The National coach is responsible for supporting and assisting the Head of High Performance and HP team in delivering a high-performance tennis programme to selected athletes. This programme will be assessed against the ability to improve individual athlete performance through a specific, targeted approach. The National coach will contribute to continual improvement of the performance pathway for young players and development of coaches within the pathway to optimise player development.

Tennis New Zealand is the national body for tennis in New Zealand and is responsible for the administration and management of tennis in New Zealand. This includes the selection and management of Davis and Billie jean King Cup teams to represent New Zealand in these 

Main Location is Auckland

Priority Areas

• Player Development - The delivery of a world-class high-performance programme that improves individual athlete performance and contributes strongly to increased numbers of athletes reaching Tennis NZ athlete development criteria benchmarks. The majority of this work will be with junior players.
• Pathway Development - Assist in the development of player performance pathways. Lead the dissemination of national standards and expectations aligned to world’s best practice, to continually improve training environments across the country.
• Coach Development - Contribute to the professional development of coaches throughout the country through relationship building, mentorship and workshop/webinar delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES & MEASURES

Key accountabilities and critical factors:

Player Development:

• In conjunction with the Head of High Performance and other HP team members, support the selection of the athletes to be included in the performance programme.
• Deliver individual coaching where required to National Programme athletes to the highest standard
• Uphold an effective performance environment capable of developing HP athletes
• Positively collaborate on an IPP process with wider MDT and manage individual player development plan and tournament schedule based on this information,
• Support criteria players and their teams who are based in their home environment and address identified areas where further support is required,
• Lead national training camps and camp themes and deliver coaching and/or support as required
• Provide guidance/feedback on athlete development criteria
• Be available to participate in national selection processes where required and provide guidance on best practice/transparency in this domain
• Ensure staff deliver consistent messaging that is reflective of the priorities of the programme and the athletes

Coach Relations and Development

• Work closely with all Regional Performance Coaches and private coaches working with criteria players to support the progression of their programme and/or players.
• Support of Regional Performance Programmes in Christchurch and Wellington, or any further programmes established.
• Provide leadership for developing performance coaches in line with Tennis New Zealand’s Performance Coach development guidelines
• Speak/present at national workshops/courses as required
• Support the appointment and development of identified coaches within New Zealand, including appointments to national and international tournaments/team competitions and national camps.
• Provide national leadership to regions and clubs around appointment and debrief process for coaches

Pathway Development

• In conjunction with the HP director/National Coach, provide leadership and direction to the regions and clubs around player development, to enable an effective and consistent approach across New Zealand.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders at regional level to gain insight and ultimately provide specificity around how to maximise athlete performance in these areas.
• Build relationships with private coaches to gain more insight into/connect with young talent at an earlier stage of development
• Provide templates or resources for coaches or RTO’s that will help improve their delivery or performance environments.

Competitions/Tournaments

• Provide support to the Head of High Performance to ensure adequate and appropriate competitions/tournaments are available to performance players.

Strategy

• Assist the HP team’s creation and delivery of the respective strategy planning and delivery
• Regularly monitor and report against the HP plans, KPI’s and budget where required
• Support Tennis New Zealand’s strategic priorities across the organisation
• Assist the regular review of the performance programme, setting of KPI’s and prioritisation  
• Act as team player, supporting other HP team members to attain desired team outcomes

CORE COMPENTENCIES, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

Specialist Knowledge & Experience

• Proven track-record in the implementation of a high-performance tennis programme for developmental and elite tennis athletes
• Experience coaching tennis at an elite international level and a track-record of proven success
• Tertiary qualification in sports management, sports science or equivalent
• Experience in developing and successfully implementing strategies and plans
• Strong relationship management skills and ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders by sharing relevant information and identifying and dealing with issues effectively
• Public speaking and communication experience

Leadership & Strategic Ability

• Is widely respected and trusted
• Is calm, confident, decisive and objective, especially under pressure
• Willingness to be accountable and measured on performance
• Can give and receive constructive feedback to enhance performance
• Ability to provide innovative, constructive and effective recommendations to the HP Director/National Coach/RPC Auckland
• Skilled at determining important issues, prioritising and multi-tasking

Managing & Motivating People

• Communicates clearly and professionally using a variety of channels
• Sets challenging but achievable objectives and monitors progress against these
• Is highly motivated, consistent, positive, considerate, and professional at all times
• Ability to form a strong working relationship with tennis athletes/coaches/stakeholders

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Is calm, confident, decisive and objective with experience of making timely, sound decisions especially under pressure
• Can communicate strategies, inspire and ensure ‘buy in’ from a diverse range of stakeholders
• Written and oral presentations and communication is clear, concise, effective and persuasive
• Strong listening skills and ability to encourage and maintain two-way dialogue on issues
• Relates well with, and can motivate diverse groups, volunteers, and supporters with particular skills in working with, and valuing volunteers
• Can communicate consistently, openly and honestly in any situation
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships
• Is energetic, highly motivated, enthusiastic and considerate
• Understands and is able to work in a team environment
• Copes well with continual change and tight deadline

Brand/Profile

• Proven ability to enhance the profile and effectiveness of tennis in the community
• Ability to enhance the brand and profile of Tennis in New Zealand in the media and through contribution at tennis functions and other events

OTHER

• Given the demands of this role, and the nature of working in sport, work outside standard working hours will be required in the evening and weekends. In addition, extensive domestic and international travel will be a core component in the performance of this role.