Purpose

Working within the Community Rugby department and reporting to the Head of Game Development, the Female Participation Adviser is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of national female participation and workforce initiatives.

The role focuses on growing and supporting female participation across the community game by recruiting, developing and retaining players, coaches, match officials and administrators in both contact and non-contact formats, helping to deliver high-quality experiences for participants.

The Female Participation Adviser will lead the delivery of designated female participation programs and training initiatives, working collaboratively with key stakeholders including Rugby Australia staff, Member Unions, schools and clubs to drive consistent national outcomes.

In addition, the role will support the planning and on-field delivery of Community Rugby department programs, events and activations. Current coaching and/or match officiating experience and accreditation is strongly desired. 

Key Accountabilities

Strategy

• Utilise participation data and insights to inform strategies that grow and retain female players, coaches, match officials and administrators nationally.
• Identify and activate key participation drivers across junior, youth and senior rugby in both contact and non-contact formats.
• Lead the development and implementation of national recruitment and retention strategies for female participants and the community workforce.
• Provide strategic advice to Community Rugby teams on female participation priorities and opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with Member Unions to implement a consistent national strategy, supported by fit-for-purpose resources and local delivery plans.
• Identify opportunities to increase investment, partnerships and sustainable growth in female participation.
• Lead and contribute to research projects that inform the ongoing development of female rugby in Australia.

Pathways

• Support the delivery of national pathway events (when it is required), including the Australian Schools and Junior Rugby Union Championships and the Australian Rugby Shield.
• Coordinate education and professional development opportunities for female coaches, match officials and leaders, including seminars, e-learning and mentoring initiatives.
• Facilitate delivery of the Female Leadership Program.
• Support the development and delivery of junior and youth female participation programs.

Operational

• Act as the national lead and primary point of contact for community female participation programs and initiatives.
• Develop and manage female participation resources and content across Rugby Australia's digital platforms.
• Lead the training and support of Member Union Regional Development Officers to ensure the consistent and effective delivery of female participation initiatives.
• Support the delivery of Community Rugby programs, events and activations, including regional clinics, tours, season launches and test match activities.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, providing recommendations to improve participation, experience and operational effectiveness.

Other

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Member Unions, clubs, schools, volunteers and other key stakeholders to support female participation outcomes.
• Represent Rugby Australia at World Rugby forums, coach education programs, conferences and other industry events when it is required.
• Engage with the rugby community to identify emerging needs and opportunities that inform the ongoing evolution of Rugby Australia's female participation strategy.

Capabilities, Experience & Qualification Requirements

Capabilities

Required

• Strong communication skills with a written and verbal ability to develop and deliver presentations on program direction.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including an ability to analyse, plan, monitor, evaluate and prioritise.
• Ability to deliver practical programs and projects.
• Ability to initiate, monitor and review projects and activities in line with organisational plans.
• Demonstrated ability to think, plan and mobilise others to act strategically.

Experience

Required

• Coaching and/or match official experience in rugby.
• Disciplined budget management experience.
• Ability to maintain relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Desired

• Minimum of level two coaching accreditation and/or match officiating in rugby.
• Experience in mentoring individuals/groups.
• Previous position held in a local sporting organisation.
• Previous volunteer experience in sport.

Qualification Requirements

• Appropriate tertiary degree and/or relevant experience.
• All applicants for this role will be required to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment, including a current Working with Children Check (or equivalent) in the relevant state or territory jurisdiction.