The Role

Reporting to the High Performance (HP) Pathways Manager, the Performance Pathways Skiff Coach (NSW) will be responsible for delivery and support of on-water technical coaching for the NSW State Sailing Performance Programs (SSPP). This is a full-time position based at the Australian Sailing National Training Centre. Middle Harbour Yacht Club will serve as the primary training base for the NSW SSPP.

This role involves working closely within Australian Sailing’s Performance Pathways program and with High Performance program staff through to community/club services staff to ensure alignment and integration across all stages of the athlete pathway. Some after hours and weekend work, as well as regional and interstate travel will be required.

Principle Accountabilities

In alignment with the Australian Sailing’s High Performance Strategy 2032+ and the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) SSPP’s objectives and strategy, the primary responsibilities of the Performance Pathways Skiff Coach (NSW) include:

• Providing on water coaching for NSWIS SSPP identified/categorised athletes in the local training environment, scheduled training camps and at major state and national regattas.
• Provide backfill coaching support as required across the NSWIS SSPP and wider Australian Sailing Performance Pathways team.
• Creating and actioning robust training, regatta and review plans (to be agreed with HP Pathways Manager.
• Work closely with the National FX & 49er Squad coaches to deliver prioritised programming to: (1) LA 2028 and (2) Brisbane 2032 podium potential classes. This prioritisation and programming will be led by the Technical Director and HP Pathways Manager in close consultation with the National Squad coaches.
• Support the HP Pathways Manager and Australian Sailing Performance Pathways program with:
  • Athlete ID, confirmation, program planning and review including athletes’ Individual Development Plans (IDPs) etc.
  • Managing stakeholders e.g. NSWIS/AIS, Australian Saling’s Grow & Support Teams, Clubs, parents etc. including progress reports for individuals and programs as required.
  • Management of any contract/visitor coaches within the NSW environment.
  • Planning and logistics for camps and events as required.
• Attending and actively participating in identified sailing initiatives across the state to aid coach development with the underpinning club and association networks.
• Ensuring NSWIS Developing and Emerging athletes within the skiff classes (49erFX & 49er) have IDPs/Campaign Plans and are receiving the support they require to enable them to optimise their rate of development.
• In conjunction with the NSWIS performance support staff, contribute to individual development planning and monitoring process for athletes.
• Support agreed underpinning camps, Futures Squad activities, key youth regattas and/or other initiatives, aimed at strengthening and developing the performance pathways.
• Work with relevant Performance Pathway staff to produce and action an agreed professional development plan (IDP) including those delivered by external stakeholders e.g., AIS/NSWIS Coach Programs.
• Oversee the HP Program’s Manly 16’ Skiff program in close collaboration with the National 49erFX and 49er Squad Coaches. This will include coordinating and managing multiple crew combinations throughout the season, drawing on athletes from the HP Program’s targeted skiff and double-handed classes, as well as, where appropriate, athletes from other Olympic classes.
• Undertaking administrative responsibilities, including season, session and regatta planning and review processes, as well as regular progress meetings.
• Undertaking required logistics for the team at camps and events around your own coaching needs.
• Maintaining any allocated coach boat, trailer and any other required equipment for your own use and remain accountable for its servicing.
• Reading, understanding and adhering to the relevant Australian Sailing policies and processes while operating within the environments and reporting any breaches to the relevant bodies.
• Participating in regular Australian Sailing Performance Pathway Team meetings via video conference and/or in person, where required.
• Demonstrating collaborative behaviours, professional standards and effective communication.
• Wear NSWIS or Australian Sailing Performance Pathways uniform in relevant working environments.
• Adhering to the Australian Sailing’s R.I.T.E. values and behaviours.

Key Relationships

Australian Sailing

• HP Pathways Manager 
• Technical Director
• State Performance Pathways Coordinator
• National Squad Coaches
• HP Program Staff
• NSW Contract Coaches
• AS Performance Support Team
• Support and Grow Team Staff

Sailing Stakeholders

• NSWIS Performance Support Team and Management Staff
• NSWIS SSPP Stakeholders
• State Class Associations (NSW)
• Middle Harbour Yacht Club
• NSW Club Network

External

• Australian Institute of Sport
• State Institute/Academies of Sport
• Parents of Performance Pathways Athletes

Attributes

Qualifications & Experience

• A good understanding of international best practice in sailing performance pathway frameworks.
• A good understanding of coaching pedagogy and how coaching behaviour and practice drives skill acquisition and athlete development.
• Knowledge of the key components of a HP sport environment and culture.
• Good understanding of effective process.
• Appropriate industry accreditation and qualifications (Australian Sailing Coach Qualification), including driving and boat licences, first aid, and NSW Working with Children Clearances.

Desirable:

• Experience in supporting or leading groups.
• Knowledge of Australian Sailing’s Athlete Development Framework and what it takes to win medals at Olympics and World Championships.
• Technical knowledge and experience in Skiff Olympic classes.
• Knowledge of the Australian sport structure and environment.

Personal Attributes

• Stays focused to achieve goals.
• Team player.
• Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to inspire and engage others.
• Displays empathy and understands others.
• High levels of energy.
• Seeks and takes on feedback from others.
• Understands the impact their behaviour has on others.
• Tailored behaviour, approach, strategy, and messages appropriately to varying situations.
• Remains humble.
• Has a passion for new learning.
• Applies learning to achieve results quickly.
• Composed in stressful situations.
• Ability to create and communicate plans.
• Demonstrates good judgment, decision making, diplomacy and creative approaches to challenges.
• Demonstrated willingness to work within the Australian Sailing HP program.
• Action oriented, results driven.
• Honest, high standards of integrity.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators

KPIs to be agreed with HP Pathways Manager, in alignment to the Australian Sailing’s HP Strategy 2032+ and Performance Pathways program’s operational plans.