About Netball Australia

Netball Australia (NA) is the driving force behind netball in Australia, shaping the game from grassroots to greatness. As a proud member of World Netball (WN), NA oversees national teams, the elite Suncorp Super Netball league, and fosters the sport at every level - from local courts to the global stage. For nearly 100 years, NA has led, inspired, and supported a myriad of opportunities for thousands of communities and millions of Australians to play, deliver, watch, and ultimately love our sport.

With over 8.2 million Australians interested in netball, and over 4 million considered to be core fans of Suncorp Super Netball, our game is in great shape with the incredible success of our elite competitions propelling strong participation and fanbase growth domestically and globally.

We are rightly proud of our heritage, our standing, and our successes. Few teams in any sport, and even fewer organisations in any industry, enjoy the position and the positive pressure of being No. 1 in the World! You will be joining a team of passionate individuals who take pride in their skills, love what they do and thoroughly enjoy being part of making Netball one of the most loved sports in Australia. On the cusp of our centenary, and significant opportunity leading into the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, there has never been a more exciting time to join.

About the Role

You will work collaboratively with the EGM Netball in leading the Performance stream with a specific emphasis on the operational management of the Diamonds program and also the delivery of national strategies aligned to the netball high performance system. This role is also responsible for the management of high performance umpiring and coaching programs.

Key Responsibilities

Origin Australian Diamonds Program

• Support the Origin Australian Diamonds Head Coach in the design and management of the annual Diamonds program with strong consideration of organisational budget and Diamonds CPA requirements.
• Lead annual planning and review process of Diamonds program, inclusive of all relevant staff, and implement recommendations for future program enhancements.
• Deliver ‘on tour’ operational support (where required and agreed with Diamonds Head Coach) for Diamonds staff and athletes, with a focus on delegated authority to support program needs and business objectives, including expenditure approvals, access to athletes for commercial / media requirements, leadership of program staff and daily management of tour meetings.
• Lead discussions with Netball Australia events staff to design content calendar including locations and timing, that supports Diamonds objectives and is considerate of international event window and broader organisational requirements.
• Ensure all staff and athletes comply with Sport Integrity Australia and NA Integrity requirements, as directed.

High Performance Umpiring

• Support the NA Head Coach Performance Umpiring, and relevant umpiring staff, to plan, prioritise and deliver responsibilities aligned to strategy and resourcing requirements.
• Drive solutions to enhance experiences, culture and performance standards for umpires engaged in Netball Australia’s high-performance program.
• Implement systems and processes to recruit, develop and retain high performance umpires and umpire coaches to support delivery of competitions including Suncorp Super Netball, National Netball Championships, Super Netball Reserves and International Events.
• Regularly engage and consult with Member Organisations and SSN Clubs to deliver HP Umpire strategy outcomes and drive national alignment.
• Lead annual planning and review process of high-performance umpiring program, inclusive of all NA relevant staff, Member Organisations and SSN Clubs.
• Continued focus on the implementation of approved recommendations produced by the 2020 Umpire Cultural Review.

High Performance Coaching

• Design and implement a contemporary, research-informed coach development framework to support the growth and sustainability of high-performance coaches within SSN and the Performance Pathway.
• Develop a database of coaching talent across the Netball ecosystem, validated against performance profile categories, to enhance individual growth and support succession planning.
• Develop impact measurement and evaluation framework to support knowledge generation and the creation of learning systems.
• Support system partners (AIS,NIN,SSN Clubs, Member Organisations) by engaging in program initiatives and supporting investment through co-contributions and/or direct funding, where relevant.

Management & Leadership

• Contribute to building and managing a high performing culture across the organisation and foster team cohesion.
• Lead monthly meetings with Head Coach and EGM Netball to collaboratively manage Origin Australian Diamonds program matters.
• Directly liaise with Head of Pathway to ensure relevant Diamonds staff integrate and support pathway programs, where applicable.
• Direct management of relationships with SSN and Member Organisation High Performance Managers.
• Lead discussions, forums and meetings with high performance system stakeholders, as directed.
• Engage in national forums and whole of business initiatives to support the strategic priorities of the business.
• Design and manage annual operational outcomes for performance pillar.
• Influence and contribute to strategic recommendations for performance pillar with the support of EGM Netball.
• Collaborate with NA business departments including events, commercial, media and marketing to deliver Diamonds outcomes.

