Full-time | Nissan Arena, Nathan

Lead growth, community impact and participation across Queensland

Netball Queensland (NQ) is the peak body for netball in our state, responsible for the governance, development, promotion and administration of one of Queensland’s most loved sports. Our purpose is simple but powerful: to enrich lives through netball.

As we deliver on our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, we are driving a bold growth agenda—growing sustainable and inclusive netball environments, fostering winning teams, deepening community engagement, and elevating our sport as a leader in Queensland.

We are now seeking a dynamic Participation Manager to join our team and lead participation growth across South Queensland.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of South Queensland, the Participation Manager plays a pivotal role in expanding and enhancing participation within our clubs, Associations, schools and communities. You will lead a small team of Growth Officers and work closely with internal specialists and external stakeholders to design, deliver and optimise strategies that grow and diversify participation across the region.

This is a unique leadership opportunity for a purpose-driven, strategic and commercially minded operator—someone who thrives at the intersection of community sport, data-driven strategy, stakeholder engagement and social impact.

Key Responsibilities

Capability & Leadership

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with Associations, Clubs, Schools and community groups.
• Lead and support a high-performing team with clear direction and resources.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, respect and safety.

Growth & Strategy

• Develop regional participation strategies aligned with NQ’s priorities.
• Deliver growth initiatives through tailored local strategies and campaigns.
• Collaborate with program leads to optimise and evolve NQ’s product offerings.
• Partner with Marketing & Events to design state-wide and regional campaigns.
• Provide accurate, timely data and reporting to NQ leadership.

Customer Experience

• Champion customer-centric thinking across the region.
• Uplift the capability of Associations and Clubs to deliver engaging participant experiences.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support community engagement, particularly with multicultural, Indigenous and disability communities.
• Build and maintain relationships with key Queensland stakeholders, partners and sponsors.
• Contribute to NQ’s digital and social presence for participation initiatives.
• Represent NQ at games and events across the region.

Reporting & Governance

• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Monitor performance metrics including registrations, NPS and budget alignment.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for someone with:

Essential

• Proven leadership experience
• Experience in participation growth, community sport, program development or sport system environments
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic plans
• Strong stakeholder engagement capability
• High-level communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing budgets and reporting frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to drive customer-centric culture
• Operational understanding of the community sport environment, including governance structures, compliance requirements and volunteer-led organisations.
• High levels of personal initiative, judgement and problem-solving ability, with experience navigating ambiguity and leading change.
• A driver’s licence and ability to travel across the region as required.
• A genuine passion for netball and community participation, aligned with Netball Queensland’s purpose and values.

Desirable

• Experience collaborating with marketing/communications teams to deliver participation campaigns.
• Experience using customer experience measurement tools such as Net Promoter Score (NPS).
• Competence with sport specific technology platforms, participation data systems or CRM tools, with a willingness to learn new systems quickly.
• Background in education, community development, health promotion or similar fields supporting participation and social connection.

Why Join Us?

At Netball Queensland, you’ll be part of a values-driven, high-performance organisation that invests deeply in its people.

We offer:

• A flexible, hybrid working model
• 18 weeks paid primary carer and 4 weeks secondary carer leave
• Access to an EAP and onsite high-performance gym
• Professional development opportunities
• Modern facilities at Nissan Arena with onsite parking and public transport access
• Event ticket access and partner discounts
• A vibrant workplace with social and engagement activities
• The opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on the growth and sustainability of netball in Queensland

Additional Requirements

• A current Blue Card (Working with Children Check) or ability to obtain one prior to commencement.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, in line with the demands of the sport industry.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.