About the Victorian Institute of Sport:
The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) was set up to assist the development of Victoria’s best athletes. It was established in 1990 by the State Government as a private trustee company, with its Board of Directors appointed by the Victorian Minister for Sport.
The VIS is located at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. The VIS headquarters completed a renovation in February 2023, providing a brand new workspace for athletes and staff. It is a non-residential institute, which utilises Melbourne’s outstanding sporting facilities, to allow high performance athletes to live and train in Melbourne, the sporting capital of Australia.
The VIS operates in partnership with National Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Associations to deliver high performance daily training environments (DTEs) for sports and athletes in support of the National High Performance Sport Strategy outcomes. Our facility and staff help prepare and support future and current Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth Games and World Champion athletes.
Employee Benefits:
The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) provides a supportive work environment for you to be your best whilst supporting Victoria's best athletes. In addition, all employees have access to:
- 2xu gear to proudly represent the VIS brand
- Friday Staff Sport - to get that competitive energy out and socialise with all staff
- Heavily subsidised access to St Ali barista coffee and Albert Park parking
- Professional development opportunities
- Newly renovated office with ergonomic sit/stand desks and plenty of natural light & open windows
- Free access to gym, boxing classes and pool/recovery facilities
About the role:
The VIS Para Sport Unit Athletics Coach plays a pivotal role in identifying and developing future Paralympic athletes with the potential to reach elite competition. They are responsible for building and coordinating a high-performance squad, ensuring world-class training, science, and medical support while continuously challenging the status quo.
Through a holistic approach, they facilitate athlete identification, coaching, eligibility guidance, and access to performance support, aligning with the Australian Athletics Athlete Categorisation Framework. The coach leads verification processes, fosters progression, and collaborates with athletics clubs to provide tailored development opportunities.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Lead talent identification initiatives in collaboration with Australian Athletics, Athletics Victoria, Paralympics Australia, and other Victorian stakeholders.
- Engage with athletics clubs, coaches, and community partners to promote early participation and long-term retention of Para-athletes.
- Support the Australian Athletics Athlete Categorisation Framework by identifying and guiding athletes with Paralympic potential.
- Design and implement a Para-athletics program that integrates best practices in coaching, training, and athlete development.
- Deliver technical and tactical coaching aligned with national performance directions.
- Provide periodised planning tailored to individual athlete needs, competition pathways, and available resources.
- Prepare athletes for domestic and international competition, including travel and camp support.
- Collaborate with VIS support services (sport medicine, S&C, sports science, wellbeing) to optimise athlete development.
- Contribute to Individual Athlete Performance Plans (IAPPs) to ensure tailored progressions and performance outcomes.
- Provide direct coaching and mentorship focused on skill acquisition and high-performance behaviours.
- Contribute technical expertise to Australian Athletics Paralympic Performance Pathway programs.
- Participate in national camps, research and innovation projects, and recovery initiatives.
- Support coaching development through mentorship and applied education programs.
- Engage in ongoing professional development through AIS, VIS, and Australian Athletics initiatives.
- Report regularly on program outcomes, athlete tracking, and technical advancements.
- Assist with budget planning and program administration in consultation with VIS and national high-performance staff.
Required Skills & Experience:
- Australian Athletics National Coaching Framework - Performance Accredited Coach (or international equivalent).
- Current Victorian Working with Children Check (must be in place before employment commences)
- Successful completion and currency of Level 1 & 2 Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) accreditation.
- Successful completion of SIA "Keep Sport Honest" Anti-match fixing education components
- Recent relevant coaching experience.
- Ability to work within the guidelines set by Australian Athletics as part of the National High-Performance system.
- Current First Aid & CPR qualification
Desired Skills & Experience:
- Graduate qualification in a sports related field
- Australian Athletics Advanced Coach accreditation working towards Performance Coach accreditation
- Technical knowledge of principles of athletics including techniques, coaching trends and international developments
- Demonstrated ability to manage, supervise and provide leadership to club coaches
- Ability to contribute to the development of the VIS high performance culture and environment.
- Experience and ability in dealing with volunteers and parents.
The VIS is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive space for all, celebrating our differences where everyone is valued, included and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, identities, ages, and abilities including those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people with a disability. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable opportunities for all, including making reasonable adjustments in recruitment and workplace processes to ensure everyone can perform at their best.
