Lead Change. Shape the Future. Grow the Sport.

Water Polo WA is seeking an experienced and inspirational Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation through its next phase of growth, reform and sustainability.

As the peak body for water polo in Western Australia, Water Polo WA represents more than 4,000 participants across 18 clubs and associations. We are a community-first, values-driven sporting organisation with strong foundations and a clear vision for the future.

Reporting to the Water Polo WA Board, the CEO will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership, overseeing day-to-day operations, driving sustainable participation and revenue growth, and nurturing strong relationships with our clubs, members, partners and government agencies.

In addition, Water Polo WA is currently undertaking a Whole of Sport Review to assess and strengthen our programs, governance, and structures. The CEO will project manage this significant initiative and lead the change management required to successfully implement its outcomes.

This is a rare opportunity to make a real difference in a sport on the rise - balancing long-term strategy with immediate, hands-on leadership across a passionate, tight-knit sporting community. This is your chance to lead change, grow a legacy and help shape the future of water polo in WA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Provide strong, effective leadership to the WA water polo community and the broader sport, ensuring its future development and promotion through well-executed programs and services.
• Project and change management: Project manage the Whole of Sport Review and lead the change management in delivering the project recommendations.
• Management: Lead the day-to-day operations of Water Polo WA, managing a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.
• Governance & Compliance: Work with the Board, staff and committees to implement a clear vision for the sport, aligned with long-term planning and good governance practices, while supporting the Board with timely and accurate reporting.
• Revenue: Develop and diversify income streams to support the delivery of competitions, development programs and services.
• Financial Management: Oversee annual budgets and ensure ongoing financial health and accountability across the organisation.
• Marketing, Communications & Brand: Enhance the profile and visibility of Water Polo WA through strong communications, branding and marketing partnerships.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with clubs, members, Water Polo Australia, government agencies and commercial partners.
• Grow the Sport: Lead strategies to increase participation and strengthen athlete, coach, official and volunteer pathways across all ages, regions and backgrounds.
• Customer Service: Build Water Polo WA’s reputation as a responsive, member-focused organisation with a strong service culture.
• Workplace: Maintain a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace culture, aligned with best-practice safety and employment standards.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Proven leadership experience in a CEO or senior executive role, ideally within sport or community-based organisations.
• Demonstrated success in driving organisational growth and managing change.
• Exceptional stakeholder and community engagement capabilities including experience working with volunteers.
• Commercial acumen with sound budgeting and financial oversight.
• Strong governance knowledge and experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading, inspiring and developing high-performing teams to deliver measurable results.
• Passion for community sport and the ability to champion a values-based culture.
• Willingness to work weekends and non-traditional hours as required including intra and interstate travel.
• A current Working with Children Card or the eligibility to obtain one.
• Current Driver’s License

Desirable

• Understanding of the Australian sports system, including relationships with Sport Australia, State Government, and State Sporting Associations.
• Experience in community sport development, event delivery, or high-performance sport pathways.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, sport management, or a related field.

Remuneration: An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Term: 2-year contract (with potential for renewal)