Background

Following skateboarding’s Olympic debut in Tokyo, Skate Australia has taken the lead in delivering the Skateboarding High Performance Program. Backed by the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Institute of Sport, and State Institutes and Academies, we’re building a world-class, sustainable high-performance system aimed at Olympic and World Skate success.

With a clear focus on Brisbane 2032, our 2024 High Performance System Review is shaping the next chapter of growth, guided by the national Win Well Strategy. At Skate Australia, we’re committed to athlete wellbeing, operational excellence, and a performance culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and purpose.

The role of National Technical Lead

Reporting to the General Manager, High Performance, the National Technical Lead will oversee the technical leadership, planning, implementation and execution of the national high performance program.  The role will be responsible for ensuring a strong connection with the skate community and industry. 

The major focus will be on working with coaches and their athletes on driving success in the LA28 Olympic cycle and beyond. This position will not coach athletes in the daily performance environment (DPE) but rather support and lead coaches with a focus on ongoing development.

Key Responsibilities include: 

• Lead the technical delivery of Skate Australia’s High Performance Strategy, including the What It Takes To Win and National Athlete Categorisation Frameworks.
• Oversee SIS/SAS program alignment and ensure effective Daily Performance Environments (DPEs) that support categorised athlete development and preparation.
• Manage the Individual Performance Plan (IPP) process and ensure all national athletes have tailored plans supported by aligned coaching and performance staff.
• Provide leadership to the Performance Pathways Coordinator and coaches, supporting holistic athlete development and growth of coaching capability.
• Lead the Performance Data & Analytics function to drive evidence-based decisions and track athlete progress toward Olympic and performance outcomes.
• Champion a strong, inclusive team culture that reflects the skateboarding community, and maintain clear reporting and communications with the GM High Performance and key stakeholders.
• Some after hours or weekend work will be part of the role
• This position will require domestic travel and may require overseas travel

This is a full time, fixed term contract until 31 December 2028.

The location of this role is Gold Coast, QLD, however Skate Australia are open to other locations for the right candidate.

About you

The successful candidate will have:

• Extensive experience and proven success in leading a Skateboarding program internationally with a strong technical background.
• Extensive experience in high-performance sport, including managing elite-level programs, aligned with national integrity and child safety standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary best practices in sport science, coaching, and athlete development.
• Expertise in planning and executing strategies and frameworks that yield measurable performance outcomes (performance, athlete pathways and coach development).
• Established international networks with a well-developed understanding the international and industry competitive landscape

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Sports Management, Coaching, Leadership (desirable), or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• National Police / Criminal History Check
• Working with Children / Working with Vulnerable People Check
• You must be an Australian citizen, have permanent residency status or a visa permitting you to work in Australia.

For further information about the role and requirements, please carefully review the Position Description.