This is an Identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander role. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible to apply.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The First Nations Programs Manager will lead the design and implementation of Netball NSW’s First Nations strategies, with a particular focus on increasing participation and representation of First Nations peoples in all areas and levels of netball in NSW. The role will lead the Netball NSW Reconciliation Action Plan, as well as facilitate the meetings and outcomes of the RAP working group and the Netball NSW Aboriginal Advisory Group. It will play a key role in creating and implementing community programs with direct impact on First Nations communities. 

This role ensures Netball NSW’s programs, competitions, and workforce pathways are inclusive, accessible, and culturally safe. It will involve close collaboration with internal teams, local communities, government stakeholders, and partner organisations to design sustainable, community-led programs that reflect Netball NSW’s strategic vision and meet First Nations community and funding obligations. 

NETBALL NSW OVERVIEW 

Netball NSW is a not-for-profit organisation, governed by a Board of Directors and managed by professional staff. Netball NSW is the peak state sporting organisation responsible for the governance, development, promotion and administration of netball throughout New South Wales and is a member organisation of Netball Australia. 

Netball NSW provides the framework for approximately 115,000 registered members and over 150,000 total participants to enjoy netball at all levels throughout New South Wales. Our sport continues to grow both on and off the court and much of this success can be attributed to the wide range of programs, facilities and services Netball NSW offers to its members and participants - from the grassroots level through to the elite, professional level.

Netball NSW has a proud history of elite netball teams and athletes’ performances in national and international competition. Over 300 athletes have proudly represented NSW in elite competition since the inception of the national netball league in 1997 and then the ANZ Championship.  2017 saw the introduction of the Suncorp Super Netball, the top Australian domestic competition which includes two NSW elite teams, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Program Development 

• Assist in development and implementation of Netball NSW’s Strategy, with a strong focus on First Nations participation.
• Oversee the creation and rollout of programs targeting First Nations communities, ensuring alignment with Netball NSW’s strategic goals and government priorities. 
• Collaborate in the design and delivery of culturally safe training and education modules for coaches, officials, volunteers, and administrators to build workforce capability. 

Community and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Act as the key liaison between Netball NSW and First Nations community leads across metro and regional NSW. 
• Establish partnerships and engage with community leaders, government agencies (e.g., Community Elders, Office of Sport), local councils, schools, and other sporting bodies to co-design and deliver meaningful initiatives. 
• Represent Netball NSW in relevant forums, advisory panels, and cross-sector collaborations focused on First Nations inclusion and community development. 

Workforce Development and Mentorship 

• Collaboratively design initiatives that grow and diversify First Nations participation in the netball workforce, including coaching, umpiring, and leadership pathways. 
• Develop and oversee mentorship programs that support emerging talent, administrators, and volunteers from First Nations backgrounds. 
• Partner with internal departments and external organisations to deliver inclusion-focused workforce training and retention programs. 
• Support career pathways for First Nations staff and volunteers within Netball NSW and partner associations 

Participation Program Management

• Collaborate with key departments (Community, Pathways, Competitions) to ensure programs and competitions are inclusive and reflect the needs of First Nations participants. 
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of community initiatives such as Koori Tournament and Gala Days, NAIDOC Week, Harmony Week, and other cultural events. 
• Ensure programs reflect the voices and leadership of First Nations communities through co-design approaches. 
• Support Associations and Clubs to implement inclusive practices and provide tools/resources to build welcoming environments. 

Data, Reporting and Impact Evaluation

• Develop and manage data frameworks to monitor and track progress in participation, retention, and community reach against First Nations participation goals. 
• Prepare and present regular reports on program outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and impact for internal and external stakeholders, including government funders. 
• Identify grant and funding opportunities to support growth initiatives and work with the Finance team to track budgets and KPIs related to First Nations programs. 

Key Relationships

• Internal: Communities team, Pathways, Netball NSW Foundation, Schools, Competitions, Marketing & Comms, Government Relations, Netball NSW Aboriginal Advisory  
• External: Netball NSW Associations & Clubs, First Nations community groups, government agencies, schools, Elite Clubs (NSW Swifts and GIANTS), Netball Australia, and funding partners 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates for the position of the First Nations Programs Manager will require a range of personal and professional skills including:

Essential

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community 
• Proven experience leading First Nations community development or inclusion programs at a strategic and operational level. 
• Strong cultural competency and understanding of First Nations perspectives and engagement principles. 
• Demonstrated experience building stakeholder partnerships and leading cross-functional collaboration. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public presentations. 
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Desirable

• Knowledge of the sport or community recreation sector. 
• Experience in participation growth, grassroots sport development, or workforce development. 
• Experience with government funding and reporting requirements. 

Other

• NSW Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain) 
• Current driver’s license and ability to travel across NSW 
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required 

Please Note: This is an Identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander role. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are eligible to apply pursuant to the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977)  

CHILD SAFE ORGANISATION

Please note: Netball NSW 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. All candidates must have a valid Working with Children Check.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Netball NSW is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally diverse backgrounds; young people; older workers; people with disabilities; the LGBTQIA+ community; and other under-represented groups.

WHY WORK FOR US?

NNSW strives to offer a range of benefits to support a healthy work environment and a sustainable work-life balance, no matter your role and stage in life.

• Additional leave day for your Birthday;
• Free parking for those that have to drive to work or 800m walk to Sydney Olympic Park Train Station;
• NNSW funded membership with the Connected Membership exclusively for Sydney Olympic Park employees, residents and students providing everyday discounts and exclusive offers including free admission offers and discounted tickets for events at Sydney Olympic Park.
• Free and discounted tickets to NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball home games;
• Pawsivity - bring your four-legged friend to work so you can enjoy their happy presence while you work;
• Wellness programs including: our Employment Assistance Program (EAP); NNSW lunchtime league social sports teams in volleyball, netball, soccer and touch footy.