People & Culture

• Support the EGM Netball to design a performance review framework and process for the Diamonds Head Coach.
• Direct management of staff including annual performance reviews, role design and future retention / recruitment.
• In consultation with the Diamonds Head Coach:
• Establish role clarity and reporting lines for all Diamonds and performance staff, including contractors.
• Empower Diamonds staff and contractors to have authority and be accountable for program related decisions.
• Manage Diamonds program Service Agreement contractors including the design of scope to support program outcomes and negotiation and administration of formal agreements.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with system partners (AIS,CGA) and support deliverables related to investment into the Diamonds performance program.
• Foster collaboration and build credibility with Member Organisations and SSN clubs and provide direct support for agreed performance deliverables related to the Diamonds program, and other performance programs where relevant.
• Design systems and processes that deliver reliable information and supports ease of communication flow with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop strong working relationships with all internal Netball Australia staff, Member Organisations, High Performance Managers, ANPA and athletes.

General

• In consultation with SME’s, design and distribute resources identified to provide system support on key topic areas (e.g., load management, medical and screening processes, physical preparation standards, performance data for selection etc).
• Collaborate with the Diamonds Head Coach to design Member Organisation / SSN Club visits and relevant NA Board presentations.

Budget and Finance

• Develop and manage annual budget process in consultation with EGM Netball and Diamonds Head Coach.
• Manage performance program budgets to ensure financial efficiency, compliance and optimal resource allocation.
• Drive monthly forecasting discussions and deliver budget tracking processes to manage budget decisions across multiple programs.

Key Position Requirements

• Minimum five years’ experience in a high-performance role or related field of employment.
• Tertiary qualifications in high performance, sport science or a related field.
• Current Australian driver's licence.
• Current or willing to obtain Working with Children Check.
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and engagement skills.
• Flexible, adaptable and resilient, with a collaborative approach to achieving team and organisational goals.
• Highly developed change management skills.
• Skilled problem-solver with sound judgement, creativity, and the ability to make timely decisions.
• High integrity, dependable, and results-focused with strong attention to detail and process.
• Able to set priorities, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare external correspondence and reports, and to positively engage with key stakeholders, members of the public and other employees.
• Ability to uphold and demonstrate Netball Australia’s values.

About You

We are looking for someone who has the following key attributes, skills and knowledge;

Decision Making Skills

• High integrity, dependable, and results-focused with strong attention to detail.
• Skilled problem-solver with the ability to think creatively and make timely decisions.
• Flexible, adaptable and resilient, with a collaborative approach to achieving team and organisational goals.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement when managing complex matters, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations, organisational strategies and corporate policies and procedures.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in sports services or a similar industry.
• Capability to develop strategies, policies and high-level reports with clear recommendations.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills with the ability to develop relationships across all levels of management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare external correspondence and reports, and to positively engage with key stakeholders and employees.

Management Skills

• Proven ability to motivate, develop and manage professional staff.
• Ability to work within, and lead the development of, high performing teams.

Knowledge / experience

• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in a related field of employment.
• Demonstrated experience in high performance program management and leadership.
• Experience in budget interpretation and understanding, program/project/line and contract management, working with Government agencies/authorities, policies and funding programs.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in exercise science, sports management, or related discipline.
• Professional membership of a relevant body would be an advantage.
• Current Australian driver's licence.
• Current Working With Children Check

The role is based at Netball’s Head Office in Fitzroy/Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung country where you will be spoilt for choice on great coffee spots! Given the unique nature of the sports industry, and the domestic & global reach of our organisation, travelling and working outside of Netball HQ and traditional office hours may be required. Our teams work flexibly, and we encourage the successful applicant to discuss flexible working options with their new Manager.

Netball Australia takes our Safeguarding responsibilities seriously and we provide an environment that is safe for our child and adult beneficiaries. All successful candidates will undergo a criminal record and Working with Children check prior to employment and must be able to hold valid checks at all times throughout their employment. We provide our staff and volunteers with ongoing supervision, support and training in their work with child and adult beneficiaries. We have a collaborative, supportive and diverse culture and promote the continued development of our team members! We believe your religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification or culture do not define you nor impact your application or employment with Netball Australia. We are a sport for all people across the community and take pride in providing a diverse, inclusive and safe environment for all.