Reports to: High Performance Program Operational Lead
Area: High Performance
Roles that report to this role: Nil
ROLE PURPOSE
The purpose of Surfing Australia’s High Performance (HP) Program is to support Australian athletes to become the world’s best surfers and people.
The Program Coordinator role is to provide administrative, logistical, and operational support to ensure the smooth coordination of all activities, including camps, strikes, select competitions, and program operations across the High Performance Program. This role contributes to efficient program delivery by supporting planning, communication, documentation, financial administration, and on-ground logistics and coordination.
KEY CHALLENGES
Working in a fast-paced, complex multi-discipline high performance sport environment
- Coordinating multiple tasks and deadlines with limited resources
- Supporting collaboration across multiple stakeholders and creating strong relationships
- Adapting to evolving program needs, processes, and service delivery requirements
OUR CULTURE: Athlete focused, coach led, integrated performance teams
SA VALUES: Real, Progressive, Respectful, Protect
HP PROGRAM VALUES: Limitless, Authentic, Elite, Fun
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of Surfing Australia’s High Performance team, the High Performance Program Coordinator supports the planning, logistics and administration required for the delivery of Surfing Australia’s High-Performance programs. The role contributes to the effective coordination of camps, strike missions, events and competitions at the High-Performance Centre and at domestic and international locations, as directed by the High-Performance Operations Lead.
1. Program Coordination & Delivery Support
- Support the planning and delivery of High-Performance program activities, including camps, strike missions, events and competitions.
- Assist with the coordination of activities at the High-Performance Centre and at domestic and international locations.
- Ensure program delivery aligns with program objectives, athlete needs, performance standards and operational requirements.
2. Travel, Logistics & Event Coordination
- Coordinate travel, accommodation, logistics and operational planning across HP program activities (primarily Pathway), including domestic and international competitions and selected ISA campaigns.
- Support on-ground operations to ensure activities are delivered efficiently, safely and professionally.
3. Team & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with the HP Program Team and High-Performance Operations Lead to support effective program delivery.
- Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and athlete experience through proactive coordination and communication.
- Work collaboratively with other Surfing Australia departments to support organisational and sport outcomes.
4. Operational Systems & Administration
- Support operational excellence within the HP program through effective use of internal systems and processes, including:
- Digital platforms and administration systems
- Communication workflows and reporting requirements
- Visual identity and branding consistency
- Assist with maintaining accurate records, documentation and operational tracking to support seamless program delivery.
5. Financial & Administrative Support
- Support effective financial and administrative coordination for HP program activities as directed by the High-Performance Operations Lead.
- Assist with budget tracking, cost monitoring and invoice processing in line with approved budgets and governance requirements.
6. Culture, Communication & Values
- Support positive team operations and culture within the High-Performance environment.
- Assist with internal and athlete-focused communication across the HP program.
- Actively reflect and promote Surfing Australia values in everyday work practices.
7. Governance, WHS & Compliance
- Adhere to all Surfing Australia policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct.
- Comply with WHS legislation and Surfing Australia WHS policies, objectives and procedures.
- Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, athletes, visitors and contractors.
SUCCESS PROFILE
Type of experience:
- 2 years’ experience in an event or project management role
- 1+ years’ experience working in the sports industry
- 1+ years’ experience working in administration
- Demonstrated experience in influencing athletes and coaches for mutual program benefit.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and report concise and relevant information, including recommendations to stakeholders
- Proven success in managing athletes across season/campaigns at junior national or international level
- Proven experience in multi-tasking and assisting with project management to achieve business objectives
- Demonstrated ability to project manage, proanalyse information, interpret results and produce reports for program review
- Develop schedules, timelines, and milestones to ensure deadlines are completed on time
Key knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Exemplary customer service skills
- Prioritisation and organisational skills
- Exceptional oral and written communication
- Able to work in a team environment and independently
- Strong project management abilities
- Able to build strong relationships quickly
- Ability to read people, understand what they need, and be able to deliver it to them
- Have a 360-degree mindset for business development, working with partners to identify opportunities bespoke to their objectives
- Consistently look to innovate and streamline processes
- Knowledge and understanding of Australian High Performance sport systems
- Understanding of effective budget and resource management
- Understanding the requirements of High-Performance athletes, coaches and service providers
- Intermediate/Advanced knowledge of MS Office and other sports specific computer programs
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams
- Hard working and passionate about your career and about making a difference
- Knowledge of KPIs and marketing techniques for event management
- Outstanding negotiation ability
- A knack for problem-solving
- First Aid and Resuscitation Certificate preferred
- Current driver’s licence
- Working with Children Check
- Passionate surfer highly regarded
- Relevant University degree preferred
PLEASE NOTE:
- This position is required to travel domestically and/or internationally.
- This position requires/may require weekend work, or outside ordinary work hours.
- The successful candidate for this role will be subject to a National Police Criminal History Check prior to appointment.
- The successful candidate for this role will be required to undertake a Security Clearance.
Citizenship/Visa:
You must be an Australian citizen, have permanent residency status or a visa permitting you to work in Australia. You are required to notify.