• Fixed Term Contract through until 31 December 2028 with the possibility of extension.

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

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 the six non-Olympic disciplines (Canoe Polo, Freestyle, Marathon, Ocean Racing, Wildwater and SUP), as well as recreational paddling.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

To manage the daily program requirements of the Paddle Australia (PA) Canoe Slalom High Performance (HP) Program at the NCE. This includes providing management, administrative and logistical support to coaches and athletes, coordinating the DTE and support staff, planning and preparing team camps and competitions. As a member of the HPP SLT, the role contributes to the overall direction of the program in accordance with Paddle Australia’s HP Strategic Plan.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team work with and support the National Head Coach – Canoe Slalom to bring to life the Strategic Plan
• Work with the National Head Coach to articulate and share the Slalom Program’s performance and operational requirements to enable the SLT’s guidance and decision-making process for the program
• Contributing to and promoting the overall strategic direction of the HP program and providing high level management and administrative support to the National Performance Director.
• Manage the daily operations of the Canoe Slalom HP Program at the NCE and the national Canoe Slalom team including:
  • the daily supervision of staff
  • domestic and international travel planning and coordination
  • budget planning, review and administration
  • staff meetings and planning forums
  • administering athlete agreements, and selection process
  • coordinate AMS administration and ASADA SIA compliance requirements
  • oversee the development and application of program-specific procedures and processes.
• Managing staff who directly report to you including establishing and monitoring development plans, providing feedback and ongoing support to allow them to operate efficiently and effectively.
• Coordinating and organising the individual athlete performance plans and performance support processes and personnel when required under the direction of the National Head Coach and Performance Support & Innovation Manager.
• Supporting National Head Coach and National Slalom Coaches in all national program administration requirements and team coordination / manager responsibilities, as required.
• Providing an effective point of liaison, communication and coordination between the NPD, National Head Coach National Slalom Coaches, Performance Support Manager, Performance support staff, PA Management and staff, and external stakeholders.
• Acting as ‘Team Manager’ at specified domestic and international camps and competitions as determined by the NPD.
• Assist the NPD with administering the AIS categorisation and SIS/SAS reporting and team selection requirements.
• Exercising judgement and making operational decisions within established delegations, policies and procedures.
• Under the direction of the NPD, administer the operational and capital budgets of the program within PA guidelines.
• Manage the team uniform procurement, distribution, stock management and budget process in collaboration with Program Manager – Sprint
• Planning, organising and managing program/discipline complex projects, competitions, events and other initiatives as required.
• Working collaboratively with Paddle Australia’s ‘Sport Service’ and ‘Corporate’ business units to achieve consistent outcomes for the organisation as a whole and efficiencies where possible.
• Contributing appropriately to the general well-being of program athletes and staff.
• Managing athlete, coach and staff adherence to PA policies and procedures and ensure that any progress/issues are accurately reported to PA management.
• Liaise with PWS in finalising trainings schedules, general access to PWS and communicating any issues that may arise.

General

• Partner with and work effectively and collaborative across PA to achieve organisational goals, targets and objectives.
• Provide regular updates to the National Performance Director on progress and/or issues, as required.
• Proactively plan, manage, coordinate, track and run assigned tasks.
• Attend and participate in meetings and events as required.
• Uphold and foster a culture of high performance, excellence and continuous improvement within PA.
• Conduct thorough checking of work by others and self-checking of information and documentation.
• Ensuring documentation kept up to date and in good order.
• Undertake other reasonable tasks as delegated by National Performance Director.
• Perform general office duties as required.
• Adopt continuous learning and improvement processes in all aspects of the position.
• Implement, participate and promote PA national program initiatives, protocols, values, policies, processes and procedures.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in and/or relevant experience in Business, Management or Sports Administration or equivalent.
• Current Working With Children Check, or the ability to obtain one.

Experience/Skill Level Required

• Demonstrated experience in the management, coordination or administration of a High Performance sport program.
• Experience managing complex programs, projects or events that involve both internal and external stakeholders and relationship / partnership management.
• Experience in arranging complex group travel within Australia and overseas.
• Experience and/or in-depth understanding in the management of an office and/or sport/recreation facility and equipment.
• Demonstrated skill and expertise in forming effective working relationship and business partnerships with a diverse range of groups and individuals.
• Outstanding liaison, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated high level skills in the management of budgets.
• Demonstrated high level of skills in Microsoft Office Suite and financial systems.
• Experience in maintaining records to meet organisational and legislative requirements.
• Understanding of the standards and demands on athletes and coaches within international level sport and the concepts of sports science and sports medicine.
• The ability to work flexible ‘out of hours’ and travel domestically and internationally
• A minimum of 5 years in a similar Sports Administration position or equivalent.

Aptitude & Interpersonal Skills

• Willingness to accept that the role requires ‘out-of-hours’ work and interstate and international travel is required.
• Passion for excellence with a strong desire to excel and willingness to establish and strive for stretch goals.
• A willingness to learn, adapt and bring new ideas with the goal of continuing to improve.
• Strong professional communication (both verbal and written), negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Awareness of and ability to work in accordance with the PA’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.
• Ability to understand, respond to the requirements and be empathic to elite athletes and coaches.
• Ability to lead, drive and manage change through influence rather than authority.
• Proactive, self-motivated and has a passion to achieve excellence.
• Ability to delegate, influence and motivate people at all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to motivate and inspire individuals towards achieving higher levels of performance.
• Capacity to establish the trust and respect of the internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong ability to transfer information, skills and knowledge to other staff members.
• Ability to work with colleagues at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong leadership, project management and staff management skills.
• Ability to work well both within a team environment and autonomously.
• Strong organisational, planning, multi-tasking and prioritisation skills to achieve deadlines.
• Show initiative when undertaking tasks.
• Strong task management and coordination skills.
• Committed towards undertaking duties efficiently with a strong attention to detail.
• Excellent internal and external stakeholder management.
• Professional personal presentation suitable for the position.
• Strong skills in forward planning, analytical and strategic thinking.
• Strong judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to promote, interpret, communicate and work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation.

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.