POSITION DESCRIPTION
Job Title: General Manager Commercial & Community
Description: Full-Time Position
Reports To: Group Chief Operations Officer (COO) working as part of the Executive Leadership Team.
Date Prepared / Revised: 30 August 2025
Location: RAS Ltd enjoys the use of multiple regional offices, including two in the Greater Sydney region, Central Coast and Newcastle, ONE of these offices will be the primary location for day-to-day work, noting that a flexible work environment is available. Work will also be required across multiple regions at times. The role will require travel to meet with partners and stakeholders across multiple regional areas. Flexible working hours may be necessary to accommodate global partners.
Position Purpose
The General Manager Commercial & Community (GMCC) is responsible for attracting and retaining commercial partners to support the financial sustainability and growth of the Regional Academies of Sport. This role involves ensuring timely delivery of sponsorship entitlements and working closely with global corporate partners whose influence spans all regions of the Regional Academies of Sport Ltd. The GMCC will help underpin the cost of delivering robust sporting programs through effective commercial strategies. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the GMCC plays a critical role in shaping the organisation’s commercial landscape and reports directly to the COO.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Partnerships & Sponsorship
- Identify, attract, and secure new commercial partners and sponsorship deals for the organisation.
- Ensure a strong retention of all commercial partners in maintained by developing and maintaining strong relationships with existing corporate partners.
- Ensure all sponsorship entitlements and commitments are delivered promptly and accurately with support from the commercial team.
- Provide oversight of evaluation reports for corporate partners as required.
- Work with the commercial team and team of regional managers to ensure consistency of ‘designation value’ across the RAS network.
- Collaborate with partners to maximise the value and impact of sponsorships.
- Work closely with Local Government Areas to enhance the RAS commercial acquisition program.
- Liaise regularly with both State and Federal Members of Parliament including appointed Minister who have direct influence on NSW, SA and Tasmanian Government funding of the RAS.
- Ensure delivery on commercial KPI’s for the wider organisation’s major partners.
- Grow and support an advancement strategy focusing on grants and philanthropic income.
- Financial Management
- Contribute to the financial well-being of the organisation through effective commercial strategies.
- Work closely with both RAS global and region-specific corporate partners to secure funding and resources.
- Monitor and analyse the financial impact of commercial activities.
- Establish commercial KPI’s including corporate partners, grants and philanthropic endeavours including a marketing and communications budget.
- Provide regular financial updates and reports to the CEO, COO and Board as required.
- Strategic Planning
- Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with organisational goals.
- Set acquisition targets for new commercial partners and retention targets for existing ones.
- Identify new market opportunities and areas for growth.
- Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team to shape overall business strategy.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with key stakeholders to promote the organisation’s Vision, Mission and Value proposition.
- Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and meetings.
- Foster positive relationships with external stakeholders, including media and community groups.
- Team Leadership
- Lead and manage the commercial team, including the Regional Manager network, ensuring high performance and professional development.
- Manage and develop a marketing a communications strategy within the commercial and community team.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture.
- Implement performance management processes to achieve commercial objectives.
- Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure all commercial activities comply with relevant regulations and organisational policies.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation for all commercial agreements and activities.
- Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
Reporting Relationships
GM Commercial & Community and works collaboratively with the broader Commercial Team, with support from the CEO, COO, and other members of the Executive Leadership Team. The role also requires close collaboration with the regional managers as needed to execute partnership obligations.
Expectations / Qualifications / Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in commercial management, sponsorship, or business development.
- Proven track record of securing and managing high-value commercial partnerships.
- Strong financial acumen and strategic thinking abilities.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Understanding of the sports or not-for-profit sector is desirable.
- An awareness of the essential need to be a ‘Child Safe’ sporting organisation.
- Proficiency in relevant software and tools.
Key Competencies
- Commercial thinking and revenue generation focus.
- Proposal Writing & Presentation Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Strategic relationship management.
- Contract Fulfilment & Reporting
- Team Leadership promoting collaboration & growth
- Project & Event Coordination
- Attention to Detail & Accountability
Remuneration / Entitlements
A Total Remuneration Package (TRP) will be agreed with the COO, the TRP equals a Base Salary, plus 12% Super. In addition to the TRP a supplementary benefits package will be contained within the Employee Terms and Conditions Agreement supplied separately to this document. The employment agreement and inclusions MUST remain confidential between the employee and employer.
Notes
- The role will be employed by RAS Ltd, servicing all its member regions.
- You must have a valid Working With Children Check prior to being appointed by the RAS Ltd.
- The GM Commercial & Community agrees to follow the RAS Ltd Child Safety Standards
- This role will be subject to an initial 6-month probationary period
If you are interested we would love to hear from you. Please send through your current resume & cover letter to: sallie@regionalacademies.org.au
