• Ideally located on Gold Coast, QLD but open to discussion.

OUR VISION AND VALUES

Paddle Australia (PA) is the National Sports Organisation (NSO) responsible for the management, coordination, development and promotion of paddlesports in Australia. PA is recognised by the Federal Government and represents the interests of its members to government and the public.

We stand at the intersection of sport and lifestyle. We are the home of paddlesports.

PA is committed to the provision of a high standard of competition, safety and opportunity for paddling participation in Australia. This includes the development and delivery of the successful Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint Olympic and Paralympic programs and seven international sport disciplines (Canoe Polo, Freestyle, Marathon, Waveski Surfing, Ocean Racing, Wildwater and SUP), as well as recreational paddling.

PA is recognised by the International Canoe Federation (ICF); Oceania Canoe Association (OCA); Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS); Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Paralympics Australia. PA works in close partnership with the various State Institute and Academies of Sport (SIS/SAS) in delivering its high-performance programs in Canoe Slalom, Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe. As the peak body for paddlesport related activity in Australia, PA works collaboratively with six (6) State Paddle Associations (SPAs), around 125 active clubs, nine (9) disciplines and approximately 12,000 members, instructors and coaches. 

Operating in a commercial and inclusive manner with government, business and community, PA ensures the value of competitive and recreational paddling is understood and supported in all policy and business decisions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Executive Support

• Provide high-level executive support to the CEO and COO, including calendar management, email triaging, travel bookings (domestic and international), and confidential correspondence.
• Assist in preparing materials and briefing documents for meetings, presentations, and external engagements.
• Liaise professionally with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the CEO and COO, upholding PA’s values and reputation.
• Provide support to PA’s executive leadership team as required.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity.

Committee & Governance Support

• Provide secretarial support to the Board, Board Committees and the Discipline Technical Committees utilising contemporary technology.
• Prepare agendas, distribute papers, take accurate meeting minutes, and manage follow-up actions.
• Maintain accurate records and filing in line with governance procedures and contribute to improving systems that uphold best-practice governance and transparency.

Member & Operational Support

• Support the Executive & Membership Operations Manager by assisting with member queries and communications, improving workflow and strengthening cross-functional delivery.
• Maintain and update member records and provide first line support to members and club administrators using PA’s membership platform, JustGo.
• Conduct first level governance and compliance checks for club-hosted events and activities in line with PA’s integrity and safety frameworks.
• Contribute to general office coordination and provide support across departments during peak periods or major projects.

Communications & Engagement

• Coordinate the monthly newsletter, including drafting, proofreading, and working with internal staff to finalise content and schedule distribution.
• Support organisational projects including the Annual General Meeting, National Conference, Awards Dinner, and Annual Report development.

General

• Be aware of, understand and comply with PA Policies (current copies available on the PA website).
• Partner with and work effectively and collaboratively across PA to achieve organisational goals, targets and objectives.
• Ensure documentation, including Operations Manuals, are kept up to date and in good order.
• Attend and participate in meetings and events as required.
• Uphold and foster a culture of high performance, excellence and continuous improvement within PA.
• Provide regular updates to the COO on progress and/or issues, as required.
• Adopt continuous learning and improvement processes in all aspects of the position.
• Undertake other reasonable tasks as delegated by the COO, CEO and PA Board.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business administration or equivalent experience.
• Current Working with Children Check, or the ability to obtain one prior to employment.

Experience/Skill Level Required

• 3-5 years’ experience in an Executive Assistant, Office Manager or equivalent.
• Proven track record in supporting senior executives and/or Boards or Committees.
• Ability to utilise technology and software for reporting.
• Strong experience with meeting coordination, agenda preparation, minute-taking, and document control.
• Demonstrated ability to manage databases or CRM systems.
• Previous experience successfully coordinating or contributing to projects or events.
• Experience working in a not-for-profit, membership-based, or sporting organisation.
• Experience with Mailchimp or similar email marketing software.
• Exposure to finance or invoicing systems (e.g., Xero).

Aptitude & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong professional communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to transfer information, skills and knowledge to others.
• Proactive, self-motivated, shows initiative and has a passion to achieve excellence.
• Adaptable and solutions-oriented, with the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
• Capacity to actively engage and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong task management, multi-tasking and prioritisation skills to achieve deadlines.
• Sound problem-solving abilities, with a focus on delivering results and driving continuous improvement.
• Ability to work well both within a team environment and autonomously.
• Approaches tasks with confidentiality, professionalism, efficiency and strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrates a service-first mindset and a commitment to inclusivity, accountability, and team success.
• Able to self-manage and work flexible hours when required.
• Ability to promote, interpret, communicate and work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING

Paddle Australia 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.

Please refer to Appendix 2 of the PA Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy for more information about recruitment and screening for child-related positions.