Dragon Boat Victoria (DBV), the peak state body for dragon boat racing in Victoria, is seeking a proactive Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our dynamic sport. This full-time role is based in Footscray and/or work-from-home, with after-hours and weekend work required.

The Operations Manager is the sole full-time employee and is directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of Dragon Boat Victoria (DBV), including regattas and events organised for the sport. The position reports to the President of the Association (Chair of the DBV Board) and works closely with Board members on specific tasks and projects. The position requires the Operations Manager to work relatively independently, with minimal supervision and minimal supervision of staff; however, high level collaboration and teamwork skills when working with volunteers at regattas is necessary. 

Key Responsibilities 

Event Management 

• Organise and attend DBV Regattas.  
• The Regattas are DBV’s major service to members and so all events must be planned, organised and executed well.  
• Working in collaboration with the Regatta Advisory Group, the DBV Board and members, the Operations Manager must ensure the following are completed: 
  • Regatta course planning 
  • Competition draw 
  • Communication with clubs  
  • Hiring of required facilities and arranging vendors  
  • Coordinating officials and volunteers with chief official  
  • Ensuring results are published as soon as possible once approved by chief official 
  • Arranging catering for all volunteers and officials   
  • Writing and publishing a Safety Plan and organise supply of safety boats and dragonboats for events 
  • Obtain and manage compliance with all required Permits  
  • Arrange MOUs for supply of services by clubs  
  • Ensuring regatta’s run on time and to the agreed timetable.   
• Arrange and manage corporate, promotional and community events including, where appropriate, arranging for facility hire, safety boat requirements, competition structure, administration, timing, volunteer management and equipment management. 
• Organise post event surveys and present the results to the Board and relevant Board Committee(s). 

Administration of DBV 

• Ensure the administrative functions of the DBV are effective, well documented and adhered to. 
• Maintain and coordinate the DBV membership management system (revSPORT) across the membership base and improve the capability of club representatives to utilise its functionality. 
• Assist clubs and members with issues or errors they have with revSPORT. 
• Ensure arrangements are in place to maintain all DBV assets so they are always in usable condition.  

Sponsorship and Partnership 

In consultation with the Board: 

• Maximise the exposure and sport profile through communications and promotions in accordance with marketing plan. 
• Identify and secure grant funding and other sources of income from government, corporate and other organisations through sponsorship opportunities, where appropriate. 
• Measure the performance of agreement deliverables and make recommendations regarding any necessary variation and continuance of partnership. 

Other Areas of Responsibility

Governance and Strategy 

• Adhere to DBV’s Constitution and Strategic Plan, and AusDBF and DBV goals. 
• Assist in the arrangements for the conduct of Board meetings, the Annual General Meeting and any other meetings, in consultation with the Board Secretary.  
• Acquit grants and submit reports to Government Departments and others as relevant, and as required. 
• Provide advice and written reports to the Board and members on the range of policies and procedures required for the effective operation of DBV and its members.  
• Implement Board decisions, project tracking and agreed items for action and communicate with members, as appropriate. 
• Provide the Board with a weekly operational summary and a full Operations Report for each board meeting.  

Financial Management 

In consultation with the DBV Board member elected as the Business Manager: 

• maintain processes for ensuring that the financial records of the Association are kept in accordance with DBV’s requirements. 
• meet as required with the Business Manager to discuss financial performance. 
• prepare event budgets for regattas and monthly variance reports. 

Stakeholder Relation???????ships 

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the broad range of stakeholders associated with the sport of dragon boat, both within Victoria and nationally. 
• Ensure timely communications with members and stakeholders.   

Club Development 

• In conjunction with the Board and clubs, assist in the development of processes, programs and strategies: 
• for increasing participation in DBV regattas and club-based national and international championships. 
• for targeting specific demographic groups with a view to growing the number of members registering, participating and being retained in the sport. 
• to improve club development, growth and sustainability. 
• assist with, and arrange, the delivery of training/courses.  
• update revSPORT with accreditations as required.  

State Team Development 

• Provide logistical and administrative support for the selection, training and participation of Victorian representative teams to participate in the annual Australian Championships (AusChamps). 

Personal Attributes and Characteristics 

• Ability to work independently and flexibly in an inclusive, honest, open and collaborative manner. 
• Demonstrated leadership ability with good verbal, written and digital skills.  
• Ability to work well with a wide range of stakeholders considering and aligning the needs of DBV and Clubs. 
• Customer-centric and membership focused. 
• Solution focused with ability to prioritise and make decisions in the best interests of dragon boating.