and implement solutions when issues arise
• Liaise and negotiate with key stakeholders, sponsors, and contractors

BUSINESS FUNCTIONALITY

• Engaging with and developing strong working relationships with the broader sports industry, key surfing and Government stakeholders.
• Actively working as part of a team to increase and diversify revenue streams and manage costs to improve financial sustainability.
• Add value to Surfing WA’s strategic and operational goals.
• Work with Head of Operations and Programs Team to ensure good working order of Surfing WA’s equipment and storage facility.
• Seek out new partnership opportunities.

ADMINISTRATION

• Meeting legislative, policy, reporting, funding agreement and other contractual requirements.
• Oversee the risk management and compliance of Surfing WA’s events and programs – including development and updating of Risk management plans.
• Ensure compliance with Surfing WA’s policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Liaise with local authorities regarding annual operations, permitting and compliance with relevant building codes and authorities.
• Revision, maintenance, and update of Surfing WA’s annual risk management plans and standard operating procedures.
• Setting and oversight of event budgets.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend and contribute to the delivery of Surfing WA’s core events and programs as required.
• Attend meetings and represent Surfing WA on various groups and committees as required.
• Any other duties with the employee’s capabilities and which is fair and reasonable to expect the employee to undertake as directed by the Chief Executive Officer from time to time.
• Oversee event equipment maintenance (jet-skis, trailers, generators, etc)

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO

• Degree in Event or Sports Management, or related field of study
• Previous major events experience.
• Relevant education and experience within the sport and industry sector.
• Experience working in state sporting organisations, on major sporting events and an understanding of the sport of surfing.
• Experience in working with a variety of different stakeholders.
• Experience in acquiring sponsorships/partnerships and ability to service requirements accordingly.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Out of hours work will be required (specifically around Major Events).
• Some intra-state travel will be required.
• This position requires you to have a satisfactory driving record, current driver's license and be willing to drive.
• Current WA Working with Children Check.
• Obtain relevant First Aid and CPR qualifications.
• Be willing to obtain relevant surf rescue qualifications.
• Current White card, Forklift license and Traffic Control License is desirable.